Bee Pollen Products | Bee Pollen Health

Bee Pollen Recipes

Even if you know about the various health benefits of bee pollen, you may not like the taste. Many grow to like the flavor of the raw granules over time, but it’s an acquired taste. And eating granules is the best way to gain full benefit from bee pollen; capsules and tablets are processed, and some of bee pollen’s nutrients lose their effectiveness when the granules are broken down during processing.

However, eating flavorless or distasteful raw granules by the spoonful is not your only option; you can combine bee pollen granules with different foods, making flavorful snacks or drinks that give you all the health benefits of bee pollen. Thirty-five grams of bee pollen, or 1.2 ounces, will provide your body with all of your daily protein needs. That’s about 2-3 tablespoons of granules; you’ll be obtaining protein and other nutrients from plenty of other foods that you eat throughout the day, so 2 tablespoons might be a maximum daily dosage. One tablespoon per day, just before physical exercise for instance, is more than enough for most people.

The easiest way to blend bee pollen with other foods is to create a fruit shake or other drink in a blender. For an easy blender drink :

Mix 1 banana, 2 prunes (cooked and pitted)
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon honey
Teaspoon lemon juice
Teaspoon orange juice
And 1 teaspoon bee pollen

This is a good breakfast energy drink. You can add a little milk, or even a bit of peanut butter for extra protein.

For another breakfast drink that will give you all the bee pollen you need for the day, mix 1 cup of apple juice or orange juice (pure juice only: no sugar added) :

1 banana
1 egg
1 tablespoon honey
And 1 tablespoon bee pollen granules
Mix in a blender

Bee Pollen Recipes

For Christmastime, try the following eggnog concoction :

Mix 2 beaten eggs
with 2 tablespoons honey
And 2 tablespoons bee pollen granules
Blend together well
Then beat in 2 cups cold milk (or, even better, soy milk)
And teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg

This makes two servings. Whether you want to add a healthy shot of whisky and a dash of rum and make a true holiday libation is up to you.

For dessert, try a bee pollen ice cream float :

Start with 2 cups of fresh peaches, or some other fresh fruit
And mix in a blender with cup honey and 2 cups milk, Once this is blended well, add 2 more cups of milk
1 teaspoon bee pollen granules
Teaspoon almond extract
And 2 cups vanilla ice cream
Blend again until smooth
Put two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a large bowl
Pour your blended mixture over the ice cream
And top off with more fresh fruit if desired

It may take more than one person to finish off this rich dessert.

You can also use bee pollen to flavor popcorn, rather than using butter. Heat ? cup vegetable oil in a saucepan; when hot, add half a cup of uncooked popcorn kernels. Shake until the kernels have popped; remove from heat. Then grind 1 teaspoon of bee pollen in a coffee grinder or flax seed mill; sprinkle over your popcorn along with salt and/or sugar to taste.

Any of these recipes will make bee pollen more palatable; even if you grow to enjoy the taste of raw granules, you’ll want to mix it up with these energy drinks and snacks.

Tagged : Apple Juice, Beaten Eggs, Bee Pollen Capsules, Bee Pollen Granules, Benefits Of Bee Pollen, Blender Recipes, Christmastime, Cold Milk, Different Foods, Eggnog, Energy Drink, Flax, Fruit Shake, Ground Flax Seeds, Health Benefits Of Bee Pollen, Orange Juice, Physical Exercise, Prunes, Tablespoon Honey, Teaspoon Lemon Juice

Honeycomb Honey

Honeycomb Honey

Most people purchase honey from a market or grocery store, in a jar; the branded honey you find in stores is a healthy substitute sweetener or spread for toast and pancakes. But this honey has been purified, first by the beekeeper, who filters out larger pieces of wax and pollen, and then by the manufacturer, who purchases honey wholesale from beekeepers and subjects the honey to further filtration, considerably thinning the honey in the process.

Many beekeepers sell honey directly to customers, bottling it under their own brand or simply in plain jars. This is considered raw honey, as the degree of filtration is minimal and the honey remains thick and rich. By purchasing directly from a beekeeper, you are also supporting local agriculture in your area and alleviating the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances.

However, the rawest form of honey you can purchase is honeycomb honey. Honey bees make their own honeycombs out of beeswax, forming hexagonal cells, filling them with honey that they make from nectar they collect from flowers and then sealing the filled cells with more beeswax. Domesticated bees manufacture these honeycombs on wooden frames in their hives; the frames are designed such that they can be removed. When all the cells are filled and capped, the beekeeper will remove the frame, cut off the beeswax caps, and extract the honey by centrifugal force, spinning the frame and honeycomb in an “extractor,” which is a sort of spinning device. The beekeeper then replaces the frame in the beehive, with the beeswax honeycomb intact. The bees will diligent clean the cells and immediately begin adding new honey; they are saved from the work of having to construct a new comb.

Honeycomb Honey

Some beekeepers, however, will carefully remove the honeycomb from the wooden frame, keeping it intact, cut the honeycomb into pieces, and sell it whole, usually charging by weight. This is the rawest form of honey you can purchase. There are many ways to eat comb honey; you can simply cut off a small piece and put it in your mouth, chewing it and rejecting the wax parts. Or, cut off a piece and spread it on hot toast; the wax will melt somewhat, and you can eat it along with the honey and toast. The wax will not hurt you; in fact, because bee pollen is usually embedded in the wax, by eating the wax you’ll get the health benefits of consuming bee pollen.

Many beekeepers will also sell “chunk honey”: wide-mouthed jars of raw honey with a piece of comb honey inside. With chunk honey, you can spoon out pure honey to sweeten your tea and also break off small pieces of the comb to spread on your toast. Chunk honey is usually sold in fairly large jars, to accommodate the piece of comb.

Because of its raw state, as well as the natural health properties of both honey and the bee pollen that is embedded in varying quantities in the wax comb, many people extol the health benefits of comb honey. A traditional New England remedy advises that one chew honeycomb during allergy season to alleviate sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes; start chewing a week or two before allergy season begins. Comb honey has also been recommended to treat scarring and skin infections (rubbing the honey on affected areas), and as an all-purpose face moisturizer, mask, and body scrub. Honeycomb honey contains bee pollen, fructose, glucose, proteins, enzymes, and other nutrients; honey’s antibiotic properties have often been cited.

If you regularly eat honey but have never sampled honeycomb, it’s well worth trying.

Tagged : Beehive, Beekeeper, Beekeepers, Beeswax, Centrifugal Force, Comb Honey, Environmental Impact, Filtration, Grocery Store, Hexagonal Cells, Hives, Honey Bees, Honey Honey, Long Distances, Nectar, Pancakes, Raw Honey, Sweetener, Wooden Frame, Wooden Frames

Bee Pollen VS Bee Venom

Bee Pollen VS Bee Venom

Choosing a Natural Home Remedy Bee Pollen v. Bee Venom

Traditional Chinese medicine is beginning to pop up throughout the world of traditional medicine. The more pill and drugs that companies create, the more side effects and problems that patients experience. In a world where healthcare is changing rapidly, millions of people are walking out of hospitals doors and into the warmth of a holistic care center. Holistic medicine uses natural home remedies to treat a variety of ailments in the human body. Bees are often used in supplements, teas and detoxification wraps for their mysterious byproducts that offer a wealth of goodness for the human body. Bee pollen and bee venom are two of the most well known and widely used supplements.

Bee Pollen

If someone told you that a daily supplement would change your life completely would you believe them? Probably not without substantial medical research to back up the claim. Luckily that is exactly what you will find with bee pollen supplements. The majority of research on this nutrient is completed in Australia and Europe. Studies are broken down into two main categories weight loss and cancer research. After over 1000 clinical trial patients, researchers have found that bee pollen is a key supplement in helping people loose substantial weight. Due to the fact that bee pollen is filled with every possible nutrient our bodies need, it is able to give our bodies all of the vitamin and minerals it needs on a daily basis to function at its best. This helps increase the bodies overall digestive and elimination functions. Bee pollen works as a gentle detoxifiying supplement and also burns fat. Patients who take bee pollen as a part of their weight loss programs will loose up to 40% more weight than those who take placebos.

In the world of cancer research bee pollen has been shown to decrease the risk of ovarian, prostate and breast cancer. It also help increase sexual drive, stamina and desire in both men and women. Current clinical trials have yielded that patients who take bee pollen supplements while undergoing harsh radiation and chemotherapy are significantly less likely to exhibit adverse side effects from the treatments such as hair loss and nausea. Those same patients are also more likely to overcome their cancer versus those that did not take bee pollen. The studies are still underway but the benefits are undeniable.

Bee Venom

Since the beginning of B.C., medicine men in Eastern Asia have used bee venom or bee sting therapy to heal people. This practice continues to exist throughout Korea and Europe. During a session, a person is likely to be stung 80 times. Bee venom, like other bee byproducts, is packed with powerful amino acids, nutrients and vitamins. Bee venom also has a special peptide bond that allows it to have anti-inflammatory properties. The most common use for bee sting therapy today is in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Bee sting therapy has been studied intensely since 1988 and is a popular choice for those patients that do not wish to continue the use of extensive drug plans that show little to no improvement in their condition. Bee venom reduces free radical damage that causes fluid on the synovial joints while also decreasing swelling and pain associated with various types of arthritis.

Tagged : Ailments, Bee Pollen, Bee Venom, Breast Cancer, Byproducts, Cancer Research, Chinese Medicine, Daily Basis, Detoxification, Dri, Europe Studies, Holistic Care, Human Body, Natural Home Remedies, Natural Home Remedy, Sexual Drive, Substantial Medical Research, Substantial Weight, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Medicine, Vitamin And Minerals

Vital Bee Pollen Information

Vital Bee Pollen Information

People have been eating bee pollen as a food supplement for centuries. The ancient Chinese used bee pollen for restorative purposes, or to improve vitality and stamina; ancient Egyptian and Hebrew texts, as well as the Bible, also mention the consumption of bee pollen. In more recent times, studies have shown a correlation between bee pollen consumption and longevity (particularly in the Caucasus Mountains region), and that bee pollen can be effective as a supplement in the treatment of everything from insomnia, nausea, infections, and low blood pressure to heart disease and even cancer. Why do we know so little about this seemingly miraculous natural product?

Bee pollen, sometimes called “ambrosia,” is a food for bee larvae; worker bees collect pollen from various plants, mix in a little honey, and feed the composite directly to their young. (Bee larvae destined to become queen bees are fed a different composite, known as “royal jelly.”) Beekeepers generally collect deposits of bee pollen from their hives, and then sell the raw granules directly to customers, or distribute the product through local health-food stores, farmers, markets, and other outlets.

Why is this simple by-product so valuable? The pollen grains contain male germ cells that all plants produce as part of the propagation process. Bees have a sixth sense about which grains to collect, selecting only “entomophile” grains, which are richer in nutrient value than other grains. The grains are a rich source of vitamins, containing active carotenoids (which convert to Vitamin A in the body), various B-Complex vitamins, Vitamin C and trace amounts of Vitamin E, Vitamin K (in fermented pollen), rutin, and other vitamins.

Bee pollen also contains a wide assortment of minerals, including calcium, iron, copper, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and more, in various concentrations, plus nearly 60 vital trace elements. These are all present in bee pollen in a form that is easily digestible by humans.

Northwest Bee Pollen Vital Bee Pollen Information

Bee pollen has a protein content of around 20 percent, on average. Nearly half of this protein is in the form of free amino acids — exactly 22 amino acids, present in varying proportions. This is a much greater concentration of amino acids — 5 to 7 times as great — than can be found in beef, eggs, or other foods containing proteins. These amino acids are indispensable to our diets; they cannot be synthesized by our bodies, and must be obtained in the foods we eat.

Various other essential nutrients can be found in bee pollen, including sugars (natural sugars, glucose, reducing sugars, and non-reducing sugars); carbohydrates, including starches; and a variety of fats and oils, including essential fatty acids. The presence of these fatty acids may account for bee pollen’s favorable effect on the skin. Also, certain enzymes are found in bee pollen; enzymes serve as catalysts in the digestion of food, and bee pollen is thus thought of as a digestive.

All of these vital ingredients are found in bee pollen in a proportion that is beneficial to our health; royal jelly contains a similar mix of nutrients, but bee pollen is considered to be a more stable supplement.

The best way to consume bee pollen is by eating raw granules, either by the spoonful, mixed in with yogurt or cereal, or blended with other ingredients into a health drink. Some people complain about the chalky taste, but most get used to it. The granules can be purchased at most health-food stores, or directly from a beekeeper; it is important to not heat the granules, and in fact to store them in a cool place; raw granules are unprocessed, and should be consumed relatively quickly after purchase.

Many people purchase bee pollen in capsule or tablet form; this may be easier, particularly for those with weak digestive systems, but in the process of encapsulating bee pollen, the nutrients may lose some of their effectiveness. The process involves breaking or removing the hard shells that surround the raw granules, and the effectiveness of the pollen’s nutrients may dissipate.

Although some studies indicating bee pollen’s benefits to our health are incomplete or inconclusive, only limited side effects have been noted, particularly to consumers who are allergic to bee stings. If you are allergic to bee stings, proceed with caution.

It is very easy to enjoy the benefits of this natural health product, as research into its benefits continues and the product becomes more readily available.

Tagged : B Complex Vitamins, Bee Pollen, Carotenoids, Caucasus Mountains, E Vitamin, Farmers Markets, Food Supplement, Health Food Stores, Hebrew Texts, Iron Copper, Little Honey, Low Blood Pressure, Male Germ Cells, Mountains Region, Nutrient Value, Pollen Grains, Pollen Information, Queen Bees, Vital Trace Elements, Worker Bees

Bee Pollen Supplements

Bee Pollen Supplements

The health benefits of bee pollen have been known for centuries. This amazing natural product, collected by bees from flowers and deposited in their hives, contains a wide assortment of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, beneficial fatty acids, and other nutrients that we require on a daily basis for good health. And, in bee pollen, these nutrients are concentrated, so eating only a small amount of bee pollen on a regular basis can have enormous benefits.

Because of bee pollen’s high concentration of essential nutrients, it has been recommended by health practitioners for treatment of various ailments, including insomnia, nausea, infections, low blood pressure, heart disease, and more. Some studies suggest that bee pollen may used as a supplement in the treatment of cancer; other studies attribute longevity to regular consumption of bee pollen. Chinese medicine recommends bee pollen as an energy boost, improving vitality and endurance, or to help in recovering from a chronic illness. Others use bee pollen to reduce cravings, thereby helping to manage addictions.

Many of these studies are incomplete or inconclusive, but the results are certainly positive, and adverse reactions to bee pollen have been mostly limited to those who are allergic to bee stings. If you are indeed allergic to bee stings, consuming bee pollen may trigger an anaphylactic reaction, so proceed with caution, or take another health supplement instead.

There are many ways to consume bee pollen; in its rawest form, bee pollen can be purchased as granules at a health food store or directly from a beekeeper. These granules can then be eaten raw by the spoonful, mixed with yogurt or cereal, or blended in with a health drink. However, many find that the chalky taste of raw granules takes some getting used to.

Bee Pollen Supplements

These days, more and more bee pollen supplements are available on the market, offering a range of attractive options for the consumer. These supplements are generally available in either capsule or tablet form.

There are pros and cons to bee pollen capsules. In the process of converting the raw granules into a form that can be encapsulated, the hard shells of the granules are usually broken or removed. This certainly aids digestion, and can be a good solution for those with sensitive gastro-intestinal systems. Also, producers of capsules often claim that, by removing these hard shells, the nutrients that are found within bee pollen can be more easily digested. However, our bodies are able on their own to break down the hard shells, thus releasing the nutrients directly into our systems. Cracking the shells beforehand may actually expose these nutrients to heat and light, thus oxidizing the nutrients and rendering them less effective.

If you decide that a capsule, tablet, or other supplement the best way for you to benefit from bee pollen, begin by sourcing your capsules from a local manufacturer — at least, one from your own country. Not only will your supplement be required to conform to health and pharmaceutical regulations imposed by your country, but by “buying local,” your purchase will have to travel a shorter distance to get to your health food store, thus reducing the environmental impact of transporting products over long distances.

Ensure that the supplement you purchase is pharmaceutical grade. Generally, a supplement that you can rely on must be GMP-compliant (“Good Manufacturing Practice”) — this indicates an international standard of quality control for various food supplements and pharmaceuticals, enforced through national agencies in countries throughout the world, as well as through the World Health Organization. Consult with a salesperson at your health food store to help you pick out the best brand of capsule.

Likewise, there are a wide variety of bee pollen tablets available at health food stores and on the Internet. As with capsules, consuming tablets may be helpful for those with sensitive digestive tracts. Plus, it’s just easier! However, in processing the tablets, some of the effectiveness of the nutrients may be lost. Consult with an expert your health food store, or with a medical practitioner, for advice.

Other bee pollen supplements may actually be a combination of various bee products, including royal jelly (a secretion that honey bees feed to their larvae), bee propolis (a resinous substance that bees collect from various plants and use in the construction of their hives), and simple honey. These by-products all have potential health benefits.

Tagged : Amino Acids, Anaphylactic Reaction, Attractive Options, Bee Stings, Beekeeper, Benefits Of Bee Pollen, Chinese Medicine, Daily Basis, Energy Boost, Enormous Benefits, Essential Nutrients, Fatty Acids, Granules, Health Benefits Of Bee Pollen, Health Drink, Health Food Store, Health Practitioners, Health Supplement, Low Blood Pressure, Vitamins Minerals

How to Purchase Bee Pollen

How to Purchase Bee Pollen

The potential health benefits of bee pollen are manifold: various studies have indicated that bee pollen acts as an anticarcinogen, strengthens the immune system, increases energy and endurance, builds resistance to allergies, and more. Because bee pollen contains so many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that are vital to human life, it can be a valuable food supplement for just about anyone.

However, many first-time buyers may be uncertain about how to purchase bee pollen. Generally, it is best to purchase bee pollen in its rawest state: granules. You may be able to purchase the freshest granules directly from a local beekeeper; call your local chamber of commerce to find any beekeepers in your area. Bee pollen from beekeepers is usually 100 percent natural — it is not processed or preserved — and thus the effectiveness of the nutrients is not compromised. Ensure that the granules have not been subjected to any heating or drying process, as this reduces the nutritional value; but because the granules are so “raw,” some beekeepers may freeze them, which is perfectly acceptable. And if you don’t consume your bee pollen granules within a short period of time, be sure to refrigerate the pollen, or freeze some yourself for later use.

How to Purchase Bee Pollen Image How to Purchase Bee Pollen

You can also purchase bee pollen granules at your local health food store; ensure, again, that the granules have not been processed or preserved, or subjected to a heating process. (Freeze-dried granules, on the other hand, should be perfectly OK.) Consult with the salesperson to make sure you’re getting the best product. And as with raw granules purchased from a beekeeper, be sure to refrigerate your store-bought granules, and consume them before their expiration date.

Some people simply eat bee pollen granules by the spoonful; however, others are initially put off by the strong flavor. You can sprinkle granules in yogurt or cereal, or mix them in a blender if you’re making fruit smoothies. They should be eaten raw; don’t cook them.

Bee pollen is also available in capsule form; capsules are easier to keep and consume, and many people may prefer this convenience. Bee pollen capsules should be GMP-compliant (“Good Manufacturing Practice”); this designation indicates that the capsules have met an international standard of quality control, as all GMP-compliant foods and pharmaceuticals must pass rigid testing undertaken by national and international agencies.

The disadvantage to capsules is that the raw granules are processed prior to encapsulation, and in the course of processing, the natural shell that forms the outer layer of each granule is broken down, allowing some nutrients to escape. Some capsule manufacturers may claim that, by breaking down the natural shell, the nutrients within become easier to digest, but skeptics point out that these nutrients are first exposed to oxygen and light, which oxidize and break down the nutrients themselves, rendering them ineffective. In any event, our bodies are perfectly capable of naturally breaking down the shells that encase the raw granules, so capsules should only be considered by those with particularly weak digestive systems.

However you purchase and consume your bee pollen, the benefits are well worth the effort.

Tagged : Amino Acids, Anticarcinogen, Bee Pollen Granules, Beekeepers, Benefits Of Bee Pollen, Blender, First Time Buyers, Food Supplement, Fruit Smoothies, Health Benefits Of Bee Pollen, Health Food Store, Increases Energy, Local Chamber, Local Health Food Store, Nutritional Value, Potential Health, Salesperson, System Increases, Vitamins Minerals, Yogurt

Bee Populations

Bee Populations

If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.

~ Albert Einstein

WHY ARE BEE POPULATIONS DECLINING?

Bee populations around the world are in freefall. For the past few decades, global reports have shown that bee populations are in precipitous decline. In North America, since the 1980s, four common species of bumblebee have declined in absolute numbers by 96 percent, and the geographic range of these four species has declined almost as dramatically. In Great Britain, out of twenty-five species of bumblebee, three are already extinct and a dozen others have shown population declines of up to 70 percent.

This is an alarming trend. Bee populations are a crucial component of global ecosystems as pollinators, transferring pollen from the stamen (the “male” part of a plant) to the pistil (the “female” part) and thus allowing for plant propagation. Other factors such as wind and rain also help in this transfer of pollen, but bees account for a significant percentage. Up to 90 percent of commercial plants worldwide are pollinated by bees, and up to a third of all human food products originate from plants pollinated by bees — most fruits, many vegetables, some grains including grains used in animal feed, and more. Honey bees and bumblebees are both effective as pollinators, depending on local conditions such as temperature; bumblebees are more effective in colder climates, and they are hairier than honey bees and can thus carry more pollen.

BumbleBee

Various factors might account for this phenomenon, generally known as “colony collapse disorder.” New diseases that affect bees, rapidly changing habitats particularly around urban areas, and the increasing use of pesticides all play a role. Specifically, some species of bumblebee that are in severe decline have been found to be infected with a pathogen called Nosema bombi, which reduces the lifespan of individual bees, resulting in smaller colony sizes. Also, bumblebee populations have exhibited lower genetic diversity, which render the bees less effective in fighting off new pathogens, resisting pollution, and evading predators. Even cell phone radiation has been cited as a possible cause.

One harmful factor has been the varroa “vampire” mite, which literally sucks the juice out of bees. Beekeepers, however, often fight this predator with pesticides — which also have negative consequences for the bees themselves. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stepped in, and is attempting to inform beekeepers about the latest research in combating mites and other factors that are dangerous to bees.

Increased pesticide use in general has been cited as a major factor in some regions. For instance, in the past few years, a new bacterium has appeared in Florida, threatening the orange crop in that state. Given the importance of oranges to Florida’s economy, pesticide use has increased dramatically to combat the bacterium, but as a result the state’s bee population has been affected. An examination of various components of bee colonies in a few dozen U.S. states and Canadian provinces — hives, honey, wax, pollen, and bees themselves — has unearthed over a hundred different pesticides. The prevalence of such toxic residues is troubling.

It is critical to find solutions to this problem before our own food cultivation is negatively affected. Efforts in this direction might begin with greater public awareness of how critical pollinating bees are to our food chain. Most people think of bees as a nuisance, and when they do research on bees, the aim is usually to find out how to get rid of them. Many beekeepers report difficulty in finding locations to raise their bees that are acceptable to neighboring communities, and there have even been reports of vandalism at some hives. Some people are disturbed by overblown reports of “killer bee” invasions; others who get stung by bees attempt to sue a nearby beekeeper. We should be encouraging beekeepers to continue with their important business, rather than driving them to other lines of work.

Some efforts are being made to preserve or restore an environment that is friendly to bees. Pollinating bees can be encouraged through the establishment of wildlife preserves, the creation of diverse landscaping particularly in built-up areas, the preservation of prairie lands, and other efforts. This kind of environmental preservation has countless benefits, other than encouraging bee populations. Also, more research could be done on finding alternatives to pesticides, or finding effective pesticides that are not harmful to bees.

Some parasites that have decimated bee populations have been isolated, and the infected bee colonies treated successfully.

Despite these successes, bee populations continue to drop, and more research is needed to ensure that these pollinators can continue to perform their all-important task.

Tagged : Absolute Numbers, Alarming Trend, Albert Einstein, Bombi, Bumblebee, Bumblebees, Colony Collapse Disorder, Commercial Plants, Declining Bee Populations, Earth Man, Face Of The Earth, Global Ecosystems, Global Reports, Honey Bees, Pistil, Plant Propagation, Population Declines, Precipitous Decline, Use Of Pesticides, Wind And Rain

Bee Hive Products and Your Health

The Buzz on Bee Products

PRoyal jelly isn’t the only treasure from the honeybee hive that might contribute to human health.

Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer, might have been wiser to search for a beehive than for a fountain of youth in his quest for longevity. The queen bee of a honeybee hive can live up to five years, whereas worker bees live an average of 40 days. What accounts for her majesty’s long life? Bee product enthusiasts believe it’s her diet of royal jelly, a nutritious, white, milky substance produced in the glands of worker bees, that keeps the queen humming for so many years. These enthusiasts contend that consuming royal jelly may enhance human longevity as well.

Royal jelly isn’t the only treasure from the honeybee hive that might contribute to human health. Honey, propolis and bee pollen have been shown to boost the human immune system and to help ward off allergies, illnesses and even cancer and heart disease. As bee products can cause health problems in people sensitive to bee stings, visit your health care professional before using them.

Worker bees make honey from nectar sipped from the hearts of flowers. To produce a pound of honey, bees have to make about 37,000 trips to the fields collecting flower nectar and pollen. In the hive, the liquid nectar is dried and stored in honeycombs that are then sealed with wax. Inside the sealed comb the honey ripens and can last for many years.

Honey contains up to 80 different substances including vitamins, trace minerals and live enzymes. Honey fanciers revere raw over commercially strained honey, which can lose from 33 to 50 percent of its vitamin content through the preparation process. Bakers often prefer using honey over sugar in breads and sweets because the honey helps these foods stay moist and fresh for longer periods of time.

Raw honey may also speed the healing of infected wounds and burns, and it appears to have antibacterial, antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, 58 people with wounds that resisted antibiotics for more than two years experienced healing after one week of topical honey application. Researchers believe it may be the honey’s acidity, drying power or a bacteria-killing ingredient called inhibine that helped heal the sores [British Journal of Surgery, July 1988, as cited in Health from the Hive (Keats) by Carlson Wade].

BeehiveBeeProducts Bee Hive Products and Your Health

Bee propolis, also called bee glue, is made from tree propolis, a sticky resin that seeps from the buds and bark of certain trees. Bees gather propolis and blend it with wax flakes secreted from glands in their abdomens. Bees sterilize their hive by coating it with propolis. Its natural antiseptic qualities ensure a clean environment for healthy brood rearing.

Shown to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, propolis has been used as a natural antibiotic. One component of honeybee propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), is known for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA, Aug. 1996). Although the molecular basis for these properties isn’t known, propolis has been used to stimulate immune responses, soothe allergies, and reduce susceptibility to colds and flu.

Studies by Polish researchers showed that besides fighting bacteria and fungi, propolis stimulates some enzyme actions, inhibits the growth of protozoa, accelerates bone formation and regenerates tissue [Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1980, vol. 30, as cited in The Honest Herbal (Pharmaceutical Products Press) by Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D.].

Royal Jelly: Full of Nutrients

royeljellyimage Bee Hive Products and Your Health

Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is a thick, milky-white substance made from bee pollen in the bodies of nurse bees who care for the brood’s eggs. It offers an abundance of B vitamins as well as vitamins A, C and E. It also contains 20 amino acids, fatty acids, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese and acetylcholine. This milky substance also contains gamma-globulin, an immune-stimulating substance.

According to a recent review article, royal jelly could be used to fight atherosclerosis — the deposition of fat in arteries. In animal studies, royal jelly decreased blood serum lipid and cholesterol levels. In addition, it retarded the formation of fatty arterial deposits in the aortas of animals fed a high-fat diet. The same article also reviews controlled human trials using royal jelly to reduce hyperlipidemia and reports a significant reduction in total blood serum lipids and cholesterol levels and normalization of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (Experientia, 1995, vol. 51).

Studies in humans also indicate doses of royal jelly (50 to 100 mg. per day) decreased total serum cholesterol levels by about 14 percent and total serum lipids by about 10 percent. “It’s believed royal jelly decreases resorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and increases its excretion in the bile so that less cholesterol and other fat is available in the circulation,” say the authors, adding that royal jelly may also suppress the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver (Experientia, 1995, vol. 51).

Bee Pollen and Congress

Bee Pollen

Known for its reputed anti-allergy effects, bee pollen has made a believer out of at least one U.S. Senator. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) credits a bee pollen and herb product for curing his seasonal allergies. Plagued by airborne allergens, the senator was persuaded by former Iowa Representative Berkley Bedell (who says alternative remedies cured him of Lyme disease, prostate cancer and allergies) to try an anti-allergy bee pollen regime. Harkin proclaims his allergies were cured, and takes bee pollen and herbs daily when symptoms occur (USA Today, July 22, 1993).

As a result of his success with this natural therapy, Harkin became a leading force in establishing the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM). Funded in 1992 by the National Institutes of Health, the OAM was instituted to investigate and validate therapies most doctors ignore such as the therapeutic uses of bee pollen and shark cartilage.

Bee pollen contains all 22 known amino acids and all 28 minerals found in the human body. It’s a particularly good source of the B-complex vitamins. It’s been praised as effective in the treatment of conditions as diverse as low blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and mental fatigue, writes Carlson Wade in Health From the Hive (Keats).

Frances Albrecht, M.S., C.N., is a nutrition counselor and a distance learning instructor at Bastyr University. This story is produced by Bastyr University in Seattle, Wash., which offers a program in naturopathic medicine (N.D.); bachelor’s degrees in the natural health sciences; and master’s degrees in nutrition, acupuncture and Oriental medicine. For information, contact Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive NE, Bothell, WA 98011; 206-823-1300.

Tagged : Bee Hive, Bee Pollen, Bee Products, Bee Stings, Flower Nectar, Hive Products, Honey Bees, Honeybee, Honeycombs, Human Immune System, Human Longevity, Infected Wounds, Live Enzymes, Queen Bee, Raw Honey, Royal Jelly, Spanish Explorer, Trace Minerals, Vitamin Content, Worker Bees

Bee Pollen Health Facts II

Bee Pollen Health Facts II

Bee Pollen has a dramatic effect upon mental perception during athletic performances.

The I.Q.’s of mentally-handicapped children taking bee pollen have been nearly doubled during documented clinical tests.

Experiments by French doctors have revealed that pollen contains both natural antibiotic properties and significant growth factors.

Bee pollen provides those chemical substances from which are used to create glands, muscles, hair and vital organs. In addition, it also furnishes those essential materials that are necessary for the repair of any worn-out cells or tissues.

Bee pollen also produces regulatory (amphoteric) activity upon the gastro-intestinal functions, both in relation to chronic constipation and certain cases of diarrhea that are highly resistant to synthetic antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, bee pollen regulates the intestines by destroying or weakening any harmful bacteria while simultaneously promoting the growth of health-giving species (intestinal flora).

Bee Pollen Health Facts II Image 2 Bee Pollen Health Facts II

Bee Pollen is extremely valuable as an adaptogen by assisting in both weight gain or loss, as well as in the reduction of hypertension or increasing the overall metabolic functions. Bee pollen both regulates and stimulates the metabolism in the human organism by supplying the missing factors (or catalysts) that other foods do not provide while neutralizing the catabolic effects of various toxins, environmental pollutants, synthetic drugs or food additives, thereby producing healthier cells, improved health and well-being and a longer life-span.

Bee pollen enhances the metabolism by creating endless chain reactions throughout the entire system. The essential minerals and other natural elements in bee pollen act as catalysts, and are responsible for the assimilation of that portion of foods which would normally have been eliminated without yielding the energy, essential nutrients and other benefits (which usually occurs on a regular basis with most adulterated foods).

Bee Pollen accelerates the normal cellular processes throughout the entire organism, and acts as a catalyst in order to stimulate intercellular metabolic activities without profoundly modifying normal physiological activity.

The overall effects of bee pollen are multiple, i.e., it does not appear to possess only one specific physiological function but, rather, activates the systemic biological functions.

Elements that exist in microgram quantities (such as those found in bee pollen) can interact with co-enzymes as catalysts, or can act synergistically (i.e., the elements’ action combined is greater than the sum of their actions taken separately).

During many years of testing, bee pollen has been notable for its lack of harmful side-effects. Few medications rank with bee pollen in terms of its lack of toxicity. It is a completely natural product that is well tolerated by the body and compatible with all other forms of therapy. In addition, it is easy to digest and suitable for all ages. Furthermore, it provides increased protection and greater resistance against any invasive or harmful pathogenic bacteria, and provides increased and sustainable energy-levels throughout the entire organism.

In convalescents, bee pollen creates a rapid increase in both weight and energy-levels, and from 1 to 3 tablespoonsful should be taken daily by invalids or those in a poor state of health who require total rejuvenation (such as the elderly).

Bee pollen is also successful in treating hypertonic illness, as well as disorders of the nervous or endocrine glandular systems. It produces the desired stabilizing effects of either increasing low blood pressure or reducing high blood pressure. In addition, it provides a calming and tranquilizing (sedative) effect without any contraindications or harmful side-effects.

Bee Pollen Health Facts II Image Bee Pollen Health Facts II

Bee pollen is highly recommended for both mentally-retarded and anemic children, as well as for those suffering from rickets. Test results indicate a significant increase in red blood corpuscles (up to 30 percent) and an increase in the hemoglobin count (averaging about 15 percent). When these children are given supplementary doses of bee pollen and glutamic acid, their overall improvement is dramatically accelerated. The action of glutamic acid reacts directly upon the brown cells of the brain. Improvement is generally observed within the first 6 months, and reaches its peak towards the end of one year. The prescribed dosage is approximately 4 grams, 3 times a day.

Pollen contains large quantities of acetylcholine, which plays a varied and important role in the functional capabilities of the entire organism by provoking increased adrenaline secretions. It also acts as a chemical mediator for the transmission of nerve impulses, which may explain why pollen stimulates increased glandular secretions while acting as a tonic to the entire nervous system.

By stimulating the secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex, bee pollen assists in regulating (1) salt and water metabolism, (2) neuromuscular function, (3) carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, (4) resistance to many physical and chemical agents or infections, and (5) increased activity upon hair growth, skin and sexual functions (including the improvement of secondary sexual characteristics).

Bee pollen also stimulates both adrenal and liver secretions in order to allow the liver to secrete additional quantities of glycoge, thereby elevating the blood sugar levels (which greatly benefits those with symptoms of hypoglycemia).

Allergy attacks brought on by bee pollen are normally produced by wind-carried pollens, and not by bee-collected pollens. Wind-generated pollens usually stimulate a cleansing process throughout the entire respiratory tract, especially among those who consume excessive quantities of mucus-producing foods during the winter months.

Bee pollen may be safely administered by everyone, even those persons who are prone to allergies such as hayfever, as they will usually suffer no ill-effects. Allergenic properties are always neutralized by the nectar and enzymes secreted by the bees. Raw honey has been specifically recommended by many professional allergists as having an immunizing effect upon the majority of pollen-stimulated allergies. This is usually a direct result of the pollen and related substances that are found in both unfiltered and uncooked honey which, when ingested, form a natural oral immunization against allergies.

In Sweden, pollen extracts or concentrates are obtained from two different types of extracts, namely (1) hydrosoluble cernitin (T60), and (2) lipoidsoluble cernitin (GBX1). There are 60 mg. of cernitin T60 and 3 mg. of cernitin GBX1 in “cernilton”, which is unsurpassed in preventing and reducing common virus infections and related infectious conditions (due to its interferon activity). These pollen extracts are capable of penetrating cell walls, thereby being directly absorbed into the cells. This allows them to directly stimulate interferon production, thereby increasing the normal resistance against virus attacks (such as influenza and other viral infections). Vaccines are ususally only effective against viral attack from one specific virus, however, protection is normally afforded against most types of viruses when the cells are stimulated to produce interferon. Bee pollen also produces significant increases in both leukocytes and epitrocytes. The natural antibiotics found in pollen (of which penicillin is merely a prototype) will prevent the growth of certain microorganisms.

Additional medical properties found in pollen include: (1) bacteriostatic (arrests the growth of harmful pathogenic bacteria), (2) cytophylactic and cytotoxic (cellular defense against infection and toxins), and (3) anti-anorexic (stimulates increased appetite, but only for those who lack it).

Bee pollen also displays an effect similar to that of the drug amphetamine in that it acts as a “psycho-tonic”. However, it does not manifest any depressive side-effects.

Bee pollen allows significantly increased amounts of oxygen to reach the brain and the cells in general, thereby resulting in improved overall health and mental capabilities.

Bee pollen will also accelerate increased tissue repair throughout the entire organism, thereby making it extremely effective in the removal of scar tissue following surgical operations.

Bee pollen is extremely effective in small doses, and its overall effects are usually quite prolonged.

Tagged : Adaptogen, Antibiotic Properties, Athletic Performances, Bee Pollen, Chronic Constipation, Endless Chain, Environmental Pollutants, Essential Minerals, Essential Nutrients, Food Additives, French Doctors, Harmful Bacteria, Health Facts, Human Organism, Intestinal Flora, Intestinal Functions, Metabolic Functions, Natural Elements, Synthetic Drugs, Vital Organs

Bee Pollen Health Facts I

Bee Pollen Health Facts I

Bee Pollen is one of the richest natural foods ever discovered, and the incredible nutritional and medicinal value of pollen has been known for thousands of years.

Bee pollen grains contain the male germ cells that are produced by all flowering plant species. It plays an essential role in the fertilization and propagation of these plants.

One teaspoonful of bee pollen contains approximately 1,200 pellets or 2.5 billion grains, each of which has the capacity to supply those factors that are necessary in order to fertilize and reproduce the particular plant species that it represents (such as a fruit, grain, flower, or tree). Pollen is composed of myriads of microspores that are produced in the anthers of flowers and in the cones of conifers. Each grain measures approximately .002 inches in diameter and each bee-collected pellet contains approximately two million grains of pollen.

Bee Pollen Health Facts I 3 Bee Pollen Health Facts I

Bees are extremely discriminate about selecting the best pollen from the millions of grains that are present. Of these, only two types are found, namely, anemophile pollen grains (which are not collected by bees, and produce allergic reactions) and entomophile pollen grains (which are collected by bees, and possess greater nutrient content). It is apparent that the bees only select those grains of pollen that are rich in all the nutrients, especially nitrogenous materials. The bees mix the pollen grains with a sticky substance that is secreted from their stomachs, which allows the pollen to adhere to their rear legs in “pollen baskets” in order to safely transport it to their hives.

Bee pollen contains the richest known source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats, as well as significant quantities of natural antibiotics. Most of the known vitamins in pollen exist in perfect proportion, which further enhances their value.

The protein content of bee pollen (including certain peptones and gloculins) ranges from 10 to 35 percent (according to its plant origin). Forty to fifty percent of this may be in the form of free amino acids. All pollens contain the exact same number of 22 amino acids, yet different species produce varying amounts. The amino acids found in whole dry pollen fluctuate between 10 and 13 percent (26.88% protein or albuminous substances). This equals from 5 to 7 times the amino acid content found in equal weights of beef, milk, eggs or cheese.

Bee pollen contains from 10 to 15 percent natural sugars, including fructose, glucose, pentose, raffinose, stachyose and sucrose. These are essentially the same simple natural sugars that are found in honey, and which exist in easily-digested chains and bonds. Many are converted to a predigested form by the enzymatic action of the bee’s salivary glands.

The highly-resistant exterior wall membranes of bee pollen are composed of sporonine and cellulose. Until recently, this complex carbohydrate was unextractable from pollen and was the major cause of low bioavailability and rare allergic reactions to bee pollen which some people experienced.

Bee Pollen Health Facts I 4 Bee Pollen Health Facts I

Bee pollen also contains lecithin, amines, nuclein, guanine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, vernine, waxes, gums, resins, hydrocarbons (0.57%), sterols (0.6%), polypeptides, DNA, ribose, desoxyribose, hexuronic acid, vegetable oils (5% average) and various growth factors.

Certain enzymes are also present in bee pollen, and are the essential biological catalysts during the digestive process (bee pollen also aids in the proper digestion of other foods). The enzymes found in bee pollen include amylase, catalase, cozymase, cytochrome, dehydrogenase, diaphorase, diastase, lactic acids, pectase and phosphatase.

The water content of fresh bee pollen ranges from 3 to 20 percent. This water content must be carefully removed by proper dehydration methods (desiccation) in order to retain its fragile elements, as well as to preserve the total integrity of its properties.

Bee pollen also contains active antibiotic substances that immediately destroy harmful pathogenic bacteria upon contact.

Bee pollen usually contains nectar and saliva. When mixed with honey, this pollen may be stored in comb cells where it undergoes a lactic acid fermentation process in order to produce “bee bread” (which contains high levels of vitamin E and K).

Bee pollen is superior to both honey and royal jelly, and possesses a similar (but more stable) composition to that of royal jelly. The overall stability of bee pollen is more advantageous when used in dietetics, as well as an effective form of skin care during corrective dermatology. Since pollen contains fatty acids, this may account for its favorable effect upon the skin and dermal tissues. The anti-fungal action in human perspiration is due to the presence of certain fatty acids such as caprylic, propionic and undecyclenic acids.

Many of the active ingredients in bee pollen consist of substances (such as hormones) that accelerate plant growth.

Tagged : Allergic Reactions, Amino Acids, Anthers, Bee Pollen, Flowering Plant, Health Facts, Male Germ Cells, Microspores, Myriads, Natural Antibiotics, Nutrient Content, Plant Species, Pollen Baskets, Pollen Bees, Pollen Grains, Protein Content, Rear Legs, Sticky Substance, Tree Pollen, Vitamins Minerals