Bee Pollen

What's pollen???

Foraging worker bees collect pollen dust from flowers and mix it with small amounts of secretions or nectar forming tiny pellets, then pack those into the small pollen baskets on their hind legs. The colour, size, flavor and nutrient composition depends on the different plant species it was collected from.  When the bee enters the hive the pollen granule falls off onto screens placed in the entrance, not causing any harm to the bees. It is then collected by the beekeeper and either immediately frozen or low temperature air dried to prevent spoiling. 

Pollen is composed of about 250 substances including amino acids, lipids, vitamins, macro and mico-nutrients, and flavonoids. It is quite a significant source of both fat soluble (provitamin A, vit E and D) and water-soluble vitamins (vit B1, B2, B6 and C,) and acids including pantothenic, nicotinic, biotin, rutin and inositol. Macronutrients include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Micronutrients include iron, copper, zinc, manganese, silicon and selenium.                                            

Apitherapy is defined as the use of products derived from bees as medicine, and it is becoming more recognized in western treatment methods. Research has shown that bee pollen has liver detoxifying properties, high anti-inflammatory activity, anti-allergenic properties, can increase the immunological system, and can also assist in burn treatments. 

The recommended dose is 1-2 Tbsp per day. To receive the maximum benefit from eating pollen, it is recommended to grind it up or allow it to dissolve in warm liquid for 2 hours to crack and release the most nutrients. Popular ways of eating it are with smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, or in your raw power ball recipes! 

Store in a cool, dry place. 

WARNING: Pollen is a common allergen. Take a small amount the first few times to make sure you aren't allergic before devouring it!