How To Buy Bee Pollen?
More and more people are discovering the potential health benefits of bee pollen. While studies are inconclusive, some research indicates that bee pollen acts as an anticarcinogen, helps control weight gain, can extend longevity, and provides other benefits. Additionally, as a rich source of vitamins and minerals, bee pollen serves as a valuable food supplement. And besides, many people just think it tastes good!
For the uninitiated, the first question that arises is: how do I buy bee pollen? Many of us are accustomed to purchasing processed foods, easy to select at your supermarket and consume back at home. Purchasing bee pollen may present some uncertainty at first.
For the most part, bee pollen is widely available in three forms: granules, capsules, or tablets. Bee pollen granules are the rawest form of this food product, and are unprocessed; you can purchase granules at your local health-food store, on-line, or directly from a beekeeper. The granules, which are small pellets collected directly from beehives, can be mixed with cereal, yoghurt, or a healthy drink, for instance, or just eaten by the teaspoonful. (Some consumers may find the raw taste strong, but many grow to like it.) Granules should be stored in the refrigerator and may not keep for a long time, particularly if you purchase 100 percent natural granules directly from a beekeeper; if you purchase a large quantity, you can also freeze the granules yourself, in an air-tight container.
Granules may be sold freeze-dried; this process is generally nondestructive, as it only removes water. However, you should avoid granules that have been heat-dried, as this may destroy many of the pollen’s natural nutrients.
Bee pollen capsules and tablets are widely available, but in many cases the pollen is processed before being encapsulated. While this renders the pollen easy to store and consume, the processing may reduce some of the potential health benefits. Bee pollen granules are naturally encased in a light shell, which is removed when the granules are processed and encased in capsules or pressed into tablet form. While removing the shell may make digestion easier, it also exposes the pollen’s natural ingredients — the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients — to light and heat, both of which will diminish their effectiveness. Those with digestive problems might consider purchasing capsules, but the natural shells of granules are very light and easily digested by all but the most sensitive.
If you do choose to purchase capsules, be sure they are manufactured to strict standards. A legitimate bee pollen processing plant must meet all local health codes through regular inspections and testing for quality. Some capsule manufactures, particularly those based overseas, might not meet these rigid standards, and may even sell a contaminated product; you will lose out on any health benefits. Ensure that the capsules you purchase are GMP-compliant (“Good Manufacturing Practice”) — this designation indicates an international standard of quality control for various foods and pharmaceuticals, enforced through national agencies in the European Union, Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan, Iran, India, and many other countries, 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.
Some capsules may combine bee pollen with other bee products, such as royal jelly (a honey bee secretion that is fed to bee larvae), bee propolis (a resin that bees collect from trees and other plants, used by bees as a sealant in their hives), and even honey; all of these bee products have been shown to have health benefits. As above, ensure that the capsules you buy are from a legitimate source, and recommended by your health food salesperson.
Where can you buy bee pollen, in any of its forms? Your local health food store might be the first place to look, as you will find a wide selection of bee products and (hopefully!) a knowledgeable salesperson who can answer your questions. There are numerous sites on the Internet that sell bee pollen, and some of these sources may not be legitimate; if you are unfamiliar with the vendor, try to do some research, and get recommendations from independent sources, before purchasing on-line. The vendor should be able to tell you exactly where he sources his pollen. And as a general pointer, it makes sense to purchase from a vendor who, if not local, at least is based on your continent.
Or, best of all, purchase your bee pollen granules directly from a local beekeeper. Your Chamber of Commerce should have information on beekeepers in your area; many will sell either directly at their farm or through a local store. Buying locally not only helps your local farmers — and your local economy — but also reduces the environmental impact of transporting food products over long distances. Also, you will know that your product is fresh and unprocessed. But, as such, the pollen may not last a long time, so be sure to keep your pollen refrigerated and purchase only quantities that you will consume over a short period of time, or freeze some yourself.
