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November 12, 2020 5 min read

Bee Pollen is the superfood everyone’s talking about. Packed full of natural antioxidants and over 250 different nutrients, it’s no surprise that it bears a whole host of health benefits for the human body.

But what makes it so special? Join us as we uncover its nutritional value and examine some of the key benefits. We’ll also share some of our favourite bee pollen recipes for you to try at home!

What is bee pollen made of?

Bee pollen is made up of the powdery substance plants create to reproduce. It is collected by worker bees on their legs and bodies and transported back to the hive. It is there the bees pack it into tiny balls and store it as a food source.

In addition to pollen, the tiny balls contain nectar from flowers and bee digestive enzymes, from their saliva. Interestingly, it contains over 250 different vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins and carbohydrates. It’s also packed full of natural antioxidants.

Some of the key nutrients in bee pollen include:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - A complex B vitamin that helps to regulate, support and stabilise your immune system.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - Allows amino acids and fats to be processed more efficiently. Fuels the body’s energy functions.

Zinc - Boosts the immune system and aids the balance of hormones.

Iron - A vital component of haemoglobin that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. Reduces fatigue and tiredness.

Bee pollen varies in shape, colour and nutritional content as it is collected from different plants. Not to be confused with ‘bee bread' - the fermented version, thought to contain even more potent nutrients.

bee-pollen-hive

History of use

You may be surprised to hear that bee pollen use dates back thousands of years. It is considered an incredibly powerful revitalising tonic in Ancient Chinese medicine and was used by the Egyptians and Native Indians for its medicinal qualities too.

In Ancient Greece, it was named ‘Fuel of the Gods’ and fed to their best Olympic Athletes. Early western fathers of medicine, like Hippocrates & Pythagoras, used it to heal patients and promote a quick recovery too.

Health benefits of bee pollen

Today, bee pollen is considered a ‘complete food’ or ‘superfood’ as it contains nearly all of the nutrients our bodies' need to thrive. Here are some of the ways it can benefit you...

Contains natural antioxidants

There are certain chemicals in the body called ‘free radicals’ that can cause chronic diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes. The pollen collected by bees contains significant amounts of antioxidants including flavanols, lycopene and vitamins, which help counteract free radicals and may, therefore, help to prevent these chronic conditions.

Reduces inflammation

Bee pollen contains a plethora of key vitamins, nutrients and minerals, which are thought to give it significant anti-inflammatory properties.

A review article from the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggested that it inhibits the activity of certain enzymes in the body, responsible for developing inflammation.

Assists in healthy weight loss

Bee pollen is said to regulate the digestive system and may help to support healthy weight loss by reducing cravings. It contains Lecithin, which helps to flush out fat in the body and stimulate the metabolism.

Promotes healthy skin

The pollen collected by bees is often used in ointments to promote wound healing but eating the granules can benefit your skin in many ways too. For starters, it can help to reduce acne and increase skin radiance. Its rejuvenating powers contribute to a healthy and youthful appearance too.

pollen-in-hive

Empowers the immune system

There is strong evidence to suggest that bee pollen has powerful antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. This means it may be able to help the human body stave off infections and breakdown certain types of viruses and bacterias.

Additionally, evidence from animal studies suggests that bee pollen promotes the immune response of the spleen and can stimulate immune organ development.

Reduces stress and tiredness

Taking bee pollen may help to combat feelings of stress by increasing blood flow to the body’s nervous system. There is also science to suggest that the iron in bee bread helps to combat tiredness and fatigue.

Alleviates symptoms of the menopause

Bee pollen may help to reduce symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes, poor sleep, low mood and irritability.

In one study, 65% of women taking a bee pollen supplement experienced fewer hot flushes. Other health improvements were noted too, including better sleep, reduced irritability and improved mood.

In addition, early studies suggest taking bee pollen could help to relieve symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

how-to-take-bee-pollen

How to take bee pollen

You can eat bee pollen granules straight off the spoon! They have a crunchy texture and vary in taste, from slightly bitter to sweet. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of the granules into your favourite breakfast cereals, breakfast smoothies, yoghurts or oats to absorb the goodness.

If you are allergic to pollen or bee stings, it is advised that you seek medical advice from your GP before taking these supplements. While some people swear by bee pollen granules for conquering their allergies, there is the potential for it to cause a severe allergic reaction.

We’d also advise those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking blood-thinning medication to avoid taking bee pollen.

bee-pollen-recipes

Bee pollen recipes

Wondering how to fully embrace this superfood and include it in your everyday meals? Here are a few fantastic recipes we’ve found online. Let us know if you try them out...

Where to buy bee pollen granules

Keep in mind that not all pollen supplements are created equally. The types of flowers the bees collect pollen from and the location of those flowers will impact the overall quality and nutritional value of the granules.

Mountainlife bee pollen granules are wild harvested from the pristine Altai region of Siberia. The flora is unique and wild, so the bee pollen is much more nutrient-dense than that harvested from mass farmed beehives and plantations. It’s also free of pollutants and pesticides.

The benefit of buying bee pollen online from a reputable brand like Mountainlife is that you know you’re getting the real deal. The problem with bee pollen from wholesalers is that it is often mixed with binders and fillers to bulk it out. This distorts the smell and taste, as well as the nutritional value.

Our wild harvested bee pollen is 100% natural and authentic. It’s ethically harvested by locals native to the Altai, who we have built a great relationship with and it’s brought to you at a reasonable price to meet everyone’s needs.

We hope this post has provided all the information you need about this superfood and inspired you to give it a try!

If you have any questions, drop us a message on social media or email: info@mountainlifehealth.com. We’re always happy to hear from you and love to share our knowledge on wild harvested superfoods.

Thomas Sharp
Thomas Sharp


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