7 Remarkable Benefits of Bee Pollen
When a worker bee is foraging for pollen, each time the bee lands on a flower, pollen sticks to the body and legs of the bee. Honey bees then gather this pollen and compress is using their hind legs into formed pellets or granules. These bee pollen granules are stored on the hind legs of the bee in corbiculae, or pollen baskets where the collected pollen is stored for the return flight to the hive. Bee pollen is a mixture of bee secretions, wax, enzymes, honey, flower nectar. The female worker bees transport this mixture back to the hive where it is stored in honeycomb cells. In order to collect bee pollen, beekeepers use a pollen catcher or pollen trap affixed to the entrance of the hive. The pollen trap works by allowing bees to enter the hive only through a grid or perforated screen with holes that are too small for the pollen loads on their hind legs. As the bees enter the hive, the pollen is knocked off and falls into a collecting tray.
From all appearances, the nutrition and features of bee pollen hinge upon the plant from which it was gathered. It is, however, worth noting that bee pollen research is still ongoing as the existing research backing up its benefits is limited mostly to animal research. This, however, does not mean that it is less useful as it carries several impressive benefits as follows:
- Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Bee pollen is rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are antioxidant elements that prevent the activity of enzymes responsible for the growth of inflammatory processes in your body.
- Helps to Lower Cholesterol
Fresh, raw bee pollen helps to lower high cholesterol levels, especially the bad LDL cholesterol and high blood lipids, which lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, it helps to improve the vision of individuals with nearsightedness triggered by clogged arteries by lowering the cholesterol levels.
- It Is a Powerhouse of Nutrients
Natural bee pollen is an excellent source of minerals, amino acids, enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The composition of these nutrients, however, depends on the plant source from which they were collected, as earlier stated.
- Relieves Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause, which marks the end of menstruation in women, is sometimes accompanied by uncomfortable signs such as night sweats, hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Researchers suggest that bee pollen helps to lessen these postmenopausal symptoms.
- Boosts Liver Function
Your liver is a crucial organ that helps to break down and get rid of toxins from your blood. Bee pollen may help to enhance your liver's detoxifying capabilities. Additionally, it helps to protect your liver against damage from harmful substances, including drug overdoses, as well as promote faster liver healing.
- Promotes Wound Healing
Due to its antibacterial properties, bee pollen helps to stimulate the regeneration of impaired tissues. Its antimicrobial properties also aid in the prevention of infections, a key factor that may weaken the healing process for cuts, burns, abrasions, and scrapes.
- Boosts Body Immunity and Kills Bacteria
Bee pollen helps to improve your immune system, allowing you to avoid unwanted reactions and illnesses. It helps to kill possibly harmful bacteria like Salmonella and those that lead to staph infections. It also minimizes the activation of mast cells, which release chemicals that prompt allergic reactions.
How to Use Bee Pollen
Now that you are aware of the amazing benefits of bee pollen, it is good to know how you can effectively use it in your daily diet. Here are some tips:
- Sprinkle bee pollen granules over salad and popcorn.
- Add it to coffee as a sweetener in place of sugar.
- Use it as a garnish to yogurt, dark chocolate, or homemade granola.
- Add it to your smoothie or acai bowl as well as in honey. You can also blend the granules into a smoothie.
- Incorporate it into raw desserts, candies, or natural protein bars.
- Use it as a coating for hazelnuts or sugared almonds.