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BEE
POLLEN |
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It's
a general tonic for the organism and assists in all processes
of healthy development and growth. |
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Other
characteristics and properties |
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Bee
Pollen is available from all areas of the world. Pollen is not
produced by bees, as is commonly thought, but simply gathered
by them from flowers, and it is the raw material for the production
of royal jelly.Bee pollen is considered by some to be the most
perfect food on earth in terms of its complete range of nutrients.
Every single microscopic grain of pollen is a biological unity
containing all that is necessary for life - vitamins, proteins
(it is 35% protein - as much as is found in beans or lentils
- five to seven times more protein than beef), twenty-one out
of the twenty-three known amino acids, carbohydrates, enzimes,
coenzymes, sugars, growth hormones, minerals, trace elements
(more than 25 trace elements account for 3.8 percent of pollen,
including every essential element), lipids [most of the fats
are essential fatty acids--70 percent alpha-linolenic (omega
3), 3-4 percent I linoleic (omega 6), 16-17 percent monounsaturated
and saturated].The nucleus of its cell holds the basic components
of life - the molecules of DNA and RNA, which determine the
function of all living cells. |
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Composition
- 100 gr contain: water 60,5 gr, proteins 20 gr, lipids or fats
4,5 gr, sugars 15 gr, a large amount of vitamins (A, group B
vitamins, C, D, E, PP, K - practically every vitamin known,
although B12 is low), minerals (calcium, manganese, phosphorous,
iron, sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium, copper), enzymes
and co-enzymes, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, thiamin, riboflavin,
ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), pigments, xanthophyll, carotene,
and sterols. |
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Pollen
is uniformly rich in carotenoids, bioflavonoids and phytosterols,
but the exact profile is variable depending on the plant sources
and growing conditions. However, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-sitosterol,
quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol find rutin have always been
present in analyses of bee pollen. |
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The
bioflavonoids are a major reason for pollen's many health
benefits. Bioflavonoids are a huge class of phytochemicals
that are widely distributed in food and medicinal plants.
The basic "three-ring skeleton" of all flavonoids
consists of two benzene rings linked to a pyran ring. There
are thousands of variations, based on the different constituents
that are bonded to positions around the rings.Epidemiological
studies have shown the higher the bioflavonoid intake, the
lower the risk for cardiovascular disease.Many bioflavonoids
are also powerful antioxidants. Bioflavonoids lower cholesterol,
stabilize and strengthen capillaries, reduce inflammation,
quell free radicals and are anti-viral, antibacterial and
anti-carcinogenic.Quercetin is an antihistaminic, anti-allergenic
and anti-asthmatic, proving to be valuable to asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, sinusitis, cold,
flu and allergies.Rutin tones capillaries, helping against
varicose veins, venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids and hypertension.Pollen
has many properties - it is:* tonic, nutritive and invigorating
- strengthens and nourishes the whole organism. |
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It
is used to build stamina and endurance. Used by athletes to
increase energy, strength and resistance to fatigue and muscular
effort. Effective for combating fatigue, exhaustion, depression.
Restores vitality - useful for convalescence and recovery
from illness and surgery* it is considered to be an allergy
"breaker"; start by taking homeopathic doses and
gradually increasing until the allergies are broken. Many
allergists also use it in the treatment of hay fever.* useful
against hypertension and nervousness* corrects and regulates
endocrine imbalances* has an anti-microbial effect* detoxifying
- Pollen extracts help the liver detoxify and protect it from
damage.In a laboratory study, mice were given lethal doses
of acetaminophen, with or without pollen extracts, and monitored
for 72 hours. |
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All
mice without pollen died in 24 hours, while a significant proportion
of those given pollen survived. Pollen was more protective when
given one hour after the acetaminophen dose, as opposed to one
hour before. In a prolonged study, mice were exposed to organic
solvent vapors 30 hours per week for three months, simulating
industrial exposure. This caused significant elevation of liver
enzymes, indicating that the detoxifying capabilities of their
livers were being stressed. Rats given pollen extracts had significantly
lower enzyme levels than control rats. The solvent exposure
also increased serum cholesterol (104 percent) and triglycerides
(37 percent) in the control rats; these increases were nearly
prevented in the pollen-treated rats.* useful against high cholesterol/triglycerides*
used to help treating cancer - several studies have been done
on the issue:Standardized pollen extract was judged an effective
treatment for prostate enlargement and prostatitis in double
blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. There were no significant
side effects. Pollen contains lycopene, beta-sitosterol and
numerous flavonoids which have been shown to inhibit the growth
of prostate tissue and reduce pain, inflammation and the risk
of prostate cancer. Mice implanted with lung carcinomas survived
almost twice as long when treated with pollen extracts versus
untreated controls. Pollen also increased the effectiveness
of standard chemotherapy medications when given simultaneously.
Unlike the medications, pollen did not directly attack the tumor,
but rather stimulated the immune system. |
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History
and Curiosities |
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Pollen
is a major food source for the bees, the workers travel from
flower to flower collecting pollen in special "baskets"
on their legs. Workers collect more than the hive needs, so
beekeepers have devised screens to scrape off some pollen as
the bees enter the hive.Some pollens are lightweight and dry,
and designed to be dispersed by the wind. Other pollens are
heavier and sticky and designed to attach to visiting insects.
These pollen grains are like microscopic "hitchhiker"
burrs that hikers pick up on their socks, and are primarily
the type found in bee pollen. |
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While
collecting bees perform the service of pollinating plants. Wind
borne pollens are responsible for most pollen allergies, not
sticky pollens. In fact, regular consumption of bee pollen can
provide significant relief from allergies.Bee pollen sold in
granules is usually the least processed. The granules should
be pliable, and smell and taste flowery and sweet-tart, similar
to raw honey. The characteristic "flowery" taste of
raw honey is due to small amounts of pollen in the honey. Some
processing of pollen is necessary because the pollen grains
have two tough outer coats surrounding the nutritive contents.
The bees' digestive systems are designed to cope with these
coats, but those of humans, cats and dogs are not. Consequently,
better manufacturers gently crack pollen before it is packaged.
Pollen sold in plastic bags should always be stored under refrigeration;
sealed containers should be refrigerated after opening. Fresh
raw pollen is in effect fresh produce, and needs to be treated
as such.Granules may be encapsulated, pressed into tablets or
chewable wafers or finely ground for use in foods and beverages. |
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