What Is Bee Pollen Used for?
Bee pollen supplements are made from pollen collected by worker bees from various flowers, collected when they return to the hive and packaged for use as supplements by people seeking all kinds of results and cures. There are many reasons people use bee pollen, some of which might be right for you.
What is Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is composed of pollen that worker bees collect from the stamens of flowers. Using saliva, bees collect pollen on their front legs, which is removed when they return to the hive by a screen that collects the pollen to make into supplements. Bee pollen is the food on which bee larvae are raised, and it is about 40 percent protein. It also contains small amounts of enzymes and nectar added by the bees.
Nutritionally Rich
One verified fact about bee pollen is that it contains most of the nutrients needed for healthy life. It is said to be one of the most nutritionally complete foods available, and contains many vitamins, such as: Vitamin A, Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B-3 (Niacinimide), Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Biotin, and Folic Acid. It also contains a variety of minerals, such as: Calcium, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silica, and Sulphur. Note that bee pollen is not standardized, and the nutrients may differ from supplement to supplement and even pill to pill. Studies done on the nutritional benefits of bee pollen show that mice can live strong, healthy lives and have a normal lifespan when fed only bee pollen.
Strength and Energy
Many of the other claims regarding bee pollen are less cut and dried. Athletes have been known to use bee pollen to improve stamina, energy, and strength, which may be due primarily to its nutritional value. It has been called a rejuvenator or tonic and some people recommend its use to help with recovery from illness. However, while some people are quick to call bee pollen a single substance with the ability to treat and cure many different conditions, many bee pollen experts like Angela at bee-pollen-buzz.com suggest that bee pollen's best role is as one element of a regimen to promote good health.
Cancer?
Some sites claim a link between bee pollen and cancer resistance, which is based mainly on a single 1948 study, titled "Delay in the Appearance of Palpable Mammary Tumors in C3H Mice Following the Ingestion of Pollenized Food," that showed bee pollen was effective in slowing or halting the progression of mammary tumors in mice specifically bred to develop tumors and die of them. However, this has not been shown in other studies, and this was a study on mice, not humans. Bee pollen may be helpful in promoting good nutrition in patients undergoing chemotherapy, but effects beyond that have not been conclusively shown.
Allergy Warning
Before taking bee pollen, there are some factors that you need to be aware of. Several published papers state that people who take bee pollen have experienced serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, after taking bee pollen supplements. Other reported cases include people who have developed acute hepatitis after taking supplements containing bee pollen. It is important to let your doctor know about any supplements, including bee pollen, that you would like to take before you take them, especially if you have any health conditions. People with allergies, especially to pollen or flowers, should use caution with bee pollen, and stop taking it immediately if you experience any signs of anaphylaxis, including itchy rash, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, passing out, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, paleness, or redness. If you experience some of these signs after taking bee pollen, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
Cautionary Note
Remember that all bee pollen is not created equal, so before purchasing do some research on the people who make it and see if the content of the bee pollen they sell has been analyzed by a laboratory, and if they give any kind of a guarantee or warranty of the content of the supplement. Bee pollen can be beneficial as part of a regimen for better health, but proceed with caution.
A search in Google's Scholar search will also link you to some of the available research on bee pollen, as well as information about cases of allergic reactions and adverse reactions to bee pollen supplements.
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