Flower pollen - 500g

Flower pollen, also known as bee pollen or pollen pellets

Flower pollen - what is it?

Pollen  is collected by bees from blooming flowers of plants and trees, then mixed with a small amount of their saliva or nectar and then formed into balls, it is carried on their legs to the hive. When flying into the hive, the bee passes through the so-called bottom pollen catcher, where the pollen loads are precipitated onto a tray, from which the beekeeper later obtains this bee treasure.

Fresh pollen itself contains approx. 35% water after collection, so in order to protect it from mold, excess water should be removed by drying - this process takes approx. 3-4 days until the water content is at least 6%. The next step is pollen purification - pollen naturally contains small impurities from the hive such as wax, parts of bees or small grass elements, so it is carefully sifted on sieves and winnowed on a winnowing machine to obtain the purest raw material possible. The last stage involves a 2-3 day freezing process at -18 degrees Celsius, which has antibacterial functions and protects it from microorganisms.

Depending on the plant  the pollen comes from  , its surface may be rough, hooked or sticky, etc. The colour of  bee pollen  also varies depending on the flowers from which it is collected. It is mainly yellow and in shades of this colour, but naturally, darker pollens may also appear in the pollen, such as blue phacelia, dark pollen grains from gooseberries or black pollen beds from poppies. Colour also has an impact on taste, because spring pollens tend to be soft, light and delicate in taste, while the further into the season it takes on many colours, and their grains tend to be darker, harder and bitter in taste, but it is their biological diversity that guarantees the richness of so many beneficial micro and macro elements.

Flower pollen - properties:

Analyzing and studying the nutritional and therapeutic values  of bee pollen , antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive and anticancer properties, anti-radiation, as well as liver protective properties were discovered. In the grains of  bee pollen , originating from various plant species, the presence of over 250 substances was found.

Their basic groups include:

- proteins and amino acids: proteins are a key nutritional element for honey bees and other insects. 32 amino acids have also been identified in pollen, and their content can be up to 12%. Among them are, among others, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, alanine, proline, serine, histidine, glycine and others.

- lipids and fatty acids: fats are an important component of pollen - these grains are covered with a layer of fat, which not only attracts bees to collect them (yes, these insects also need fat!), but also allows for better adhesion to the body of workers. As many as 12 fatty acids have been discovered in pollen, including palmitic, linoleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids.

- carbohydrates and sugars: pollen contains various carbohydrates, including fructose, glucose and maltose, as well as smaller amounts of arabinose, ribose, isomaltose and many others.

- minerals:  pollen is also rich in minerals and macro and microelements.  The isolated elements include potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, silicon, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, selenium and others.

- vitamins:  as far as vitamins are concerned, the following have been identified in bee pollen: A, B1, B2, B3, E, C, B6, PP, P, D, H, B12, folic acid, inositol, biotin and pantothenic acid, as well as quercetin.

- enzymes and organic acids: in addition, there are enzymes in pollen, such as amylase, invertase, phosphatases, peroxidases and others, of which a total of 42 have been identified.  Among the organic acids, we can find malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid and many others.

How to use pollen?

Pollen grains have a natural two-layered shell - the inner layer is called intine and is made of cellulose. The outer layer, called exine, is saturated with sporopollenin, which gives the wall hardness and durability and protects it from spoilage. Even potassium hydroxide and concentrated hydrochloric acid, which is contained in gastric juice, do not break down the aforementioned exine, which is why it is important to use pollen properly to be able to take full advantage of its health properties.


Method 1:  In the evening, add 20-40 grams of pollen to a glass of lukewarm boiled water (max. 40 degrees Celsius) and mix. After the solution has stood for 6-8 hours, drink in the morning on an empty stomach (approx. 30 minutes before the first meal). Optionally, you can add a spoonful of honey (we recommend coniferous honeydew, for the synergy effect of bee products) or lemon juice to improve the taste of the resulting mixture. This method is supported by the largest amount of literature in the field of apitherapy and according to the research of  prof. dr hab. Ryszard Czarnecki  we will achieve even 8-10 times greater absorption of this product than its direct consumption.

Method 2:  Add 1 tablespoon of bee pollen to yogurt, oatmeal, kefir at least half an hour before consumption to dissolve the pollen. The lactic acid contained in dairy products will help to pre-decompose the pollen grain shell and increase its absorption, and the sweet and bitter taste of the pollen works great with such dairy products.

Method 3:  Grind a portion of pollen in a millstone or mortar - slowly break down the pollen into smaller particles or open its grains, which makes it easier for the body to absorb.

Method 4:  Mix pollen legs in honey - due to the various contents of organic acids, the reaction of honey is acidic, which can positively affect the decomposition of the pollen shell and increase the absorption of this bee product in our digestive tract.

We encourage you to use the first method, and if the pollen does not dissolve completely, or you are not convinced by this form of consumption, you can use another method or combine these methods freely to achieve the best results and find pleasure in using it.

Flower pollen is an extraordinary wealth of nature, which is characterized by a unique bittersweet taste, which may not suit everyone. To slightly reduce the bitter taste, it is worth considering adding a delicate note of honey and juicy lemon. Honey will add a subtle sweetness, harmoniously balancing the characteristic bitterness, while lemon will enrich the taste experience, adding freshness and a drop of acidity. What's more, both of these ingredients will not only improve the taste of the pollen, but also enrich it with additional nutritional values, making its consumption not only a pleasure, but also a health benefit, and what's more, many sources confirm that when combining bee products with each other, a synergy phenomenon occurs and these products increase and accelerate their beneficial effects.


How long should you use pollen?

Bee pollen treatment should last from 8 to 12 weeks - after this time it is worth taking a 2-3 week break. This break is needed by the body to properly process the substances contained in the pollen. This prevents too high a supply of any vitamin or some amino acid or microelement. The treatment can be repeated two or three times. It is best to use bee pollen treatment in the fall during the flu season and in early spring when the body is weakened by the lack of sun and vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits.

Why is it worth using pollen of Polish origin?

Using our own domestic pollen means that we are dealing with the same allergens that we deal with every day. This gives us the certainty that the pollen will not negatively affect our health and we will avoid previously unknown allergies or allergic reactions.

 
Flower pollen – contraindications and side effects

Remember!  Flower pollen, like any other bee product, can cause allergies. Therefore, we recommend caution in the case of people suffering from allergies. It is always worth consulting a doctor to determine the details of using bee products.

Before the first consumption, it is worth performing allergy tests, and also slowly introducing this product into your diet, starting with smaller portions and slowly increasing them.  Allergies to natural substances are relatively rare, but if they occur, you should immediately stop using bee products.

Potential side effects of consuming bee pollen include, among  others  , a runny nose, hives on the skin, persistent headache, nausea and diarrhea. Bee pollen is also called flower pollen, so people allergic to pollen from flowers, grasses and trees should also be especially careful when consuming it. 


Bee Pollen in Pregnancy

After discussing the possible side effects of consuming bee pollen or exclusions, another important question cannot be omitted: can pregnant women consume bee/flower pollen?  As it turns out , this is a product that can definitely be included in the diet during this special period.  Pollen will not only make the taste experience more pleasant, but will also contribute to the proper development of the child.  It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that support the immunity of expectant mothers.