I know, I know…it’s a bold claim, but hear us out! We love bee pollen and think it is a truly incredible substance.
But how might it benefit our health and what exactly is in those little yellow granules we see sitting atop porridge, muesli and smoothies on Instagram?
Food of the Gods
Bee pollen is sometimes referred to as bee bread or ambrosia – the ancient Greek gods’ meal of choice which apparently conferred longevity or immortality on whoever consumed it. Now, I’m not going to try and make the case for bee pollen as the source of eternal life, but I am going to explain just how jam-packed full of goodness it is.
First of all, if protein is your thing, these little yellow granules have it in spades – as much as 2g of protein per tablespoon – pound for pound, that’s more than chicken, beef or eggs. At 1.5g per tablespoon it’s a good source of fibre too. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A and B, magnesium, iron, zinc, enzymes, and fatty acids.
But here’s the real bonus, when foraging, the bees collect plant pollen which they mix with saliva and honey or nectar. This actually creates a fermentation process that makes all of those excellent natural nutrients much more bioavailable – meaning our bodies can absorb them more easily.
How can bee pollen improve my health?
Detoxifying – it appears thatdoses of bee pollen can have a detoxifying and restorative effect, particularly in liver tissue. It is thought that in the detoxifying process, an important role is played by polyphenols, flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Anti-inflammatory – some research indicates that bee pollen may have anti-inflammatory properties comparable to over-the-counter medicines. It is thought that the elements responsible for such activity are flavonoids and phenolic acids as well as fatty acids and phytosterols.
Immune boosting – similar to propolis, bee pollen is high in anti-oxidants – the ‘park rangers of the immune system’ – scooping up and neutralising those nasty free radicals that can harm our cells. It is also rich in Vitamin A, which is key to maintaining maximum immune strength.
Energy promoting – bee pollen contains a range of essential free-form amino acids, which are readily absorbed by the body and could boost energy levels. It is said that many Native Americans would wear pouches filled with pollen, when embarking on long journeys, to give them energy on the trail.
Why not give it a try?
Well, although it may not guarantee everlasting life, we’re convinced that bee pollen is one of nature’s finest superfoods, containing all of the nutrients that the human body needs to live and thrive. If this has given you a taste, why not check out our range of high-grade pollen products here.