Is Bee Pollen the Answer to All Your Allergy Problems?

Many of us suffer from seasonal pollen allergies. This one causes a stuffy and itchy nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Many over the counter allergy relief medicines, while effective, can make us drowsy and bring down our energy levels quite a bit. Some say that a good alternative might just once again be offered to us by nature . Our little friends – the bees in the form of bee pollen.

What is Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen is pollen from the plants which bees collect, mix it with their saliva and nectar or honey and take back to their hives, where it ferments in the honeycomb until it turns into their food, the so called “bee bread”. It is the main source of protein for bees. Bees collect pollen from many different plants. Thanks to that bee pollen varies in colour, shape, and nutritional content. Therefore bee pollen is always different based on geographical location and type of plant, so it is very important what type of bee pollen you use.

A Magical Cure for All Your Allergies?

There are many online sources which claim that bee pollen can help as an allergy relief. In some cases, even cure allergies, but there is no scientific proof for that. The main idea is to fight a specific pollen allergy with bee pollen produced by the same plant. This means that in case you are allergic to birch tree pollen, you would need to take bee pollen from a hive that is near some birch trees in order to feel the difference. If you want to try, you should start taking bee pollen daily a few months before the allergy season starts, so your body becomes desensitized. Even though a lot of people swear on it and there are many testimonials online of bee pollen eliminating peoples allergies altogether, there is still no firm scientific evidence that bee pollen really does help with allergies. Nevertheless, there are many other health benefits that come from taking bee pollen. That might make you consider adding it to your diet. It might help you stay healthy.

Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is known to have many health benefits, such as:

• nutrients, such as proteins, carbs, enzymes and amino acids;
• antioxidants, which help to lower the risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes;
• anti-inflammatory properties; wound healing, especially healing from burns;
• it protects liver from damage;
• it boosts the immune system;
• it helps with symptoms of menopause.

It should be advised that if you are allergic to bee stings or you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding or taking blood thinners, you should be very careful and definitely consult first with your doctor before taking bee pollen.

How to take Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen is sold in its natural granule shape and you can take it by the spoon. You can soak the granules in water for several hours or overnight, so it is easier to digest. In case that you are not sure whether you are allergic to bee pollen or not, you have to be careful and might want to start taking very small doses first. Start by taking a ¼ or ½ teaspoon and gradually work up to a tablespoon daily.

You Can Mix Bee Pollen with Other Foods

Bee pollen has a bitter taste, which is why some people prefer to take it in capsule or a tablet form, but that is not the only solution. If you do not like its taste, you can easily mix bee pollen with other foods, for instance, you can sprinkle it on some yogurt, or add it to your granola or even make smoothies with it.