The “Buzz” on Bee Pollen

By Carla Bearup

Bee Pollen has long been an important ingredient in Chinese herbal remedies. This is probably because they knew that these little granules are nutritionally rich. Though athletes have been known to take bee pollen as a supplement it actually can be considered a “superfood.” Bee pollen is constituted of carbohydrates and protein but is also rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.

Reported uses of bee pollen are for:

relieving constipation,

antioxidant action,

strengthening the immune system,

and bee pollen is a natural energy booster.

Since bee pollen can have a bitter taste here are a few great ways to get your daily intake. Mix a ½ teaspoon into your favorite tea, breakfast drink, smoothie, salad dressing or soup.

Bee pollen uses are not just for humans, but has shown results for use in horses and dogs, particularly those animals that are “working” or “performance” animals. The use of bee pollen in horses helps build muscle improving their conditioning. It can also increase their endurance, their appetite and their nutrient retention. This is particularly helpful for athletic horses that need to keep weight on and those that may not get the opportunity to graze frequently. (Horses naturally get pollens in their diet through grazing.)

For dogs as much as horses bee pollen is beneficial by aiding in better endurance, performance, enhances skin and coat and promoting overall health. It can also be taken to help elevate mood in stressful times of the animal. 

Bees sure know how to pack a lot into a little package and now you do too. Enjoy this superfood and all its “perks.”

(Note of warning: if you have an allergy to pollen or bee products it is not recommended that you use bee pollen. Use could trigger an allergic reaction.)

Get your natural “buzz” on with this bee pollen breakfast drink.

Peach Berry Bee Pollen Blast

1 cup frozen peach slices

6 oz to 8 oz pineapple juice

1 cup (frozen or fresh) strawberries

½ bananas

1 tsp bee pollen

1 tbsp honey

1/8 tsp nutmeg

Put all ingredients in blender except bee pollen, blend until smooth. Stir in bee pollen at the end and pour to drink. Makes 3 servings.

Carla Bearup is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and an enthusiastic "foodie." Passionate about the health of our country and our children, she is pursuing research in whole foods, whole foods cooking and all natural diets.