BEE POLLEN Bee pollen is the dust-size male seed found on the stamen of any flower blossom.
Bee pollen is among the oldest known dietary supplements. Its use as a rejuvenator and medicine date back to the early Egyptians and ancient Chinese. It is rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, and contains trace amounts of minerals, elements, amino acids, and enzymes. The pollen is composed of 55%-+carbohydrates, 60%-+protein, 3%-+ minerals and vitamins, 2%-+ fatty acids, and 5%-+ other substances. It really depends on the pollen. It contains very small amounts of many substances considered to be antioxidants, including betacarotene, vitamins C and E, lycopene, selenium, and flavonoids.
Bee Pollen can enhancing the immune system, controlling weight, relieving allergy symptoms, increasing strength, improving sexual function, enhancing vitality and stamina, slowing the aging process, and prolonging life.
Bee pollen is said to strengthen the immune system through its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are used to deactivate free radicals in the body. Free radicals are byproducts of oxygen that can damage cells and are linked to many degenerative diseases, especially those associated with aging. They are also associated with the aging process itself. Antioxidants may block further damage and even reverse much of the cell oxidation already done. Bee pollen is suggested to help counteract the effects of radiation and environmental pollutants that weaken the immune system, supporters say.
Preparations It takes about two hours for bee pollen to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The recommended dosages for preventative purposes are an eighth to a quarter teaspoon of granules once a day to start, gradually increasing over a month to one to two teaspoons, one to three times a day. The dosage for short-term therapeutic use is 3/8-3/4 teaspoon to start, increasing to three to six teaspoons, one to three times a day. Bee pollen should not be heated, since it will lose its potency.
Precautions Persons who are allergic to bee stings or products should not use bee pollen since it may cause a serious allergic reaction, including death. Anyone uncertain if they are allergic to bee pollen should sample only a few granules first to see if there is any type of reaction, or have an allergy test. Those using bee pollen to reduce hay fever should be sure to consume local bee pollen to obtain the best results. Side Effects There are rare cases of minor side effects, such as gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea, associated with ingesting bee pollen.
