Bee Pollen Granules

Pollen grains are microscopically small granules that are borne on the anthers of flowers. These are the male gametes of a plant that fuse with the egg to form the seed. These entities are collected by bees and rolled into granules that they carry back to their hives to feed their young ones. The worker bees use honey to pack the minute pollen grains into the pollen granules. They coat these granules with enzymes to prevent them from germinating. All these natural ingredients that are used in making the bee pollen granules make them one immensely nutritional power-packed natural food.

Benefits

These granules aid in weight loss. The high amount of lecithin contained in bee pollen helps in flushing out fat from body. It also contains the amino acid phenylalanine which is a natural appetite suppressant. Other than these methods, the granules also speed up the rate of metabolism that increases the amount of calories that one burns.

Another health benefit is that it slows down the process of aging. This it does as it is a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that are associated with a large number of degenerative diseases like cancer, heart diseases and aging. In their bid to neutralize themselves, free radicals obtain electrons from unwilling donors within the body that hampers normal functioning of the cells.

Bee pollen grains are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and mono and polyunsaturated fats. All these are important for a healthy immune system. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, pro vitamin A, B-1 thiamine, B-2 riboflavin, B-3 niacin and B-5 are a few of the various bee pollen vitamins and minerals that add up to bee pollen benefits.

Bee pollen granules are used to build resistance against allergic reactions. This process is known as desensitization. They contain substances that is recognized by our body as foreign entities. As a result the immune system is triggered off and it produces substances that provide resistance from allergies in future.

Bee pollen grains also improve sexual health of both men and women. In women it provides relief from the discomforts of PMS and in men it increases sperm count and also lowers the risk of prostate problems.

Other health benefits are:

• Research has shown that daily intake of bee pollen grains lower the level of bad cholesterol in body with no side effects.
• The nutrients contained in these granules are known to increase endurance and boost the levels of energy in individuals who consume it regularly.
• Bee pollen grains are very helpful in coping with stress.

Dangers

Despite all the health benefits there are certain health concerns that any individual, keen on consuming the granules should be aware of. One is the fact that bee pollen grains tend to absorb environmental pollutants present in the air. In case these grains come from a place that is heavily industrialized, then the same pollen grains that are termed 'the natural super food', become a potent source of toxins.

It is also ironic that though pollen granules are known to desensitize individuals against certain allergies, it may cause severe allergic reactions in some. This is usually the case with those who react severely against bee stings. In certain cases, allergens in these granules may cause anaphylactic reactions which can be fatal if immediate medical help is not provided to the patient. Other than these, there are certain other milder bee pollen side effects like gastrointestinal problems, headache and nausea that every user must be aware of.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers and individuals suffering from heart diseases are advised against the consumption of bee pollen grains. Also those who are on prescription medicines should consult their doctor before including pollen grain granules in their diet.

Benefits of bee pollen granules are numerous and side effects have been rarely reported. Nevertheless one should be alert for the possible side effects of these pollen granules. In case one does see signs that his body is reacting negatively to the consumption, then he should discontinue its use and contact his physician immediately.