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Environmental Nutrition: What's the buzz about bee pollen?

By Kaley Todd, M.S., R.D.N. on

Environmental Nutrition

Bee pollen is the flower pollen from various plants, including buckwheat, maize, pine and typha. Worker bees collect pollen on their legs and bodies, mix it with salivary gland secretions or nectar, and place it in basket-like structures situated on their hind legs to transport back to the hive. Beekeepers collect pollen by keeping a thick comb in the entrance of the hive. When bees pass through, it knocks the pollen off their legs into a collection bin causing the bees to go out to collect more pollen. Bee pollen should not be mistaken for honeycomb, bee venom, honey or royal jelly.

Plant source and geographic region can impact bee pollen composition. Up to 50% of bee pollen may be polysaccharides. Lipids, protein, simple sugars, vitamin C and carotenoids comprise the remaining nutrient components. Bee pollen is commonly consumed for nutrition and has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine and taken for various ailments. Bee pollen is believed to stimulate appetite, treat obesity, help with hay fever or allergic rhinitis, improve immunity, stamina and athletic performance, and assist in menstrual disorders and gastrointestinal problems. Topically, bee pollen is used to soften skin and treat skin conditions, including eczema and diaper rash.

Bee pollen may stimulate the immune system when taken by mouth or promote wound healing when applied to the skin. Evidence from animal research suggests that orally, bee pollen may increase the development and immune response of key organs, including the thymus and spleen. Additional animal research has reported applying ointment containing bee pollen extract can improve the time for burn wound healing. This effect has been attributed to the antibacterial activity of bee pollen, as well as its ability to promote the regeneration of damaged tissue. However, currently there is insufficient evidence on bee pollen. Additional research is needed to understand the potential health benefits.

 

Bee pollen is often added to smoothies or used to top yogurt, oatmeal, cereals or salads. Although bee pollen is well-tolerated in most individuals, pregnant women are advised against consuming bee pollen due to concern that it may have uterine stimulant effects. Bee pollen can also cause serious reactions in patients who are allergic to pollen; particularly those who are allergic to chrysanthemum, dandelion, ragweed, mugwort and similar plants from the Asteraceae family of flowering plants. Reactions can include itching, swelling, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and anaphylaxis. As always, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)


 

 

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