 |
 |
What is Bee Pollen – and Should You Eat it?
ShareWhat is Bee Pollen – and Should You Eat it?
Have you heard the buzz? People are popping bee pollen in everything – from their toast to their smoothie. But if you haven’t tried it, perhaps you’re wondering what is bee pollen – and should you eat it?When you buy bee pollen, you’ll see it looks a little like tiny pieces of honeycomb. The sweet golden granules are collected by bees when they hop from flower to flower. It’s basically bee food for baby bees (cute!) – except now it’s also human food.
Is bee pollen healthy?
In a nutshell, yes. But as with everything in the world of nutrition, it’s important to separate the facts from the hype.Heralded as a superfood, bee pollen is said to be a complete food with almost all the nutrients humans need for good health.
But this is where experts are divided. There’s little scientific evidence to support claims that bee pollen is anti-aging or can detoxify the body. And much of the reported benefits appear to be anecdotal.
That being said, one thing experts can agree on is that bee pollen boasts some impressive nutritional properties. For instance:
- Bee pollen contains 40% protein.
- It’s stacked with B vitamins and folic acid.
- Appears to be anti-inflammatory.
Is bee pollen safe?
If you’re keen to try bee pollen, a word of warning: steer clear if you have a bee allergy. Because eating the pollen can still trigger anaphylactic shock. Most manufacturers suggest starting off with a small amount, before building up to the standard dose.If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your healthcare professional will likely also tell you not to have been pollen. And vegans should note that bee pollen is considered to be an animal product.
Keeping bee pollen? Best to store it in the fridge, in a sealed container. Impressively, it stays fresh in the freezer for up to a year.
Curious about trying bee pollen? Visit your local dietitian or nutritionist for personalised advice.
Printer Friendly Version
References
Related Modalities
Dietitian Nutrition
