It might seem weird for me to tell you that ingesting bee pollen is now the cool thing to do. It seems weird to me too. It was probably a year ago when I started seeing my favorite health bloggers boasting the benefits of adding bee pollen to their daily diet-I was intrigued but didn’t jump on the train. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I decided to begin my journey with bee pollen. I realized the benefits were just too good to pass on. Bee pollen is kind of like coconut oil, it does everything short of changing the oil in your car! Get ready to have your mind blown!
What is bee pollen?
Pollen is basically what is in the center of flowers. It is the food of bees. Basically, bees brush off the pollen from a plant, mix it with honey and this forms bee pollen. What’s interesting is that bee pollen can not be formulated by man. There is something about the process between the bee, the honey and the plant pollen that make bee pollen such a super food. Bee pollen is richer in proteins than any animal source. It contains more amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese! Bee pollen is one of the most nutrient rich foods in the world-who needs a multi-vitamin when you have bee pollen?!
What does bee pollen contain?
- 22 different amino acids-20-40% protein
- Vitamin C, D, E & K
- Folic Acid
- B vitamins – Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12
- 14 different fatty acids
- At least 11 major enzymes (aids digestion) & 5000 minor enzymes
- Minerals such as iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium and chloride just to name a few (bee pollen has up to 60 minerals)
- Antioxidant rich
Benefits of Bee Pollen:
- Strengthens Immune System
- Boosts Metabolism
- Eases depression
- Boosts Energy
- Relieves Allergies
- Treats Infertility (pollen stimulates ovarian function)
- Reduces Cravings and Addictions
- Supports Healthy Blood Composition
- Antibiotic Qualities
- Improves Skin Health
- Helpful in Balancing Hormones
- Improves Digestion
How Much Should You Ingest, Daily and how?
2.3 TBSP of bee pollen daily contains all the nutrients you need! FYI-this is about 90 calories. I suggest adding bee pollen to your smoothie. Some people eat it by the spoonful but I’m not convinced I wouldn’t gag. Bee Pollen is sweet but it has a medicinal taste to it. If anyone has ever ingested Manuka Honey, I would say it is better then that. You could also sprinkle them in your yogurt or oatmeal. The taste is subtle and hard to detect when mixed with other food.
A Word Of Caution:
Don’t forget that bee pollen is in fact pollen. If you suffer from allergies, especially outdoor allergies, you could be sensitive to bee pollen. If you are allergic to bees you should avoid bee pollen all together. I recommend starting with one granule. Let it dissolve in your mouth and wait. If you are going to have an allergic reaction, it will happen quickly after consuming the granule. Itchy throat, sneezing and watery eyes are most common. If you don’t have a reaction with one granule, take 2 or more the next day. Gradually increase until you are sure you aren’t going to have a reaction.
In my personal experience, I did not suffer any allergic reaction. I am highly susceptible to outdoor allergies so I expected to have a problem and was prepared to proceed very slowly. It’s been over a week since I’ve added it to my smoothies and I’m up to a teaspoon and a half. I will increase to a full tablespoon in the next couple of days. My goal is 2 TBSP. in my smoothie at least 5 times a week.
You will be very happy to know that many studies have shown that ingesting bee pollen as well as using it topically has wonderful effects on the skin. It has been known to reduce acne as well as slow the signs of aging. It has regenerative qualities that help with cell turnover.
I bought THIS brand on Amazon. I came up lacking in information about brands of bee pollen to trust. Pesticides could be a real problem with pollen and I just wasn’t finding a brand that really stood out. If you have a brand you trust, please leave it for me in the comments!!
Anyone have anything to add about bee pollen, or want to share your own personal experiences?? Share in the comments, please!!!!
xx, Jenni
