The properties of pollen: why is it good for the body?
One of the main properties of pollen is that it contains vitamins, minerals, lipids, fatty acids and enzymes, all highly beneficial substances for the human body. It is a precious product if we think that a bee takes 8 hours to process a small quantity of it. Pollen is not the only food that is good for man, many foods are often too. An example? Red fruits Find out all their benefits here.
What is pollen?
It is probably the least known product in the world of bees, less known than the more famous ones such as royal jelly and propolis. A thin yellow powder, produced by plants and collected by bees through the flowers and then used inside the "hive to produce royal jelly and food for the larvae.
Pollen is a product rich in vitamins, especially those of groups A, B and C in fact it is often used to combat vitamin deficiencies.
See also
How to feel good physically: 10 golden rules to live in harmony with your co Tennis: all the benefits for the body and mind Sleep paralysis: when the mind is awake but the body is not! © GettyImagesAll the properties of pollen
Pollen is among the richest products in vitamins, minerals including selenium, amino acids (it has all 8 essential amino acids), enzymes and antioxidants.
Given the various active ingredients it contains, pollen is considered to all intents and purposes a restorative tonic and remedy capable not only of giving vigor and energy, but also of combating states of vitamin deficiency and lowering of the immune defenses.
On the one hand, it helps to keep microbes and bacteria away (just like a natural antibiotic) but also strengthens the immune system, acting on several fronts to guarantee us daily well-being.
Particularly useful for improving intellectual functions, it also has antioxidant properties that allow it to counteract cellular aging, renewing the most superficial layer of the skin and fighting ailments such as acne, eczema, etc.
Last but not least, it helps regulate intestinal functions, fighting colon disorders and promoting the balance of intestinal bacterial flora.
Very useful for those on a diet, it manages to give a "boost" to the metabolism to get rid of excess pounds and get back in shape.
Pollen and its benefits
Bee pollen contains much more protein than any source of animal origin and more amino acids than eggs or beef. Thanks to this composition, it can have important effects on the human body. Let's see which ones.
- Anti-inflammatory action
Pollen is rich in substances including vitamin C, which perform a powerful anti-inflammatory action, acting precisely at the origin of the inflammation.
- Energizing properties
Its concentration of nutrients has an immediate effect on our vitality making us feel more active and energetic avoiding the exciting action of coffee. For this reason it is ideal for athletes and students.
- Rejuvenating action
Pollen fights stress and free radicals, stimulates cell regeneration making the skin appear younger and brighter.
- Detoxifying properties
Vitamin B3 (niacin) performs a detoxification function from harmful substances to the body, helping to cleanse it from the effects of alcohol and drugs.
© GettyImages
- Calming action
Pollen is able to act to fight depression, nervousness and insomnia. Very often these disorders are due to the lack of specific vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system. The mood is also significantly improved.
- Slimming properties
Pollen helps speed up slow metabolism, promoting the loss of excess pounds. Furthermore, it can easily dispose of body fat also by regularizing any imbalances in the intestinal tract.
- Anti-cholesterol action
Pollen is a valuable ally to fight bad cholesterol and prevent its formation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Protective properties
Pollen increases white blood cells and has antibiotic properties that stimulate the production of healthy cells to counteract any cancerous cells. Taking pollen especially during the winter season is ideal for preventing flu and reducing the risk of contracting seasonal flu.
Good to know: pollen is also great for pregnant women, or for mothers who are breastfeeding: it helps the development of the nervous, skeletal and muscular systems, favoring the production of breast milk.
Let's recap: when to take pollen?
To make a quick recap, here are all the situations in which it is recommended to take pollen and start a real therapy.
• Tiredness
• Season changes
• Psychophysical stress
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Meteorism
• Irritable colon
• Excessive thinness
• Retardation of growth
• Convalescence
• Anemia
• Eczema
• Acne
• Intense period at work
• Exams ahead
• When doing sports
What substances is pollen made of?
Scientists have not yet been able to reproduce the pollen in the laboratory because some components are impossible to identify. Some researchers had tried to produce artificial pollen, but when they gave it to bees they died, despite containing all the elements generally found in nature. From this alone it is easy to understand how precious and beneficial this substance is. It seems that pollen is the most concentrated source of vitamins found in nature in a single food. Let's learn more about its composition:
- 50% highly assimilable carbohydrates
- 30% protein (contains all essential amino acids and 21 of the 23 existing amino acids)
- 10% fat (including omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids)
- 10% enzymes, vitamins, minerals, water, flavonoids and substances not yet identified
© GettyImages
How to take pollen
Better to avoid taking pollen in the evening because having stimulating properties, it would adversely affect the quality of sleep. During the day it is the best time to take it: usually in the morning, a tablespoon or teaspoon is the recommended dose, on an empty stomach; if you prefer to take it at other times of the day, always make sure you are away from meals.
The treatment has an established time of about 20 days and in some cases it can be up to a month, repeating the cycle a couple of times a year. It is often taken during the change of seasons when the body is weakened by influences and viruses also due to the change in temperature and light.
The pollen can be taken as it is by itself, dissolving it slowly under the tongue, or with a little water or with a teaspoon of honey. It is very important to keep the pollen during the entire intake period in a dark jar and away from light as it is a natural product that is particularly sensitive to light and heat.
Does pollen have any contraindications?
One of the first contraindications of pollen is that it is a substance that can cause allergies. Not everyone can therefore take it as a supplement in complete tranquility precisely because of the side effects: the best known are burning and tingling of the throat and oral cavity, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and more.
Other possible contraindications include side effects on the intestine, which can cause diarrhea or other disorders. In this case, it is better to stop taking it immediately.
In pregnancy, if you are unsure about the effects of this substance on the body, it is best to seek medical advice. Even for very young children, it is always best to ask your pediatrician for advice.
Where to buy pollen?
Pollen is readily available in herbalists and pharmacies in the form of granules to be taken in teaspoons, already portioned in sachets or tablets. It can also be purchased online or directly from a beekeeper.
The only precaution will be to buy Italian pollen from organic farming to avoid contamination by pesticides.
Unfortunately, the downside is that pollen is often collected by bees on flowers where toxic substances have been sprayed, this is because bees are free to fly anywhere. Obviously it would be counterintuitive to take a natural health supplement and find yourself ingesting pesticides instead.
- ITALIAN BEE POLLEN - Erbotech can be found on Amazon for € 13.99
Pack of 250g, pure, high quality, residue-free - Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, Iron, Zinc and Magnesium.
- Adi Apicoltura - Biopolline 120 gr can be found on Amazon for € 5.99
120g pack, pure and from organic farming.