04 Aug Why Is Everyone Talking About Bee Pollen?
Next time you see a little bee buzzing around in your garden stop and look at the build up of pollen covering its little legs and in fact most of it’s body! Busy little bees are doing what they know best and that is collecting nectar and picking up pollen to take back to the hive to keep the colony fed and clean.
These marvelous little creatures (we should really call them Chemists/Doctors/Nurses/Hygienists) go about doing what they are programmed to do with little thought to anything else. Little do they know how we humans can benefit from what they produce and collect.
We are continuing our look at “Bee Pollen” which is a mixture of flower pollen, enzymes, honey, wax and bee secretions etc.
In this article we will be looking at scientific findings that have come to surface with regards to Bee Pollen in particular its Anti inflammatory properties, its boosting the immune system properties, as well as its ability to reduce Menopausal Symptoms.
Anti Inflammatory Properties
Bee Pollen has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation and swelling. Animal studies show that up to a whopping 75% reduction of inflammation was observed in rat paws treated with bee pollen. In fact its anti inflammatory effects have been compared to several non steroidal drugs. It packs several compounds that can reduce inflammation and swelling. Bee Pollen has shown that it may suppress biological processes that stimulate the production of inflammatory hormones such as tumors etc.
Boosting Immunity and Killing bacteria
Recent finding show that Bee Pollen can boost the immune system helping you avoid illnesses and unwanted reaction.
It’s also proving to be a fore runner in a recent study in its ability to reduce the severity and onset of allergies.
It does this by reducing the activation of “mast cells” when these become activated they release chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction. It has also been noted that bee pollen extract was able to kill off potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella as well as those that cause staff infections.
Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes etc
There are many uncomfortable symptoms associated with the onset of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep disturbances.
In one study 71% of women felt that their menopausal symptoms improved while taking bee pollen. In another study 65% of women noted that their mood swings had reduced, so too did their sleep habits and their energy levels were improved. Along with this menopausal study conducted the participants also showed a reduction in their bad cholesterol (LDL) level and an improvement in their good (HDL) cholesterol.
Summary
Bee pollen supplements are generally safe to consume. However people with pollen or bee sting allergies, pregnant or lactating women and people on blood thinner such as Warfarin should avoid it.