Pollen is produced by flowers and transported by bees to the hive. Given its rich composition it is used as a supplement, because it is very good for the body.
The bee pollen it is collected from the flowers and then transported to the hive by bees. It comes in the form of a very fine, slightly sticky powder and is the raw material for the production of the famous Royal jelly, which instead has a much more gelatinous consistency. On the market it is found in pearls, tablets or small “balls”. It can be sold with or without “shell”. In fact, each granule is protected by this protection, which however our digestive system is unable to attack. It must be broken into pieces before ingesting it, so as to break the shell (if it had not already been eliminated before sale). It contains, in different proportions depending on the flower of origin: proteins, vitamins, mineral salts, enzymes, hormones, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates. Given its wealth of precious ingredients it is used as a nutritional supplementbecause it is capable of bringing numerous benefits to the body.
What it is and who produces it
Unlike honey, pollen is not produced by bees: the latter collect it from the flowers and transport it to the hive, to be stored and then used for their own nutrition. Plants produce different types of pollen: the anemophilous ones produce an extremely thin type, which is easily transported even by the wind, while the entomophilous ones produce it of greater weight and size. And it is precisely here that bees come into play, who with their work ensure the movement of pollen from flower to flower.
The nutritional values of bee pollen
Bee pollen has an extremely complete composition: it is a very nutritious food with a balanced composition. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, lipids, high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B, folic acid, many mineral salts such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, sulfur, manganese and finally various enzymes including carotenoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
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The benefits: what it is good for
Bee pollen is widely used in sports, among athletes: for them it is a precious source of energy. But it is also useful for strengthening the metabolism and immune defenses, for regulating intestinal functions without irritating, it is used in cases of arthritis and for its anti-inflammatory properties. In case of chronic tiredness or convalescence, it can be used taking advantage of its beneficial effects on mood: a sort of natural “antidepressant”.
How much bee pollen can you eat per day and how to take it
The recommended daily dose is 10g, to be taken preferably on an empty stomach with the first meal of the day, therefore at breakfast, but always between meals. It does not have a sweet taste unlike honey, but it can be used to accompany its intake: it can be chewed or diluted in water or in a herbal tea, but it can also be mixed with yogurt.
The contraindications of bee pollen
Pollen should absolutely not be consumed by who is allergic to bee stings and is not recommended pregnant women. Conversely, athletes benefit greatly from it: by increasing resistance to physical exercise thanks to the presence of magnesium, it improves performance. It can have laxative effects. In any case, it is always good practice to inform your GP and ask for a specialist opinion, to be sure you can start taking the supplement.
