It was chosen as an ingredient of Wonderup because: it's a general tonic for the organism and assists in all processes of healthy development and growth

Other characteristics and properties:
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.

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.

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.

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. 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. 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.

History and Curiosities:
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. 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.

[previous: milkthistle] [back to ingredients' list] [next: rosehip]