Bee Pollen
Bees are responsible for more than just honey. They also collect what many consider to be nature’s (and the world’s) most perfect food–pollen. Pollen contains vitamins A, B, C and D, calcium, magnesium, selenium, trace minerals, enzymes, nucleic acids, all amino acids, cysteine and lecithin. In fact, it appears bee pollen may contan every nutrient our bodies need in small amounts. All these nutrients are contained in approximately the right proportions to insure human health. In addition to these advantages, bee pollen is also low in calories.
All this goodness was not wasted on the ancients. In India, Egypt and Peru there are buildings from past cultures that are carved with tributes to the honey bee and its products. Religious and secular texts from all over the world attest to the importance of bees.
There are two types of pollen, Anemophile or wind-loving pollen, and Entomophile or insect-loving pollen. Anemophile pollen comes from plants like conifers and grasses. This is the allergy causing pollen that so many hay fever sufferers hate. It is spread by blowing wind and is not collected by bees. Entomophile pollen is heavier, stickier and more nutritious than Anemophile pollen. In fact, it is heavy enough that bees and other insects must carry it from plant to plant.
Pollen comes from the male part of the flower and is analogous to sperm in animals. It is vital to the reproduction of plants and in making sure good genes get distributed to the next generation. Each species of plant has its own code on the outer wall of the pollen so that the plant immediately knows when it has received the right pollen to fertilize the female flower.
Bee pollen heightens the immune system’s awareness and allows the body to quickly identify harmful substances and microorganisms that may otherwise cause damage to the body. It also offers protection from many common chemical pollutants like lead, mercury, DDT, cadmium, nitrates and components of smog such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
In addition, this herb improves fertility and can reduce cholesterol levels. If taken before and during the allergy season, bee pollen can be effective in preventing many symptoms that accompany allergies. However, this therapy works best when the pollen is gathered from local bees.
Bee pollen is helpful to athletes because it increases energy levels and provides extra stamina and strength. Also, it rejuvenates the body and stimulates organs and glands while enhancing vitality and bringing about a longer life span.
In the 70s athletes found that when they took supplements of bee pollen, they had more endurance, improved breathing and a more rapid increase in muscle weight. These responses were foretold by the work of Dr. Remy Chauvin in 1957. Dr. Chauvin found that bee pollen regulated the action of the intestines and reduced levels of diarrhea and constipation, produced a rapid increase in blood hemoglobin in anemic children, encouraged increased weight and energy in convalescence and had a tranquilizing effect with no side effects. Though there is no definite scientific reason, most researchers believe that the benefits associated with use of bee pollen come from its high nutritional value.
Sources
“Bee Pollen” by Nancy Baird in The Herbalist (August, 1977).
Fighting Radiation with Foods, Herbs, & Vitamins by Steven Schechter and Tom Monte (Brookline, Massachusetts: East West Health Books, 1988).
“Not Just From Bees Anymore” by Robert Kay in Healthy and Natural Journal (Vol. 2, No. 3).
“Royal Food from the Honeybee” by Susan Smith Jones in The Herbalist (November, 1979).
“The Ultimate Healing System” Breakthrough in Nutrition, Kinesiology and Holistic Healing Techniques (Provo, Utah: Woodland Books, 1988).
“Welcome to the Pollen Nation” by Steven R. Schecter in Healthy and Natural Journal (Vol. 2, No. 3).
