Bee Pollen Benefits and Side Effects

Bee pollen, often hailed as a superfood, is gaining popularity for its numerous health benefits. This natural substance, collected by bees from flowering plants, is packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants.

However, like any supplement, it comes with its share of side effects. This article delves into the benefits and potential risks of bee pollen, providing a balanced view for those considering adding it to their diet.

What Is Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions. It is collected by honeybees and used as a food source for the hive.

Bee pollen is often referred to as a “complete food” due to its rich nutrient profile, containing over 250 biologically active substances, including proteins, amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and fatty acids.

These substances are beneficial for humans as they improve performance and energy, boost memory, and aid in weight loss.

Health experts said that a teaspoon of bee pollen contains more than 2.5 billion nutrient-packed pollen granules.

Chemical Composition of Bee Pollen

• 0.1% fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamins A, E and D)
• 0.6% water-soluble vitamins and acids (including B1, B2, B6 and C)
• 1.6% minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, silicon and selenium)
• 2% phenolic compounds (including flavonoids)
• 5% lipids (including essential fatty acids)
• 23% protein (including 10 percent of essential amino acids)
• 26% of sugars (mainly fructose and glucose)
• 30% digestible carbohydrates

Source: Hindawi

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a nutrient powerhouse of vitamins and minerals as well as other essential nutrients needed by your body. It stimulates the growth of the body and at the same time maintains the proper functioning of the blood, immune and nervous systems.

As compared to animal products, bee pollen contains the most nutrients. It contains a great amount of protein in the form of amino acids essential for the body. This is the reason why it provides a lot of health benefits to humans.

1. It boosts immunity

Bee pollen boosts the immune system. It protects you from acquiring or developing diseases as it has antibiotic properties.

A study showed that the pollen extract is highly effective in fighting and treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida albicans fungi (1, 2).

2. Promotes healthy brain

It relaxes your brain and makes you calm. Taking bee pollen promotes and maintains a healthy brain (3).

3. Boosts hair growth

People experiencing bald hair should take bee pollen. The numerous nutrients present in it can boost hair growth. Thus, you can expect new hair would grow on your scalp.

4. Relieves asthma

Bee pollen has the ability to treat respiratory disorders. It relieves the symptoms of asthma. If anyone in your family is suffering from respiratory ailments, you should let them consume bee pollen regularly.

5. Proper functioning of the circulatory system

Bee pollen is known to help for the smooth functioning of the circulatory system specifically the blood vessels of your heart. It also promotes the health of the blood vessels so that they can transport energy and oxygen throughout your body.

6. Prevents inflammation of the stomach

Taking bee pollen prevents inflammation of the stomach. It also strengthens the stomach muscles and linings.

7. Helpful against insomnia

If you’re suffering from insomnia, you should take bee pollen to achieve sound sleep. Keep in mind that this condition can cause various mental and physical complications. Regular intake of bee pollen relaxes your body and mind, thus relieving insomnia.

8. Supports cardiovascular health

If you want to keep your cholesterol level low and maintain a healthy heart, you should take bee pollen. The research revealed that the bee pollen extract has a cardioprotective property that reduces the cholesterol level (3).

Likewise, it also has antioxidants that improve cardiovascular health.

9. Averts benign prostate hyperplasia

Bee pollen is recommended for men suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia. It is known to relieve the discomfort caused by the condition. It also reduces the frequency of urination.

10. Promotes healthy skin

Bee pollen has the same healing properties just like honey. It offers a soothing and nurturing effect on your skin because of its flavonoid content. The antioxidant protects your skin from the UV radiation that can cause skin cancer.

Taking bee pollen helps repair damaged skin and eliminates the free radicals present in your skin. Thus, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

It is also effective in treating allergies. It’s because bee pollen stimulates your immune system to generate antibodies to fight allergic reactions.

Bee Pollen Weight Loss

Bee pollen is considered to be helpful for weight loss efforts for several reasons such as the following:

• It suppresses appetite making you feel full for a longer period.
• There are amino acids present in bee pollen that increase the metabolic rate, thus stimulating the fat-burning process.
• The lecithin content acts as a natural energizer.
• It reduces calorie intake and controls the accumulation of fat in your body.

How to Use Bee Pollen for Weight Loss

Bee pollen can be consumed in various forms, including granules, capsules, and powders. It can be added to smoothies, yogurt, cereal, or salads.

Many bee pollen supplements are available in the market and claim to be helpful with weight loss. The ability of bee pollen to increase the metabolic rate of the body is the main reason why it is effective for weight loss. Start with a small dose to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction, and gradually increase the amount.

Metabolism is closely associated with weight. That’s why if the metabolism is fast, most likely your body will be able to burn more calories.

You can start taking a teaspoon of bee pollen every day and observe for any adverse reaction. However, you should consult first your doctor before using bee pollen especially if you’re under medication.

The best way to use bee pollen in powder or granule form is by mixing it with smoothies, juices, yogurt and cereals.  If you’re taking tablets, make sure to follow the recommended dosage.

Side Effects of Bee Pollen

Although bee pollen is considered healthy, it also poses some potential side effects. Some people have an allergic reaction to pollen and this may manifest if you will take bee pollen improperly.

If the immune system of an individual overreacts, there’s a great possibility of experiencing the side effects of bee pollen. Possible side effects include the following:

• Headache
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Rash
• Sweating
• Fever
• Hayfever symptoms
• Itchy throat

If you experience any of those adverse effects listed above, you should not panic because it is more likely as a transitory reaction. The reactions may appear when your body is adjusting to the effect of bee pollen more than your immune system can tolerate. These symptoms may disappear once your immune system becomes used to it.

However, if the allergic reaction becomes serious, you should stop immediately and seek medical intervention.

Conclusion

Bee pollen can be beneficial to some, but not to all. If you will use bee pollen for weight loss, make sure to consult first your healthcare provider before starting.

If you have allergies to bees, you should not attempt taking bee pollen. It is not also recommended to pregnant and nursing women because there’s no concrete evidence of how it may affect the infant. Likewise, it can also make the uterus contract when you take it during pregnancy.

Make sure to buy bee pollen from reputable suppliers and check the ingredients. Make sure that there are no fillers or coloring. As much as possible, look for organic bee pollen.