Is bee pollen good for you?

Answer 1

No, Bee pollen claims to be able to do many things and while many people claim the effects are amazing the FDA has ruled there is no benefits to be pollen that could not be gained from taking a simple daily vitamin.

No scientific study supports any claim that bee pollen is effective against any human disease. The few studies that have been done to test its effect on athletic performance have shown no benefit [1-3]. In the mid-1970s, for example, tests conducted on swimmers and cross-country runners found no difference in performance between those who took bee pollen and those who took a placebo [2]. A six-week study of 20 swimmers published in 1982 found no performance difference [3].

It has been speculated the presence of these allergens might enable regular users to become desensitized (as would happen with allergy shots). However, the odds of this happening are extremely small. Shots deliver the pollen in significant and controllable amounts, whereas bee pollen taken by mouth delivers unpredictable amounts that get digested [4].

The pollen is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% minerals and vitamins, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances. It contains very small amounts of many substances considered to be antioxidants, including betacarotene, vitamins C and E, lycopene, selenium, and flavonoids all of which can be found in regular diet, and by taking a daily multi-vitamin.

Serious allergic reactions to bee pollen have been reported, including potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. These reactions occurred with small amounts of bee pollen, less than one teaspoon.The potential for serious reactions is widespread because at least 5% of Americans are allergic to ragweed pollen, and bee pollen contains pollen from ragweed or plants that cross-react with ragweed, such as dandelions, sunflowers, or chrysanthemums. Most of these case reports were with people with known Allergies to pollen.

Unsubstantiated Claims of Bee pollen:

Bee pollen has been used to enhance energy, memory and performance. Proponents of bee pollen offer a wide range of claims regarding its nutritional and healing properties. These include enhancing the immune system, controlling weight, relieving allergy symptoms, increasing strength, improving sexual function, enhancing vitality and stamina, slowing the aging process, and prolonging life. Bee pollen is said to strengthen the immune system through its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are used to deactivate free radicals in the body. Free radicals are byproducts of oxygen that can damage cells and are linked to many degenerative diseases, especially those associated with aging. They are also associated with the aging process itself. Antioxidants may block further damage and even reverse much of the cell oxidation already done. Bee pollen is suggested to help counteract the effects of radiation and environmental pollutants that weaken the immune system, supporters say. Bee pollen corrects the deficient or unbalanced nutrition, common in the customs of our present-day civilization of consuming incomplete foods, often with added chemical ingredients, which expose us to physiological problems as various as they are numerous. None of these claims have been substantiated by scientific studies.

References:

1. Steben RE, Boudroux P. The effects of pollen and pollen extracts on selected blood factors and performance of athletes. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 18:271-278, 1978.
2. Larkin T. Bee pollen as a health food. FDA Consumer 18(3):21 22, 1984.
3. Maughan RJ, Evans SP. Effects of pollen extract upon adolescent swimmers. British Journal of Sports Medicine 16:142-145, 1982.
4. Wandycz K. Allergies: Runny nose? Itchy throat? Bee pollen helps some allergy victims, but for most people it's a waste of money. Forbes, April 25, 1995, p 414.
5. http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/bee.html

Answer 2

Bees collect pollen from flowers, and use it as a food source (along with nectar, also collected from flowers). People can also use this pollen as a nutritional supplement.

Answer 3

Yes definitely....