14 Tasty Bee Pollen Recipes | Nutrition in the Kitch (2024)

FAQs

What is the nutritional value of bee pollen? ›

Pollen contains 22,7% of protein on average, including 10,4% of essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, threonine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. These protein elements are life essential and the organism cannot synthesize them by itself.

Thus, bee-collected pollen contains considerable amounts of carbohydrate, including up to 40% sugars by weight (Todd & Bretherick, 1942; Roulston & Cane, 2000). Although the osmolarity of very high (∼20% w/v, unspecified composition) sugar concentrations can kill C.

Since bee pollen is rich in phytoestrogen, taking the supplement may weakly bind to estrogen receptors and potentially suppress production, Lisa Jung, a licensed naturopathic doctor at Jung Naturopathic Wellness in California, told HuffPost. In theory, a suppression of estrogen could lead to physical changes.

According to a 2006 study , bee pollen retains the allergenic potential of the pollen from the plants. Also, according to a 2015 study , ingested bee pollen has the potential to cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include: itchiness.

Aids Digestive System: Bee pollen is packed with enzymes instrumental in optimizing digestion. They facilitate the breakdown of food, enhance the absorption of nutrients, and thereby contribute significantly to overall digestive health.

Bee pollen is also claimed to lower cholesterol, reduce hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), improve metabolism, and increase hormone levels. It may also improve stamina and sexual strength, reduce depression, and ease bleeding problems.

Low Blood Sugar

Products like honey and bee pollen may affect blood sugar levels, so people taking blood sugar medication or treating conditions like diabetes should talk to their doctor to ensure there's no potential interaction.

However, long-term use may cause serious side effects, including muscle weakness, nausea, numbness, skin rash, swelling or trouble breathing. Stop using and contact your provider if you experience such symptoms.

Bee Pollen: Nature's Multivitamin and More

Enter bee pollen, often hailed as a "superfood." Not only does bee pollen provide many of the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids you'd find in a high-quality multivitamin, but it also boasts over 250 natural compounds.

Bee pollen (like ragweed or other plants, depending on where the bee pollen comes from) can cause a serious allergic reaction -- including itching, redness, shortness of breath, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Bee pollen is not safe for children or pregnant women.

Who should avoid bee pollen? ›

However, people with pollen or bee sting allergies should avoid pollen products, as they may cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, shortness of breath or anaphylaxis ( 35 ). These products may also interact negatively with blood thinners, such as warfarin ( 36 , 37 ).

Bee pollen is thought to have several benefits for hair health, including: Nutrient Rich: Bee pollen is high in vitamins and minerals that can help promote hair growth, such as B vitamins, iron, and biotin. Antioxidants: Bee pollen contains antioxidants that can protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals.

Because pollen is a great source of many vitamins and minerals, it can also help keep your skin looking younger and glowing. It stimulates blood supply to all skin cells, helps detoxify the body, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and speeds up the healing process.

Bee pollen is effective in weight loss by increasing caloric burn by stimulating your body's natural metabolic processes. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that the body requires as a natural appetite suppressant. When consumed, the natural phenylalanine content of bee pollen can aid in the elimination of cravings.

Major royal jelly protein, bee pollen, and propolis have been proven to have an anti-hypertension effect in murine models [50,51].

Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Pollen allergy: Bee pollen can cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to certain types of pollen. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, shortness of breath, light-headedness, and a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

However, long-term use may cause serious side effects, including muscle weakness, nausea, numbness, skin rash, swelling or trouble breathing. Stop using and contact your provider if you experience such symptoms.

However, it has carotenoids, chlorophyll, it is loaded with vitamins and phenolic compounds, and has essential amino acids that provide a higher nutritional value in pollen compared to honey (6).