Bee Pollen
It contains over 250 biologically active substances, including proteins, carbs, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants (2Trusted Source).
Bee pollen granules consist:
Carbs: 40%
Protein: 35%
Water: 4–10%
Fats: 5%
Other substances: 5–15%
The latter category includes vitamins, minerals, antibiotics and antioxidants.
Bee pollen is loaded with a wide variety of antioxidants, among them flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, kaempferol and agglutination
Antioxidants protect your body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Damage by free radicals is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes
Test-tube, animal and some human studies have shown that bee pollen antioxidants can reduce chronic inflammation, eliminate harmful bacteria, fight infections and combat the growth and spread of tumors
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide
Both high blood lipids and high blood cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Interestingly, bee pollen may lower these risk factors.
For instance, animal studies have shown that bee pollen extracts can lower blood cholesterol levels, especially “bad” LDL cholesterol
In an older study of people with nearsightedness caused by clogged arteries, bee pollen supplements lowered blood cholesterol levels, which increased their field of vision
Additionally, antioxidants in bee pollen may protect lipids from oxidizing. When lipids oxidize they can clump together, restricting blood vessels and raising your heart disease risk
Your liver is a vital organ that breaks down and removes toxins from your blood.
Animal studies have found that bee pollen may be an effective treatment against hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Other animal studies show that bee pollen antioxidants safeguard the liver against damage from several toxic substances, including drug overdoses. Bee pollen promotes liver healing as well
Bee pollen may boost your immune system, helping you avoid illnesses and unwanted reactions.
For one, research has shown that it may reduce the severity and onset of allergies.
In one study, bee pollen was shown to significantly reduce the activation of mast cells. Mast cells, when activated, release chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction
Also, several test-tube studies have confirmed that bee pollen has strong antimicrobial properties.
Bee pollen may have applications for treating and preventing cancers, which occur when cells proliferate abnormally.
Test-tube studies have found bee pollen extracts to inhibit tumor growth and stimulate apoptosis — the programmed death of cells — in prostate, colon and leukemic cancers
Menopause, which marks the cessation of menstruation in women, is often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep disturbances
Studies show that bee pollen may alleviate several menopausal symptoms.
In one study of women with breast cancer, 71% of the participants felt that their menopausal symptoms improved while taking bee pollen
In another study, 65% of women taking a pollen supplement experienced fewer hot flashes. These women indicated other health improvements as well, such as better sleep, reduced irritability, less joint pain and improved mood and energy
Some evidence suggests bee pollen may improve your body’s utilization of nutrients.
For instance, iron-deficient rats absorbed 66% more iron when pollen was added to their diet. This uptick is likely due to the fact that pollen contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which boost iron absorption
Additionally, healthy rats fed pollen absorbed more calcium and phosphorus from their diet. Pollen contains high-quality proteins and amino acids that may aid such absorption
Other animal studies have demonstrated that bee pollen may improve muscle growth, speed up the metabolism and promote longevit