Friday, August 20, 2010

Vitamin Review: Bee Pollen Granules

I took my mom to her Dr. appt today at Kaiser for an MRI and while she was in the room, I took a quick trip to the Farmer's Market they have every Friday.

I got some fresh fruit, GF cookies and I came up on a midnight clear....wrong song.  I came up on a stand from "Small Bees" http://www.smallbees.com/ (not much up yet but if your in San Jo, go check them out at the Farmer's Market). 

I asked what the bottle was (Honey Bee Pollen) for.  The girl said it' helps your immune system and such.  Take a teaspoon and put in your coffee (which I desperately need to lay off of) or tea and it will dissolve.

I bought a 4oz bottle for $5.00 (good deal and saves me on shipping if you google and try to buy online).  I came back to work, tasted it.  It tasted like nothing really.  I google'd Bee Pollen Granules and some articles came up.

From http://www.bee-pollen-health.com/ (8/20/10 1:45pm):

What's In Bee Pollen? Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes, and hormones. It is especially rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, including lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several flavanoids. It is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances. Overall, it's one of the most nutritionally complete natural substances found on earth.

What Will Bee Pollen Do for Me?  When you first start taking bee pollen you may feel a significant increase in your energy right away, definitely within a week or so. Over time the consistent use of pollen will improve your energy, stamina, and endurance. You'll also probably notice a greater feeling of general well-being. Over the long-term, regular consumption of bee pollen will help alleviate many different health problems, slow down the aging process, and improve your quality of life.




The first I looked at was from http://www.livestrong.com/article/97342-benefits-taking-bee-pollen-granules/  (which I really like, they have so much info and it's just great! So go bookmark it).  Here are some snippets from http://www.livestrong.com/ (as of 8/20/10 2:00pm)

Taking bee pollen granules is a form of apitherapy, which means using products from honeybees to promote human health. Although the bees eat the bee pollen granules, they produce an excess that the hive keeper harvests for human consumption.

Energy and Health - With a full spectrum of amino acids and 25 percent protein content, bee pollen may boost your energy levels and contribute to a healthy diet. In addition to protein, the American Apitherapy Society (AAS) reports that bee pollen contains healthy enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients. The AAS suggests that 2 tsp. bee pollen granules equal the nutrition in an entire serving of vegetables.

Allergies - Consuming bee pollen may desensitize some individuals against airborne pollen allergens. By consuming trace amounts of the allergen present in bee pollen, over a period of weeks or months, you may desensitize your body against its allergic effects. This may be more effective if the beehive exists within a few miles of your home, because bees travel approximately two miles on pollen-gathering journeys. Local bee pollen is more likely to contain traces of the specific pollen that triggers your allergies. The Drugs website reports that although bee pollen may reduce hay fever, the risk of a severe allergic reaction exists. (The bottle I got is from a local place in Los Gatos, CA)

Other Medical Conditions - Taking bee pollen may be beneficial in the treatment of other medical conditions, suggests the Apitherapy Society, but consult your physician before using bee pollen to replace traditional medicines. You may experience relief from fatigue, anorexia, obesity, depression, varicose veins, infertility and high cholesterol, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse bee pollen for these conditions.
Side Bustin: So, FDA, hmmm....sometimes I'm not so sure about the approval.  I mean they say that processed junk is ok (Aspartame etc).
Taking Bee Pollen - You may chew the small golden granules; they have a slightly sweet and mildly woody flavor. You can also grind them into a fine powder in a food processor or a coffee grinder and stir into yogurt or add to juices or fruit smoothies

The second site I visited was: http://www.ehow.com/way_5207185_do-bee-pollen-granules.html
Here are snippets from them (8/20/10 2:20pm):

Bee pollen is a superfood that provides you with all of the essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that your body needs to be healthy. That's why bee pollen granules are in such high demand. Even better than other superfoods like flax seed and walnuts, bee pollen granules are a complete food, encompassing essential nutrients.

Bee Pollen Granules - Bee pollen granules should be taken in full granule form for the best benefits. An adult can take a teaspoon of bee pollen granules each day and see a differences. For a weight lifter or other athletes, 4-6 tsp per day is appropriate. For allergy symptoms, you can take one teaspoon in the morning and one at night. Bee pollen granules are completely safe, so you don't need to worry about taking too many. For a child, you may want to start out with a smaller dosage, like four granules a day, building up to a half teaspoon.


Drinks - If you have problems with taking the bee pollen granules on their own, you can mix them into protein shakes and smoothies. Remember to still use them in a whole granule form. You can try a morning protein drink with one egg, a cup of orange juice, a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of bee pollen granules for a quick morning drink. Anytime you make a fruit smoothie, you can add a teaspoon of bee pollen granules to get the full benefit of a teaspoon per day

Foods - With a little imagination, you can find delicious ways to take your bee pollen granules every day to get the maximum benefit. If you eat cereal every morning, try sprinkling your bee pollen granules on top. You might even try putting your bee pollen in popcorn. Try taking 1/2 C of uncooked popcorn, 1/3 C vegetable oil, 1 tsp of your bee pollen granules and 1 tsp of both salt and sugar. Just heat the oil and then add the popcorn; when it's popped, you can sprinkle the bee pollen, salt and sugar over the popcorn for a treat that is extremely healthy.

And yes, i've even seen recipes for Bee Pollen Granules.


To be safe, ask your doctor before using this....don't want you to break out in hives! ha get it? oh, you'll get it later. =)

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