Pollen is the most complete natural food. It is one of the many wonders that bees offer us, a truly miraculous food that contains valuable nutrients and healing properties. Consuming pollen in a daily basis can bring spectacular nutritious and therapeutic effects.
Bee pollen, is the protein food, which bees gather from the flowers, they mold into balls and carry it with their hind legs in the hive. With this they feed themselves and the brood. In order to survive, the bee needs large amounts of pollen. To develop their kerogen glands, as well as the glands of the sting, the bee should consume abundant pollen in the first days of her life. The bees scramble pollen with nectar, in order to stick millions of grains of pollen and form the beads that they bring in the hive. Fresh as collected, the pollen spoils easily if left out of the refrigerator. To maintain, it is dried with pumps which suck the air and form a vacuum inside the chamber of the drying and thus the moisture is removed. It is a very hygroscopic product and if left out after desiccation (and as is known in the market) absorbs moisture and spoils, thereby it loses its beneficial properties; that’s why you should always keep the dried bee pollen in glass container with airtight lid that applies really tight.
Pollen has high nutritional value for the bee, as well as for humans. It is energy and food supplement, rich in biological moisture, carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, amino acids, hormones, enzymes, co-enzymes, minerals and vitamins A-B1-B2-B3-B5-B6-B12-C-D-E-H-K. The features are as follows:
• diversity in color, depending on the amount of minerals, moisture, and sunlight.
• intense and pleasant smell.
• variety in taste (sour, sweet, bitter, salty), depending on the types of flowers the pollen is collected.
• Original bee pollen has the shape of a threaded irregular grain and the size of tiny lentils.
The composition of bee pollen, similar to that of honey and royal jelly, is highly complex; the analysis shows that it contains a huge amount of nitrogenous materials in the form of proteins, minerals and vitamins. Moreover, it contains all essential amino acids which our body is unable to synthesize, and, in the case of the pollen, these are obtained from a natural source, which is preferable from synthetic formulas.
Rutin, contained in the bee pollen, strengthens the walls of arteries, thus preventing heart attacks and strokes. Laboratory research has shown that the elasticity of blood vessels may be increased up to 76%, at a dose of 3 g. Simultaneously in cases of bleeding, the same substance accelerates blood clotting, and mitigates the heart rate.
An amino acid, cystine, strengthens hair growth and prevents hair from whitening and falling.
It contains a significant amount of B vitamins, and enough vitamin C. Moreover, pollen contains carotenoids transformed into vitamin A by the body, as well as vitamin E.
The more than 5000 enzymes and coenzymes contained in bee pollen are necessary for many biochemical reactions carried out in the human body, and the assimilation and absorption of food through the digestive system.
One of the very important features of pollen is that it contains gonadotrophic hormones, i.e. plant hormones, which are biologically active substances that act directly on the gonads. Spermatogenesis in the man and the development of follicles in the woman are determined by these hormones.
Bee pollen contains biologically active substances that influence metabolism, control appetite, the deposition of fat in the body, the function of the ovaries and thyroid gland and generally promotes the fitness of the body.
Pollen helps in mental function, it is diuretic, protects eyesight, gives euphoria, increases confidence and improves sexual situation. Also, mitigates and substantially reduces the problems of menopause, anemia, prostatitis, hemorrhoids, constipation, diarrhea, and enteritis.
It has been found that pollen contributes to improving the general condition of patients with gynecological carcinomas in combination with radiation therapy. There are also reports that patients consumed pollen and were subjected to radiation, suffered less from this.
The naturally balanced vitamins, minerals and amino acids contained in the bee pollen, impart to humans the balance and harmony of physical abilities, elevate morale and reduce nervousness. The use of pollen brought amazing results against migraine, in reducing or restoring appetite in weakness, and in contribution to longevity.
Bee pollen contains an antibiotic substance, similar to penicillin and exhibits bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on specific germs (such as Salmonella).
Possible side effects:
Some people may develop allergies to pollen or simply do not readily accept it in the stomach and digestive system, because it causes ‘heavy’ stomach and bloating to them. To avoid such cases, as much as possible, we must take the pollen in small doses at first (even grain by grain).
Method of consumption:
• Start with small amounts
• Do not heat or expose the bee pollen to the sun
• hold pollen under the tongue, as much as possible, before swallowing
• you can mix it with honey, yogurt, cereals, juices
• 35 g. pollen a day (about one tablespoon) satisfy the daily needs of the human body
In the next post I’ll have for you a wonderful recipe that contains pollen. Until then, have fun!!
Note: The ideas and information presented in this blog are for informational purposes only and in no case can replace the advice of a specialist in nutrition and health. Before starting any diet or exercise or before adding a special food in your daily intake, you should contact a specialist doctor or dietitian; especially if you suffer from a serious illness.
Sources:
http://www.melissokomia.com/pollen/index.html
http://www.vita.gr/mindandbody/alternative/article/2362/oi-melisses-poy-therapeyoyn/
http://melisokomia.gr/guri/
http://proionta-tis-fisis.blogspot.gr/2013/03/blog-post_6908.html
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