Bee Pollen

Question 1

What is bee pollen and how is it made?

Answer 1

It’s collected by honeybees from flowers, mixed with nectar and enzymes in the hive, and serves as a key food source for the colony.

Question 2

What is the energetic quality of bee pollen in traditional nutrition?

Answer 2

Yang, highly nutritive, sweet, and warming.

Question 3

What is the protein content of bee pollen?

Answer 3

Around 30%, with a third being essential amino acids.

Question 4

Besides protein, what are the major components of bee pollen?

Answer 4

Carbohydrates (up to 50%), fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients including flavonoids, and phenolic acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 5

Name three health benefits of bee pollen.

Answer 5

Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory action, and cardiovascular support.

Question 6

How does bee pollen help with allergies?

Answer 6

It inhibits histamine release from mast cells, helping with hay fever.

Question 7

How should bee pollen be taken for hay fever?

Answer 7

1–2 tsp daily, starting at least 4 weeks before allergy season.

Question 8

What are common ways to include bee pollen in the diet?

Answer 8

Add to yoghurt, cereal, smoothies, fresh juice, or sprinkle on salads.

Question 9

What are the cautions for bee pollen use?

Answer 9

Discontinue if allergic symptoms appear; avoid during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects.

Question 10

What are the benefits and clinical applications of bee pollen?

Answer 10

1. Antioxidant- protects cells from oxidative stress associated with cancer and atherosclerosis.
2. Anti-inflammatory- through inhibition of COX and LOX.
3. Cardiovascular disease- decreases LDL and lipid oxidation.
4. Aids recovery - adaptogenic (increase resistance to stress).
5. Anti- allergy activity - inhibits histamine.