What is bee pollen and what is it good for?

In recent years there’s been a lot of buzz about bee pollen. A popular nutritional supplement, it is regarded as a superfood thanks to its rich nutrient profile, full of antioxidants and healthy vitamins. If you’ve been hearing more and more about the benefits of bee pollen and you’re intrigued to find out what exactly it is and how to use it, keep reading as we discuss some of our top tips for incorporating it into your diet.

Covering everything from how bee pollen is made, to how it is harvested, what it contains, who can eat it and how, this complete guide to this natural gem has all your questions answered. Alternatively, to jump straight into the good stuff you can shop a range of bee pollen products at Planet Organic.

What is pollen from bees?

Bee pollen is a small pellet consisting of flower pollen, digestive enzymes, beeswax, honey, and nectar. and is created when foraging bees go out to pollinate flowers. Using their natural resources alongside the flower pollen to create the pellets, the bees then carry these small pellets back to the hive on their legs and they are usually stored and left to ferment with the end product known as ‘bee bread’ being used to feed the colony.

However, beekeepers can harvest fresh bee pollen by using a thick comb-like device at the entrance of the hive which knocks the pellets off of the bees legs and allows it to fall into a collection bin. Instead of letting the pellets ferment, the beekeeper will seek to preserve them immediately after harvest by drying or freezing them.

What is in bee pollen?

What is in bee pollen?

In terms of nutritional value, bee pollen is packed with over 250 active substances, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This includes vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, and B1, B2, B6, and C, as well as essential acids like biotin and folic acid. According to the Healthline, a tablespoon of these small yet mighty pellets have a nutritional composition of:

• 16 calories
• 0.24 grams of fat
• 1.2 grams of protein
• 2.18 grams of carbohydrates
• 250 types of nutrients, including vitamins and flavonoids

This makes them an excellent additional food supplement which may present several health benefits, as well as add extra protein to your meals.

What are the benefits of bee pollen?

Bee pollen has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, starting in Tang Dynasty China. However, in recent years the supplement has become more popular with those in the Western world, and studies have started to be conducted to assess the benefits of bee pollen in humans. Whilst there is still work to be done, these studies suggest that bee pollen might have the following benefits:

• Inflammation relief and reduction of swelling
• May help to lower cholesterol levels and blood lipids
• Boosting liver health and protecting against disease
• Provide further immune system health by fighting bacteria
• Assistance with relieving menopause symptoms

Is bee pollen vegan?

Bee pollen is usually not considered vegan as it is harvested from bees. Generally, vegan lifestyles avoid any food or drink item that contains animal products, or uses animal labour. However, there is debate within the community about insect welfare, and the choice to eat bee pollen remains a personal one. Some vegans may regard bee pollen as acceptable, especially where the beekeeper is intending to help repopulate bee species and improve biodiversity as bee pollen is seen as a byproduct rather than exploitation. As such, whether it is regarded as vegan depends on your own ethical stance.

It should also be noted that whilst bee pollen is considered safe for most dietary requirements, it may not be suitable for allergy sufferers. Especially those who struggle with flower pollen, or if you suspect you may be allergic to bees, as consuming it may trigger a reaction. Bee pollen itself is not inherently dangerous, but you should consult with your doctor before taking it if you have any health concerns.

What is the best way to consume bee pollen?

Bee pollen is incredibly versatile and has a sweet flavour profile. It can be taken in capsule form for an easy incorporation into your daily diet, or it can be added to various foods and drinks to enhance taste whilst improving nutritional intake. Try the following methods if you’re in need of inspiration:

1. Use bee pollen granules as a sweet and crunchy topping for yoghurt or cereal

2. Add to coffee or tea as a sweetener to replace sugar, as bee pollen dissolves in hot water

3. Blend ground pollen or granules into a smoothie or add to an acai bowl

4. Sprinkle granules directly over salad for added texture

5. Incorporate ground pollen into a salad dressing such as a honey mustard

6. Sprinkle ground pollen over popcorn

7. Use granules as a garnish on top of dark chocolate or over chocolate spread on toast

8. Add it to your baked goods like banana bread, granola bars, and pastries.

Alternatively, you can choose to use bee propolis which offers similar benefits to bee pollen, but is more of a resin. In liquid form, water based propolis can be added into drinks or food without affecting the texture.

Raw Pot Raw Propolis 50ml £29.99

How much bee pollen should you take per day?

There is no set amount of bee pollen that you should take per day, as this will depend on your personal response to the supplement. That being said, generally one teaspoon to two tablespoons is a good amount, and at maximum we recommend no more than three tablespoons spaced out throughout the day. Check the label of the bee pollen product you are using for nutritional guidance, as this should indicate the correct amount that should be taken in a day.

Discover the benefits of bee pollen with Planet Organic

Bee pollen contains most of the nutrients we require on a day to day basis, and its processing is kept minimal, being just gently dried. This allows you to reap all of the natural benefits of the superfood and improve your vitamin intake, such as vitamin C and thiamin (B1) which can contribute to cardiovascular health, the immune system, and energy and hormonal balance. Additionally, it is very versatile and can be used in a myriad of different ways. To find a product that works for you, browse the bee pollen collection.