Bee Pollen: Say whaaaat?

Have you ever eaten bee pollen?


Yes, as in bee pollen.  As in taken from flowers and trees, stuck to the leg of this magnificent creature.

I've heard of it's medicinal uses for awhile, primarily as a physical rejuvenator. Hippocrates used this "fountain of youth" on his patients for many years.  Bee pollen has been found useful for increased energy, cancer prevention, allergy prevention, building up the body's natural antibiotics, improving fertility, detoxifing the liver, lowering bad cholesterol, and increasing physical endurance - making it a favorite supplement for athletes.

Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes, and hormones. It is especially rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, including lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several flavanoids. It is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances. Overall, it’s one of the most nutritionally complete natural substances found on earth. - Bee Pollen Health

Did I mention it contains all 22 amino acids?


While wandering through the local grocery store the other day, I found a bulk bee pollen bin in the refrigerated section.  Local bee pollen, as a matter of a fact.  Booya.

I scooped a bit into a plastic bag and went on my way - eager to begin sneaking bee pollen into our food.  I don't usually take many supplements (though I do take a multi-vitamin and cod liver oil) - namely due to the fact that they're so expensive.  But this particular bee pollen only ran about $11 a pound, but a pound is a lot of bee pollen.  I started with a scoop full.  

To start taking bee pollen, it's important to begin small.  As in a pinch.  This gives your body time to acclimate itself to the pollen - lest anyone should have any allergic reaction!  Gradually, you can increase the dose by an extra pinch or so daily, working up to 2 teaspoons (ish) daily - for adults.


I've chosen to sneak the bee pollen into our raw foods, such as those delicious brownies I posted last week.  I also put it into our kefir smoothies that we enjoy 3 or 4 times per week.  The idea is that you don't want to cook the bee pollen, so simply sprinkle it onto food you'll eat raw.  Don't worry about having to mask the flavor - it's remnant of a delicious herbal tea.  Sprinkle a few grains on your tongue - you'll see what I mean!


I've very excited to be supplementing Georgia with this pollen, in hopes to avoid any allergy problems in the future. Also - please note, in order for the pollen to work on preventing allergies, it has to be a local bee pollen to your specific area.  Ask around.  Do some brown-bag-trading.  Find the underground supply.


Aren't bees amazing?  I mean, raw honey?  Pollination?  Beeswax?  Hello!  I really, really, really want to keep bees.  And though it's time not quite the time and place in our lives at the moment, I pray it shall be soon.  I have goals, man.


All that to say - have you ever taken bee pollen?  Did you notice a difference?  We haven't been taking it for very long yet and still must work up to a full dose, though I am eager to see if the "increased energy" thing is true.  Girlfriend can always use extra energy.


A superfood times a million.


Thank you, bee pollen.