Bee Pollen Benefits

What are the ways in which bee pollen benefits human health?

That’s actually a difficult question to answer. Because there are numerous claims about the benefits of bee pollen, but as of yet, there is little corroborating scientific evidence. There have been some controlled studies about the potential health benefits of bee pollen – some with very interesting results.

But for the most part, the claims about bee pollen benefits are anecdotal and unconfirmed by controlled studies. Does this mean that all the claims about the benefits of bee pollen are invalid?

Not necessarily. Claims of bee pollen benefits that have not been scientifically examined are simply unproven. Which means, of course, that they have not been scientifically proven to be either true OR false.

The good news? There’s little harm in experimenting upon yourself by taking bee pollen. There are some potential bee pollen side effects you should be aware of before taking a pollen supplement. But most likely, at the very worst you’ll add some important nutrients to your diet, even if you experience no other benefits.

So, let’s take a look brief look at some of the ways in which bee pollen has been claimed to be beneficial. Again, there’s little more than anecdotal evidence of the validity of most of these claims. But in some cases, there’s a LOT of anecdotal evidence.

Bee Pollen and Allergies

Many people feel that they have been helped with their allergies by consuming bee pollen. It’s thought that bee pollen may help to desensitize the body to the allergens that most commonly cause allergy and hay fever symptoms.

Eating unfiltered, local honey may also help in diminishing allergy symptoms. Local honey, produced within a few miles of where you live, contains grains of the pollens that are predominate in your area. By consuming honey that has not been filtered, you will also consume a small amount of pollen, which may help reduce your allergic response to local airborne pollens.

Bee Pollen and Weight Loss

Bee pollen may be helpful to some in controlling or losing weight. It contains an amino acid called phenylalanine, which acts as an appetite suppressant. Though unproven, pollen is believed by many to stimulate the body’s metabolism, increasing the rate at which calories are burned.

Bee pollen also contains a significant quantity of lecithin, which helps to flush fat from the body.

Bee Pollen and Energy

Many people who supplement their diet with bee pollen believe that it boosts their energy. Bee pollen has long been popular among athletes. From the original Olympic athletes of ancient Greece to modern day Olympic athletes, many have used bee pollen in the believe that it helps to increase energy levels and enhance endurance.

Though at least one study has indicated bee pollen does little to boost athletic performance, it remains a popular supplement among athletes.

Bee Pollen and Prostate Health

Bee pollen may help to maintain prostate health, and even reverse the effects of prostatitis. And this is one claimed bee pollen benefit that has been substantiated in a controlled study.

Bee Pollen and Cancer

Yes, bee pollen has even been claimed to be a cure for cancer. In fact, as with many of the perceived benefits of bee pollen, this is a claim that has been around for centuries.

Could there be any truth to this claim? Well…maybe – at least a grain of truth. Because interestingly, a recent study focused upon a bee pollen extract, and found that it may indeed have some cancer fighting properties.

…And Many More

We’ve really just listed a few of the more popular of the claimed health benefits of bee pollen. A complete list of all of the health benefits that have been attributed to bee pollen throughout the ages would be a VERY long list.

So what are we to think about bee pollen?

Is it a miracle substance, or is it of little value as a nutritional supplement? Given the lack of hard evidence, that’s something that persons considering taking a bee pollen supplement must decide for themselves. More studies are needed to determine and validate the true range of potential bee pollen benefits.

In the meantime, though, it’s fair to say that the many ways in which bee pollen MIGHT be of value to human health are, at least, intriguing to consider.