Top 11 health benefits of bee pollen

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Bee pollen is a mixture of pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, waxes and secretions of bees. Recently, bee pollen has received attention in the medical community because it contains nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, lipids and more than 250 different active ingredients. Thanks to that, the German Ministry of Health has recognized bee pollen as a medicine for medical use. Here are 11 scientifically proven health benefits of bee pollen.

1. Abundant nutritional composition with more than 250 active substances

Bee pollen has an impressive list of nutritional ingredients. You should not confuse bee pollen with other bee products such as honey, royal jelly or beeswax. These products may not contain pollen or may contain other substances.
Bee pollen contains more than 250 bioactive substances, including proteins, carbs, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, enzymes and antioxidants.
Bee pollen contains about:
Carbs: 40% Protein: 35% Water: 4 - 10% Fat: 5% Other substances: 5 - 15% In addition, bee pollen contains many substances, including vitamins, minerals, antibiotics and antioxidants. However, the nutritional content of pollen depends on the plant source that bees use for pollen and the season in which they are collected.
For example, studies have shown that bee pollen collected from pine trees is about 7% protein, while pollen collected from palm trees is up to 35% protein. In addition, bee pollen harvested during spring time has a significantly different amino acid composition than pollen collected during summer.

2. High antioxidant content protects from free radicals and chronic disease

Bee pollen is packed with antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, kaempferol and glutathione
Antioxidants protect the body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Test-tube, animal, and some human studies have shown that the antioxidants found in bee pollen can reduce chronic inflammation, eliminate harmful bacteria, and fight infections. and resist tumor growth and spread. However, bee pollen antioxidant content also depends on its botanical source.

3. Possibly lower heart disease risk factors such as high blood fats and cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. High blood lipid and cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Bee pollen can reduce these risk factors. For instance, animal studies have shown that bee pollen extract can reduce blood cholesterol levels, especially “bad” LDL cholesterol.
In people with myopia due to narrowing of blood vessels in the eyes, bee pollen lowers blood cholesterol levels, which improves vision in these patients.
In addition, the antioxidants in bee pollen can protect lipids from oxidation. As lipids oxidize they can clump together, restricting circulation in blood vessels and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Can enhance liver function and protect your liver from harmful substances

The liver is an important organ that helps destroy and remove toxins from your blood. Animal studies have found that bee pollen can enhance detoxification.
In aged animals, bee pollen enhanced liver antioxidant protection and removed more waste products, such as malondialdehyde and urea from the blood.
Other animal studies show that bee pollen antioxidants protect the liver against damage from certain toxins, including drug overdoses. Bee pollen also promotes liver cell recovery.

5. Contains several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties

Bee pollen has been used since ancient times to reduce inflammation and swelling. One animal study found that bee pollen extract reduced swelling in rats by up to 75%.
In fact, its anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone, indomethacin, analgin and naproxen. Pollen contains several compounds that may reduce inflammation and swelling, including the antioxidant quercetin, which reduces the production of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. Plant-based compounds in bee pollen can block processes that stimulate the production of inflammatory hormones such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

6. Can help you avoid illness by boosting immunity and killing bacteria

Bee pollen can boost your immune system, helping you avoid illness and unwanted reactions.
Research has shown that it can reduce the severity and frequency of onset of allergies. In one study, bee pollen was shown to significantly reduce the activation of mast cells. When these mast cells are activated, they release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, several test-tube studies have confirmed that bee pollen has potent antibacterial properties.
Bee pollen extract has been found to kill potentially pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as those that cause staph infections.

7. May aid in wound healing and prevent infection

Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid your body in wound healing. For example, animal research showed that bee pollen extract was as effective in treating burn wounds as silver sulfadiazine, a medication commonly used to treat burns and with fewer side effects.
Another animal study found that applying a balm containing beeswax to burns significantly increased the healing process compared to conventional medications.
The antibacterial properties of bee pollen can also prevent infection, a major risk factor that can interfere with the healing process of wounds, cuts, abrasions and burns.

8. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Bee pollen may have applications in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Test-tube studies have found bee pollen extract to inhibit tumor growth and stimulate apoptosis in prostate, colon, and cancerous tumors. blood .
Bee pollen from sage (Cistus incanus L.) and white willow (Salix alba L.) may have anti-estrogen properties, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and uterine cancer. However, more human studies are needed.

9. Relieves menopausal symptoms like hot flashes

Menopause is a period that marks the end of menstruation in women, often accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Studies show that bee pollen can alleviate some symptoms of menopause.
In one study, 71% of women felt that their menopausal symptoms improved while using bee pollen. In another study, 65% of women taking pollen supplements had fewer symptoms of hot flashes. These women also showed other health improvements, such as better sleep, reduced irritability, reduced joint pain, and improved mood and energy.
Furthermore, a three-month study found that women taking bee pollen supplements had fewer menopausal symptoms. Additionally, these supplements have helped lower LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol.

10. Can improve nutrient absorption, metabolism and increase longevity

Some evidence suggests that bee pollen can improve the body's absorption of nutrients. For example, iron-deficient mice absorbed 66% more iron when pollen was added to their diet. This growth is likely due to pollen containing vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which increase iron absorption. In addition, healthy mice fed pollen absorbed more calcium and phosphorus from the diet. Pollen contains high-quality proteins and amino acids that can aid in that absorption.
Other animal studies have demonstrated that bee pollen can improve muscle growth, speed up metabolism, and prolong life. Although animal studies are promising, it's not clear if this effect works in humans. More studies are needed to investigate this effect.

11. Safe for most people and easy to add to the daily diet

Pollen comes in granular or supplement form and is safe for most people. You can buy it at health stores or from your local beekeeper. Bee pollen can be added to your favorite foods like breakfast or smoothies. However, people with pollen allergies should avoid pollen products, as they can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
These products may also interact badly with anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid bee pollen products, as evidence is not enough about how safe it is for use in infants.
In a nutshell, pollen contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Studies have linked bee pollen and its compounds with health benefits such as reduced inflammation, as well as improved immunity, menopausal symptoms, and wound healing.
However, most of the evidence for bee pollen and its components comes from test-tube and animal studies. More human studies are needed to clarify its health benefits. Bee pollen is a great addition to your diet and can be easily purchased from health stores or local beekeepers.

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Reference source: healthline.com
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