Bee Pollen: It’s Not Just For The Bees
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Bee Pollen: Everyone knows what it is and where to find it, but what many people may not know is that it is commonly distributed as a nutritional supplement. Many people in the natural health field believe that bee pollen can be an effective remedy for conditions such as PMS and an enlarged prostate.
According to webmd.com, studies have shown that the ingredient may reduce side effects for cancer patients who undergoing radiation therapy, as well as aid men who suffer from an enlarged prostate and women who suffer from severe PMS symptoms. However, Webmd.com notes that the studies that have been performed thus far are small and further research is needed.
Bee pollen, taken for its own nutritional properties, can provide a great source of various vitamins and minerals. Health experts recommend that you take a 1/8 or ¼ teaspoon dose of bee pollen granules ever day, and increase to six teaspoons over time.
The Benefits of Bee Pollen
As everyone knows, bees love their pollen, and they collect it while on a mission to make honey by removing the nectar from flowers. The bees then store this nectar on their hind legs for consumption in their hives. It is the job of a beekeeper to collect the bee pollen from the bees-not a job for the faint of heart! The ingredient is commonly touted as a remedy for PMS and enlarged prostate, and the studies have been most positive in these areas. According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, bee pollen is a great source of protein and carbohydrates, and can increase energy, which makes it desirable among athletes. According to webmd.com, several studies have shown that bee pollen can reduce side effects of radiation therapy for cancer, as well aid men with enlarged prostates and reduce the severity of PMS among women. Bee pollen is also said to aid in memory, but study results have also been mixed in that area.
Bee pollen is also touted as having all eight essential amino acids, and is used to help athletes recover from workouts and boost the immune system.
The Potential Downfalls of Bee Pollen
The biggest thing to keep in mind when considering ingesting bee pollen supplements is whether you are allergic to honey, according to webmd.com. If you know you are allergic to honey, you definitely should avoid this supplement. Common signs of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, hives, and even anaphylactic shock, so if you start experiencing these symptoms while taking the supplements, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention right away. An important caveat to remember is that, while some may take this product to alleviate allergy symptoms, if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the product, your symptoms will be worsened. It’s also not a good idea for people who suffer from asthma, blood disorders and liver disease. Also, there have been no studies performed on the effects of bee pollen on pregnant and breastfeeding women, so they should avoid this product.