Superfood Profile: Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen may actually be the most nutritious substance on the planet. Can such a bold statement possibly be true? Maybe. This article summarizes the health benefits and dangers of Bee Pollen, as well as ideas for adding this superfood to your diet.

Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen is a complex substance that cannot be synthesized, and it contains as many different vitamins and minerals as a multi-vitamin (though not the same daily value). Bee Pollen contains all of the major vitamins (Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E and K), as well as important minerals such as potassium, phosphorous, copper, magnesium and iron. Bee Pollen is also an excellent source of the fatty acids, enzymes and amino acids that aid healthy digestion. Bee Pollen is actually so nutritious that a laboratory study proved mice could survive by eating nothing but Bee Pollen.

Bee Pollen may be able to improve your energy, strengthen your immune system and relieve allergies. Because it contains amino acids and lecithin, it may boost your metabolism. If you have nutritional deficiencies, Bee Pollen may be able to fill those imbalances and decrease food cravings. Bee Pollen has also been used to reduce inflammation in arthritis and to increase circulation. Scientific studies to confirm these claims are currently limited, though there are number of studies proving Bee Pollen has antioxidant properties.

Health Dangers of Bee Pollen

There are a couple of catches to this superfood. First, if you are allergic to bees, Bee Pollen can cause a dangerous allergic reaction. Second, not all Bee Pollen is easily digested by humans, so you may not absorb all of its amazing nutrients. Some types of Bee Pollen are more easily digested than others, so look into a particular Bee Pollen's digestibility before purchasing a bag. Third, Bee Pollen can be contaminated by pesticides, so buy organic whenever possible. Although Bee Pollen is nutritious and said to increase alertness, stamina and strength, as well as treat a number of ailments, the health benefits of Bee Pollen cannot make up for an unhealthy diet or lifestyle. Adding superfoods to your diet should be part of a holistic approach to bettering your health that includes balanced nutrition, reasonable exercise and stress management.

Ideas for Adding Bee Pollen to Your Diet

Adding Bee Pollen to your diet can be delicious and easy. Bee Pollen is usually sold in granules, and you can add small amounts of Bee Pollen to many everyday foods to boost their nutritional value. Bee Pollen is best when raw, since cooking it can deplete many of its nutrients. Read below for some ideas on how to add Bee Pollen to your diet.

*Add Bee Pollen to fruit smoothies. Some smoothie restaurants, such as Jamba Juice and Keva Juice, include Bee Pollen in their smoothies or offer Bee Pollen as an optional add-in. You can also add Bee Pollen to your smoothies at home by adding granules of Bee Pollen to your blender.

*Make Bee Pollen Popcorn! Click here for this unique recipe: http://www.reallynatural.com/archives/recipe/recipe_bee_pollen_popcorn.php

*Sprinkle Bee Pollen on top of warm soup.

*Mix a pinch of Bee Pollen into honey-mustard or poppy-seed salad dressing.

*Mix Bee Pollen granules with honey.

*Use as seasoning for nuts. See a Bee Pollen hazelnut recipe here: http://coconutlime.blogspot.com/2009/05/bee-pollen-dusted-hazelnuts.html

Sources:

Herbal Supplements Guide; Bee Pollen Benefits http://www.herbal-supplements-guide.com/bee-pollen-benefits.html
Mighty Foods; Superfood: Bee Pollen http://www.mightyfoods.com/archives/2006/01/superfood_five_things_to_do_wi.html
Natural News; Bee Pollen Superfood Boosts Immune System Function; Mike Adams; 2009 http://www.naturalnews.com/027566_bee_pollen_immune_system.html
Vanderbilt University Psychology Department; Health Psychology; The Effects of Bee Pollen on Energy and Weight Loss; Kendra Collins http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ans/psychology/health_psychology/beepollen.htm