Bee pollen is one of nature’s most perfect and complete foods.
It is created when flower pollen from the male part of the flower (the stamen) is collected on the bodies of bees. Flower pollen on its own is also nutritionally beneficial and can be consumed, but when the bee collects it, it combines the flower pollen with nectar and honey, creating a more complex nutritional profile. The bee packs these ingredients into small, dense granules, the bee pollen, and then it is ready to feed the young bees – in fact single bee eggs are laid on top of individual pollen granules for this very purpose!
Scientists have identified its structural make up, but when they have tried to recreate it in a laboratory, young bees have been unable to survive on it. It seems there is a kind of added nutritional magic which, so far, only nature has managed to capture.
So How Can Bee Pollen Benefit Us?
Do any of the following apply to you?:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Regular or social drinking
- Smoking
- Iron deficiency
- Allergies
- Poor immunity
- Skin issues
- Asthma
- Digestive issues
- Inflammation
- Hormonal issues
- Weight issues
- Viruses
If you said ‘yes’ to any of the above, then bee pollen may offer you the support you’ve been looking for.
Bee pollen is naturally rich in B vitamins which are easily depleted by things like stress and alcohol consumption (even in low amounts). Bee pollen also contains very high levels of antioxidants, amino acids, protein, fatty acids and minerals, and is a powerful antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and a hormone regulator. It has all the makings of a superfood!
So Who Can Use Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is suitable for nearly everyone, however a small percentage of people will have a bee or pollen allergy. It is also not recommended during pregnancy or for infants.
How Do I Use It?
Many people take a teaspoon of bee pollen a day as a health tonic. The taste is really luxurious and completely unique. You can also sprinkle it on smoothies or smoothie bowls, or oats like this Nutty Pear Porridge recipe, on peanut butter and apples, or even use it as a cake topper – the granules are really beautiful with their different hues of gold.
Where Can I Get It?
Always look for a quality product and ensure the pollen is raw, and has not been heat treated or processed so that the nutritional profile has been kept intact. The Herbal Emporium stock a pure and unprocessed Bee Pollen.
Do you have any other uses for bee pollen? We would love to hear how you enjoy this amazing food. Share your tips and recipes in the comments below!
Until next time, bee well!
Blog lovingly provided by Glow With Nat Russell.
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