Bee pollen; It attracts great attention in the medical world because it contains amino acids, vitamins, oils and more than 250 active substances. People generally take bee pollen for nutritional purposes. This miraculous product of the bee is used to increase appetite, increase endurance and athletic performance, and prevent premature aging.
What is Pollen?
Many studies have examined the effects of bee pollen on human health and has achieved promising results. Due to the strength of its effects, bee pollen has been accepted as a medicine by the German Federal Ministry of Health. However, more scientific data is needed to fully support these uses.
Foraging honey bees, or worker bees, collect pollen from various plants and take the pollen they collect to their hives, where they store food for their colonies. Bee pollen actually describes the flower pollen collected on the legs and bodies of these worker bees. In addition, it may contain some nectar, enzymes, beeswax and bee secretions. The bee wanders around a wide variety of plants while collecting pollen. The content of bee pollen therefore varies considerably. Bee pollen should not be mixed with bee venom, honey or royal jelly.
What are the Benefits of Pollen?
Bee pollen benefits supported by science are as follows:
- Containing more than 250 active ingredients Bee pollen is a remarkable food thanks to its content. It contains biological components rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Net nutritional composition differs depending on the plants collected and the season.
- Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it protects you from free radicals and chronic diseases. Bee pollen contains a wide variety of powerful antioxidants that can protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. . Thus, chronic diseases are also prevented.
- Reduces risk factors for heart disease such as high blood lipids and cholesterol. Bee pollen helps to reduce risk factors for heart disease such as "bad" LDL cholesterol.
- It increases the functional capacity of the liver and protects the liver against toxic substances. Bee pollen has shown that bee pollen can enhance the function of the liver and protect this organ against harmful substances.
- It has several components with anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, bee pollen antioxidants have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
- It provides protection from diseases by strengthening immunity and killing bacteria. It has been determined that bee pollen antioxidants can reduce the severity of allergies and kill a few harmful bacteria.
- It is effective in closing wounds and prevents infections. It also prevents infections with its antimicrobial properties.
- Shows anticancer properties. Although more scientific research is needed, bee pollen has been experimentally shown to reduce the risk of several cancers.
- Reduces menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes .Research has shown that bee pollen is a remedy for many menopausal complaints, such as hot flashes. It can also reduce high cholesterol levels and maintain cholesterol balance.
- Provides a regular metabolism. Bee pollen increases the reabsorption and utilization of nutrients such as iron, calcium and phosphorus in the body. It also speeds up metabolism.
- For most people, it is safe for consumption and simple to add to the diet. Bee pollen supplements are easy to obtain and generally safe to consume. However, do not forget to consult your doctor before consuming it.
How to Consume Pollen?
Some recommendations for bee pollen consumption are as follows:
- Bee pollen is sold as natural granules that you can measure with a spoon. You can mix these small grains with other foods like granola or yogurt or make smoothies with it. It usually has a bitter taste, but if you consume it regularly, you will get used to this taste.
- It is claimed that if you soak the granules in water for a few hours before use, bee pollen is easier to digest.
- Bee pollen is also available in capsules. . Tablets prepared with other ingredients such as royal jelly and flower pistil extract (the structure by which bees collect pollen)
- Raw bee pollen should be stored under suitable conditions against the possibility of mold growth. If you buy capsules and granules, it's usually fine to store them at room temperature. Be sure to check the label for the preferred storage method and expiration date.
- In case you experience an allergic reaction to bee pollen, it is best to start with a very small amount. If you experience any allergy symptoms, stop using it immediately.
- Do not use honey in the meals of babies under 1 year old. Consult your doctor if your children under the age of 12 consume bee pollen.
How to Use Pollen?
Bee pollen can be taken orally or applied to the skin. applicable. Bee pollen helps stimulate the immune system when you take it orally. When you apply it to your skin, it accelerates wound healing. The appropriate dosage for bee pollen depends on the age, general health and some other environmental conditions of the user. detected. In addition, research is ongoing for its use in conditions such as appetite stimulation, premature aging, hay fever, mouth sores, joint pains, difficult urination, nosebleeds, constipation, diarrhea and weight loss. More scientific evidence is needed on bee pollen for such uses.
Pollen Use in Pregnancy
Most experts have different opinions about taking herbal supplements such as bee pollen for pregnant and lactating women.
There is much debate about how safe bee pollen is for the mother and her unborn baby. Some women who took bee pollen supplements during pregnancy did not report any side effects, while others reported relatively discomfort.
The most common fear of pregnant women who consume bee pollen is whether the supplement will harm their babies. Few studies have focused on the last three months of a mother's pregnancy. In this last 3 months, the mother's high pollen consumption and the baby's postpartum a was found to be associated with hospitalization for asthma. A statistically significant link was found between pollen exposure and asthma. However, in such studies, conditions such as the mother's smoking habit should also be taken into account, and the scope of studies on supplements should be expanded.
Side Effects of Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is taken orally for up to 30 days in most people. does not pose any danger. The biggest concern when using bee products is for allergic problems. In people allergic to pollen, bee pollen can cause severe allergic reactions and require intervention. In addition, there are very rare reports of other side effects such as liver and kidney damage or photosensitivity.
Who Cannot Use Pollen?
- Pregnant: During pregnancy It's probably not safe to take bee pollen. There may be some concerns that bee pollen will stimulate the contraction of the uterus and threaten pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding mothers: It is safest for mothers in this period to avoid using bee pollen. Because there is not enough information about how bee pollen can affect the baby yet.
- Those who have allergic reactions to pollen and other bee products: Taking bee pollen supplements creates serious allergic problems in people who are allergic to pollen. Symptoms are usually itching, swelling, shortness of breath and feeling light-headed.
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