You may see these little golden crunchy granules garnishing your instagram worthy smoothies and salads at healthy cafes, but were you aware that they are a real nutritional powerhouse? In fact bee pollen contains almost all of the nutrients required by the human body to thrive!

Made up of flower pollen mixed with nectar, honey, digestive enzymes, wax and bee secretions, bee pollen is a complete protein, rich in vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals, enzymes, amino acids and anti-oxidants. Interestingly bee pollen cannot be synthesised in a laboratory. When researchers take away a bee’s pollen-filled comb and feed her manmade pollen, the bee dies even though all the known nutrients are present in the lab-produced synthesised food. Just one teaspoon of pollen takes one bee working eight hours a day for one month to gather!

Our top 10 reasons to get your hands on some bee pollen

1. Energy Enhancer

The range of nutrients found within bee pollen makes it a great natural energiser.

2. Skin Soother

Used in topical products to treat inflammatory conditions and common skin irritations like psoriasis or eczema.

3. Assists the Respiratory System

Contains a high quantity of antioxidants that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues of the lungs, preventing the onset of asthma.

4. Treats Allergies

Reduces the presence of histamine, improving many allergies. Modern folklore also says that people with asthma or hay fever will suffer less during pollen season if they eat local honey containing the pollen to which they are allergic.

5. Assists the Digestive System

In addition to healthful vitamins, minerals and protein, bee pollen contains enzymes that can aid in digestion.

6. Immune System Booster

Good for the intestinal flora and thereby supports the immune system. It’s also rich in antioxidants that protect the cells from the damaging oxidation of free radicals.

7. Treats Addictions

Healing addictions and inhibiting cravings by suppressing impulses. Because bee pollen crashes cravings, it may be useful for healthy weight loss.

8. Supports the Cardiovascular System

Contains large amounts of rutin; an antioxidant bioflavonoid that helps strengthen blood vessels, assists with circulatory problems, and corrects cholesterol levels.

9. Prostate Aid

Men who suffer from benign prostate hyperplasia can find relief as bee pollen can help reduce inflammation to stop frequent urges to urinate.

10. Fertility Aid

Stimulates and restores ovarian function, and therefore may be used to assist in accelerating pregnancy. As well as being a hormonal booster, it is also a great aphrodisiac – ooh la la!

How do I consume it?

To consume bee pollen you can simply dissolve in water, juice or milk sweetened with honey or use as a topping on yoghurt or salads. Crunchy at first bite, raw bee pollen granules have a slight sweetness to them but are better described as ‘bitter sweet’ not refined sugar sweet. The recommended daily portion is one to two teaspoons.

As a side note, definitely do not consume bee pollen if you are allergic to bees or honey, or are a diabetic. Check with your doctor before taking bee pollen if you take any medications, over-the-counter medicines, or herbals. Most bee pollen supplements also contain related bee pollen components – propolis, royal jelly and globulinic acid.

Bee pollen is readily available on the island, you will find it stocked at virtually every health store and even some supermarkets.

 

Written by Ché Miller

About the author Ché has always had a passion for hospitality having completed a conjoint Bachelors Degree in International Business and Hospitality Management. She has spent the last 15 years working in the hospitality industry. This passion led her to working in a premier health retreat in Australia in her twenties. There she found the knowledge she gained there inspired her to start living a healthier life. Now Ché loves to combine her two favourite things, hospitality and wellbeing. She scours the island for the best nourishing restaurants, products and services. Ché has been living in Mallorca since early 2017, having moved from her home in New Zealand. She absolutely loves the energy of the island and everything it has to offer. Ché’s other interests include ashtanga yoga, boxing, reading, writing, and really good coffee.