There are many benefits of bee pollen for human consumption but let’s look at bee pollen health benefits for men!
Bee pollen
Scientific research has promoted numerous lesser-known foods to the category of superfoods. Among them is bee pollen that has surprising health benefits. Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions. Honey bees collect pollen from plants and transport it to the beehive, for storing it as food for the colony. Bee pollen is rich in amino acids, vitamins, lipids, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and over 250 active substances.
What is bee pollen made of?
- Carbs 40%
- Protein 35%
- Water 4-10%
- Fats 5%
The pollen’s nutrient content depends on the plant source and the season when they are collected. For e.g., pollen from date palm has 35% protein, whereas pollen from pine plants has 7% protein content. Read the label to know about the plant source.
Health Benefits of Bee Pollen
1. Anti-oxidant Properties
Antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids in bee pollen protect from damage to the body caused by free radicals. Free radicals may be linked to chronic diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes.
2. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial Properties
Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which help fight against chronic inflammation and infections. Its anti-microbial property helps kill potentially harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, salmonella, pseudomonas, and those that cause staph infections.
3. Reduces Bad Cholesterol
It lowers the risk of heart disease by decreasing blood cholesterol, especially bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, and high blood lipids. In cases of myopia caused by clogged arteries, bee pollen supplements may lower blood cholesterol levels and increase the field of vision.
4. Improves Body Functions
It boosts liver function and helps detoxify the body. It helps protect the liver from toxic drug overdoses and heals the liver. Besides, it also helps heal wounds, burns, cuts, and scrapes. Test tube studies show that it inhibits tumor growth and stimulates apoptosis in the prostate, colon, and leukemic cancers.
5. Boosts Immunity
It improves nutrient utilization in your body, boosts metabolism, and thereby also speeding up weight loss. It boosts immunity and increases longevity.
Bee Pollen Health Benefits for Men
1. Increases Sexual Performance
The Greeks called it ambrosia, and men used it to increase their sexual activity and to also boost energy levels. Bee pollen has the male reproductive cells of flowers and has zinc, making it a natural libido elevator.
Research done at the University of Sarajevo in Yugoslavia found that bee pollen effectively treats impotence in men aged between 20 and 52 years of age. It enhances mood, decreases stress, increases sperm count, and also helps improve fertility. Tests also showed that sperm motility, viability, vitality, and stamina increased on taking supplements containing bee pollen.
2. Prevents Prostate Cancer
Men commonly suffer from enlarged or inflamed prostate glands, which affects their sexual performance. Bee pollen reduces the pain of inflammation and helps to shrink the prostate. By treating chronic prostate inflammation, it helps lower the risk of prostate cancer.
3. Helps in Muscle Development
It is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which help in building muscles and strength.
How to use
Bee pollen is available as granules, capsules, or tablets. It is available at health stores or from beekeepers.
Soak the granules in water for a few hours to make them more digestible. You can sprinkle it on cereals, salads, granola bars, popcorn, dark chocolate, bread spreads, coffee, or blend them into smoothies with yogurt.
You can usually start with 1/8th to 1/4th teaspoon a day and gradually increase it to up to six teaspoons a day after consulting your doctor.
Precautions
- Buy it from a reputed seller and read the label to see the source of its origin.
- People with pollen, honey, and bee sting allergy should avoid bee pollen as it can cause itching, swelling, shortness of breath, and also anaphylactic shock.
- Sufferers of allergic asthma, blood disorders, and liver disease should avoid bee pollen.
- It is not safe for pregnant and lactating mothers.
- If you are on blood thinners like warfarin, it is better to avoid bee pollen, as it can increase bleeding.