10 Potential Health Benefits of Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions. Foraging honey bees collect pollen from plants and transport it to the beehive, where it’s stored and used as food for the colony.
Bee pollen shouldn’t be confused with other bee products such as honey, royal jelly, or honeycomb. These products may not contain pollen or may include other substances.
Recently, bee pollen has gained traction in the health community because it’s loaded with nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and over
Many studies have examined the health effects of bee pollen and found promising results. This article reviews 10 potential benefits of bee pollen and the studies backing up these benefits.
Bee pollen boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It contains over 250 biologically active substances,
- proteins
- carbohydrates
- lipids
- fatty acids
- vitamins
- minerals
- enzymes
- antibiotics
- antioxidants
Interestingly, the
For example, bee pollen harvested during springtime has a significantly different amino acid composition than pollen collected during the summer.
SummaryBee pollen contains over 250 biological substances, including protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. The exact nutrient composition depends on the plant source and season collected.
Bee pollen is loaded with a wide variety of antioxidants,
- flavonoids
- carotenoids
- quercetin
- kaempferol
- agglutination
Antioxidants protect your body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Damage by free radicals is linked to chronic diseases such as
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It’s worth noting that the
SummaryBee pollen contains a wide variety of antioxidants, which may protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases, including cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease is the
Both high blood lipids and high blood cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Interestingly, bee pollen may lower these risk factors.
For instance, animal research, such as this
Additionally, antioxidants in bee pollen
SummaryBee pollen may help lower heart disease risk factors such as LDL (bad) cholesterol and lipid oxidation.
Your liver is a vital organ that breaks down and removes toxins from your blood.
Animal studies, such as this
This same study also found that bee pollen antioxidants may help safeguard the liver against damage from several toxic substances, including drug overdoses. According to a
However, few human studies have assessed bee pollen’s effects on liver function. More human studies are needed to establish health recommendations.
SummaryAnimal studies suggest that bee pollen may boost liver function and protect this organ from harmful substances. However, more high quality human studies are needed.
Bee pollen has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation and swelling.
In fact, a
A 2024 in vitro study found that bee pollen from acorn and darae (a type of kiwi) exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers from this study also believe bee pollen could be a promising alternative to current anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs and corticosteroids. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Bee pollen packs several compounds that can reduce inflammation and swelling, including the antioxidant
What’s more, plant compounds in bee pollen
SummaryAccording to animal and test-tube studies, bee pollen antioxidants may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Bee pollen may boost your immune system, helping you avoid illnesses and unwanted reactions.
Several test-tube studies, including a
Bee pollen extract was found to kill potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and those that cause staph infections.
SummaryAnimal and test-tube studies show that bee pollen antioxidants may reduce the severity and onset of allergies and kill several harmful bacteria.
Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may aid your body in wound healing.
For instance, a
A more recent
Bee pollen’s antimicrobial properties may also prevent infections, a major risk factor that can compromise the healing process for scrapes, cuts, abrasions, and burns.
SummaryBee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may promote wound healing. Its antimicrobial properties may also prevent wound infections.
Bee pollen may have applications for treating and preventing cancers, which occur when cells proliferate abnormally.
Test-tube research, such as this 2013 study and this more recent
Bee pollen from cistus (Cistus incanus L.) and white willow (Salix alba L.) may also have anti-estrogen properties, which could lower the risk of breast, prostate, and uterine cancers.
However, more human-based research is needed.
SummaryTest-tube studies suggest that bee pollen lowers your risk of several cancers, though more human studies are necessary.
Menopause, which marks the end of menstruation in women, is often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
A few studies have shown that bee pollen may improve symptoms of menopause.
In a 2015 study of women with breast cancer,
A 2020 study also found that adding bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly to honey effectively reduced menopausal symptoms.
However, more studies are needed to confirm the effects of bee pollen on symptoms of menopause.
SummarySome studies have shown that bee pollen may alleviate several menopausal discomforts, including hot flashes. However, more research in this area is needed.
Bee pollen comes in granule or supplement form and is safe for most people.
You can purchase it at health stores or from your local beekeeper. The granules can be added to your favorite foods, such as yogurt, breakfast scrambles, or smoothies.
However, if you have pollen or bee sting allergies, you’ll want to avoid pollen products, as they may cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis.
Bee pollen may also
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children under 2 years old will want to avoid taking bee pollen, as there’s not enough research to guarantee its safety in this population group.
SummaryBee pollen supplements are generally safe to consume. However, people with pollen or bee sting allergies, infants under 2 years old, people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking blood thinners should avoid it.
Bee pollen contains many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a healthy addition to your diet and can be easily purchased from health stores or your local beekeeper.
Studies have linked bee pollen and its compounds to health benefits such as decreased inflammation, improved immunity, and wound healing.
However, most of the evidence surrounding bee pollen and its components stems from test-tube and animal studies. More human research is needed to confirm its potential health benefits.
