We all know that bees create honey — some of us probably put some in our tea this morning.
But did you know that there's another amazing edible product that comes from bees?
Just like honey, bee pollen is collected on bees as they float from flower to flower, then they are formed into pellets when combined with a little nectar.
And there's much more to these pellets of pollen than meets then eye!
Bee pollen is a true superfood, and is packed with so many nutrients that our bodies need to perform at their peak — hard to believe when you consider how small they are.
It can treat a wide range of ailments from allergies to digestive problems and can easily be sprinkled or mixed into foods in order to eat.
If you want to learn more about these amazing edible little gold nuggets, check below to see all of the ways they can help your health!
What Is Bee Pollen?
Pollen is created by plants in order reproduce, and looks like a light, yellowy dust.
Honeybees collect this pollen on their legs, then mix it with a bit of nectar to form little pellets — thus creating bee pollen!
Incredibly nourishing and protein-packed, it's said to contain almost all major nutrients that the human body needs.
Bee Pollen vs. Honey
Though pollen, bees, and honey are all naturally linked, the benefits of bee pollen can't all be found in honey.
Honey is made from nectar, which bees extract then save in their hives until it is more solid.
Since they're derived from two different parts of a plant, they have different benefits for your body.
How To Eat Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is available in little pellets, as well as in capsule form.
These can be eaten on their own; they have a sweet, slightly floral flavor and can be added into salads, smoothies, or on top of breakfast bowls.
But make sure you test for allergies prior to putting any in your food!
Try eating just a single pellet and pay attention to how your body responds, then check out all of its amazing health benefits below!
Benefit #1: It Can Boost Your Energy
According to Foodmatters.com, bee pollen is packed with carbohydrates, protein, and B vitamins.
All of these ingredients are incredibly important for keeping your energy and mood up.
So if you're looking for an alternative to your usual energy-boosting methods (three-plus cups of coffee perhaps?), bee pollen could be the answer!
Benefit #2: It Alleviates Allergies
When your body senses something that you are allergic to, it creates antibodies that produce histamine.
While histamine can be helpful in these circumstances, it also causes the typical reactions that you associate with allergies or a cold (runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat).
Bee pollen can help reduce histamine, just like you would expect from a lot of over-the-counter allergy treatments.
Benefit #3: It Improves Your Digestive System
Bee pollen can actually aid in digesting foods that your body is having a hard time with.
It regulates your intestines, whether they are working overtime or not working hard enough, giving your body relief from belly aches.
It also contains enzymes to help break down what's in your body.
Benefit #4: It Can Help People With Prostate Problems
The properties found in bee pollen are good for many different parts of your body — but it can be particularly beneficial to the prostate.
It contains many nutrients that prostate problem-sufferers are encouraged to take.
They are also filled with aforementioned enzymes, which can help treat an enlarged or enflamed prostate.
Benefit #5: It’s A Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidant-rich foods are so important because they help neutralize free radicals that are in your body.
These unstable molecules are a danger to your cells, and could cause them to die if they are not taken care of.
But antioxidant-rich foods, or "super foods," like bee pollen, help ensure that free radicals are cleared from your body.
Benefit #6: It Reduces Liver Toxicity
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed evidence that bee pollen helped heal liver toxicity.
And a healthy liver means a body that is constantly cleansed of any toxins!
Benefit #7: It Can Act As A Dietary Supplement
Since bee pollen helps regulate your body and digestive systems, it can serve as an effective and natural dietary ingredient.
It also contains amino acids that can help boost your metabolism.
Benefit #8: It Can Reduce Stress
The same amino acids and vitamins that help keep your body functioning properly can also help regulate your mood.
And since stress can cause so many other health hazards, it's important to find resources to help you manage it.
While there are plenty of other ways to manage your stress level, like taking a bath, bee pollen may be another option.
Benefit #9: It Can Reduce Inflammation And Asthma Symptoms
Since it's already so effective at helping treat allergies, bee pollen can also aid in more serious inflammation issues like asthma.
While inhalers and other asthma resources are still undeniably more important, taking bee pollen may help lessen the symptoms you already have.
It seems like these little yellow pellets can do anything; bee pollen is the natural aid for so many different ailments!
Would you ever give bee pollen a try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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