A Guide To The Benefits Of Bee Pollen

Is there any truth in the claims made about the benefits of bee pollen?

Today, more and more people are looking for natural cures for their health problems and bee pollen is one of the places where they are looking.

The benefits of bee pollen have been known about for quite a long time, in fact for centuries, by the old civilizations of the world, namely the Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Romans where bee products were used both as a medicine and for nutrition.

 What is bee pollen?

Bee pollen is a product obtained and created by bees at the same time as  they are collecting nectar from flowers.

The pollen in the flowers sticks to their bodies and legs.

The bee then mixes this with some nectar and some enzymes to make what is known as “bee pollen”.

This is then used as a nutrient dense food which is needed by the bees for their very busy lifestyle.

What makes bee pollen benefits so special?

 Often known as the perfect food, it is high in protein, has over 96 separate nutrients, and contains vitamins A, B-Complex, C, D and E, beta carotene and lecithin.

Also included are calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc – all minerals with well known health benefits.

Taken as a whole, it’s one of the most nutritionally complete natural foods that you can find, and as such you can get all the nutrients your body needs from quite a small amount of this food.

 

….. and the benefits of bee pollen are?

 

The benefits of bee pollen are many and cover a whole range of health issues, some of which are:

• increased energy, vitality, stamina and endurance
• controls weight and suppresses the appetite
• strengthens your immunity
• contains anti-oxidants that prevent cell damage
• helps to cure allergies
• antibiotic
• improved libido / impotence / fertility
• fatigue
• prostate problems
• helps with the menopause
• slows the aging process
• recovery from illness
• skin problems, including acne
• and much more.

 Side Effects

As bee pollen is a food some side effects are possible for a very small minority of people. This could result in an upset stomach or a feeling of nausea when bee pollen is taken for the first time.

More seriously, people who are allergic to bees, bee stings should avoid this pollen altogether in case of anaphylactic shock.

It is best to check with your doctor if in any doubt.

 How do we take this pollen?

 The pollen can come as granules, also known as raw pollen, tablets/pills and capsules.

Raw bee pollen, is the pollen in its natural form, and many people prefer this, however it can be difficult to eat and its bioavailability is small unless the granules are soaked for 12 hours before eating.

Alternatively, many people prefer the convenience of supplements in the form of pills or capsules from a reliable source, as not only do they get the required daily dose in measured quantities, but often receive added nutrients which boost the power of the pollen.

 Finding a reliable source

 There are many suppliers out there selling these granules or supplements, from supermarkets to health stores to buying online, and these supplements can come in many different shapes and forms.

However, bee pollen is a food, and like all foods, we like to know where it comes from.

A lot of pollen is imported from highly industrialized countries as supplements, or as bulk to be made into supplements locally.

It can also be sourced locally but is often close to areas which are also industrialized, and where pesticides are regularly used.

These pollens can carry toxic metals or pesticides, and one thing is for sure, when it comes to the subject of health you do not want impure pollen!

So, it makes sense to check out the source of the pollen you are going to buy as you have to be aware that not all supplements are regulated.

Many companies state it but you need to make sure. Sometimes these companies are just making money out of supplements that have no benefit at all.

Make sure that the supplement manufacturer has GMT Compliance (Good Manufacturing Practices that are followed by the pharmaceutical and biotech firms) and you will be good to go.

A recommended source

 We went through this check a few years ago and it was quite time consuming!

However, in the interests of good health and wellness, we persisted until we had found one of the few places in the world where there is zero pollution and no use of pesticides.

 

That place is in New Zealand, a country where not only is the population very small but where there is virtually no industry.

We also found a producer who ticked all the boxes, as they were not only located in the South Island, but were sourcing their pollen from a national park where pesticides are banned.

The prevailing wind there comes across the Southern Ocean from Antarctica.

It doesn’t get much cleaner than that.

As an added bonus this manufacturer is GMP compliant which means that the supplements are made to US pharmaceutical standards.

 Was it worth the effort looking for this source?

 Yes, very much so, as we feel much healthier, more energized and with the peace of mind of knowing that we are using a good quality supplement.

This company is Xtend-Life and their product Natural Energy with NZ Bee Pollen we recommended fully for enjoying all the benefits of bee pollen.

However, whatever you decide to do – good health and good luck!