Bee pollen is formed by anaerobic fermentation of worker bees collecting pollen from insect-borne flowers and mixing nectar, secretions and honey, which is one of the staple foods of bee colonies and an important source of nutrients for the production of royal milk
For hundreds of years, bee pollen has had both food and drug roles in some countries (e.g., Egypt, Greece, China), with antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating and wound healing properties. Note 9
Although most of the medical value has not yet been established, it is often used as a health food because of its rich nutrition (containing 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes, 14 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates and rich polyphenols), so it is often used as a health food (other common bee products include honey, royal jelly and propolis).)
What are the recommended empirical benefits of bee pollen?
1. Improve menopausal symptoms (caused by breast cancer treatment)
Hormonal suppressive therapy (commonly used drugs such as tamoxifen) is one of the standard treatments used today for breast cancer (especially for women who have stopped menopause before or altogether).
However, due to the estrogen-blocking properties of the drug, temporary or permanent ovarian failure can result, resulting in a variety of menopausal-related uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, thinning hair, thinning skin, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido. Therefore, how to improve such symptoms has become an important part of successful treatment of diseases. Note 1
A randomized crossover trial (in 46 women with breast cancer) showed that pollen and honey improved menopausal discomfort caused by hormonal drug treatment. Note 2
Researchers believe that pollen may be used to replace patients who do not respond to other methods, and is expected to help prevent cancer.
2. Beneficial for wound repair
Wound repair is a dynamic and complex process to repair missing cell structures and tissue layers, and the general human repair process can be divided into several stages.
These include rapid hemostasis, appropriate inflammatory response, diffusion of interstitial cells to the wound site, angiogenesis, tissue healing, collagen synthesis, and strength for healing tissue. Note 3
In a clinical and histopathological experiment, creams containing bee pollen were found to have the potential to accelerate wound healing in animals and prevent infection of new tissues. Note 4
The mechanism behind it is related to the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, connective tissue and platelet aggregation of flavonoids and phenolic acids in pollen.
3. Beneficial for athletic performance
With the development of sports nutrition, nutritional supplementation has become an important item in improving sports performance.
Compared with self-formulated nutrition strategies, scientifically accurate nutritional supplements can indeed help marathon runners improve endurance and cyclists improve their performance. Note 5
A preliminary controlled study (6 weeks, 20 athletes) showed that pollen extracts, although not good exercise performance in the short term, significantly reduced training interruptions due to upper respiratory tract infections. Note 6
4. Improve chronic prostatitis
The prostate gland is an important organ in the male reproductive system that manufactures and stores prostate fluid (necessary for the synthesis of semen).
Chronic prostatitis tends to occur in men between the ages of 30 and 50 (about 35–50% of men) and may be caused by a bacterial infection or an unknown cause, with difficulty urinating or even pain in the groin, pelvic cavity, or genital area. Note 7
One study (6 months, 90 people with chronic prostatitis) may help improve symptoms associated with chronic prostatitis, such as urine flow, total white blood cell count, and complement C3. Note 8
Are there any side effects of bee pollen?
For most people, it is still safe to use bee pollen at appropriate doses for 30 to 60 days.
However, the common side effect is that it may induce allergic reactions, especially those who have been allergic to honey-related products, such as itching, swelling, rash, dyspnea, anaphylaxis, please stop using immediately and seek medical attention immediately.
Bee pollen safety precautions
Do not use by pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children, and people with liver and kidney dysfunction (relevant safety is unknown)
Do not use products from unknown sources, which may contain heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, mycotoxins, bacteria and antibiotics