From Hive to Hormone Health: The Surprising Benefits of Bee Pollen

What is bee pollen?

Bee pollen, sometimes called "bee bread" or "ambrosia," is the pellet-shaped food bees use to feed their hive. It contains pollen from many plants, nectar, and honeybee enzymes secreted by salivary glands. In the 17th century, the term pollen was established from a Latin word that means fine powder or flour. For centuries, bee pollen has been consumed as a food, and dietary supplement, and used in folk medicine. (1)

It contains high concentrations of nutrients, including biologically active micronutrients like minerals, polyphenols, and vitamins, making it a powerhouse of nutrition.

Bee pollen contains high concentrations of nutrients and contains approximately 250 different bioactive components. It also contains Magnesium, Calcium, Manganese, Potassium, phenolic compounds, and more. (2)

 Extensive research has been done on this amazing miracle of nature.

• Immune modulating- enhances immunity and has antimicrobial properties
• Hepatoprotective (protects the liver)
• Some evidence points to lowering LDL to support healthy cholesterol levels
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Weight management
• Beneficial for allergies
• Reduce fluorine (fluoride) toxicity
• Promote intestinal calcium absorption leading to an increase of calcium mineralization in bone. (3,4)

Balance hormones naturally

 Some of the most promising research includes its ability to naturally balance both male and female hormones.

Female hormones

Taking bee pollen supplements supports liver function, which in turn can help the body clear excess estrogen. This may be helpful during the follicular phase of the cycle (the first day of the menstrual cycle and lasts about 14 days or so), as there can be an excess of estrogen at this stage.

Excess estrogen level symptoms include

• Weight gain
• Uterine fibroids
• Fatigue
• Worse PMS than usual
• Fibrocystic breast lumps
• Low mood or anxiety

The natural anti-inflammatory properties of bee pollen can aid in relief from the pain that accompanies endometriosis.

Helps alleviate hot flashes

In one study, 65% of women taking a pollen supplement experienced fewer hot flashes. These women indicated other health improvements as well, such as better sleep, reduced irritability, less joint pain, and improved mood and energy. (5)

Supports Male Hormones and Fertility

With an overall decline of sperm count of 52.4% between 1973 and 2011, male fertility has been a topic of concern. (6)

Several reasons for the decline in fertility have been speculated, but bee pollen seems to hold some promise in reversing this trend.

Increases testosterone levels and promotes fertility.

• In one study, mature male rats were fed on pollen at 60 mg/per animal/ per day over a 30-day period. At the end of the treatment, there were increases in testosterone levels, sperm counts, and daily sperm production of rats fed with pollen.
• In another study, bee pollen administered for 15 days showed an increase in spermatogenesis (sperm production) and a decline in Sertoli cells destruction (Sertoli cells nourish and improve sperm production) by lowering lipids, and it also showed anti-inflammatory and protective effects against testis cell injury.

How to add bee pollen to your diet

Ask your healthcare practitioner for advice on how to add bee pollen, as it can interact with some medications such as blood thinners and in rare instances, you may have an allergic reaction. It is best to start with the lowest possible dose and slowly increase until the desired dose is achieved.

It is advised to not use bee pollen while pregnant or nursing.

Origin series Natural Bee Pollen

• All natural, no harmful additives
• Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant-rich
• Great tasting
• Energy, immune boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties
• Gluten-Free
• GMO-free
• Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Boost hormonal health by adding our pure, grass-fed Bison Liver

While no single food group can provide everything we need for health, adding this nutrient-dense super-food to bee pollen can elevate your nutrition to a whole different level. A natural source of peptides and supports collagen production.

Bison liver also helps balance hormones

For women

• Vitamin A which is vital in regulating menstrual cycle and ovulation
• Iron is especially important during menstruation when blood is lost
• Choline metabolizes and prevents hormonal imbalances

For men

• Bison liver is a rich source of zinc, balances testosterone, and aids in fertility and sperm quality.

• Bison liver also contains vitamin A and iron which are vitally important for overall health and immune function. (8)

References

1. Bee pollen as a food and feed supplement and a therapeutic remedy: recent trends in nanotechnology Crossref DOI link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1371672 Published Online: 2024-06-04
2. Mohammad SM, Mahmud-Ab-Rashid NK, Zawawi N. Stingless Bee-Collected Pollen (Bee Bread): Chemical and Microbiology Properties and Health Benefits. Molecules. 2021 Feb 11;26(4):957. doi: 10.3390/molecules26040957. PMID: 33670262; PMCID: PMC7917892.
3. Mohammad SM, Mahmud-Ab-Rashid NK, Zawawi N. Stingless Bee-Collected Pollen (Bee Bread): Chemical and Microbiology Properties and Health Benefits. Molecules. 2021 Feb 11;26(4):957. doi: 10.3390/molecules26040957. PMID: 33670262; PMCID: PMC7917892.
4. Khalil, F. A., & El-Sheikh, N. M. (2010). The effects of dietary Egyptian propolis and bee pollen supplementation against toxicity if sodium fluoride in rats. Journal of American Science, 11(6), 310-316.
5. Winther K, Rein E, Hedman C. Femal, a herbal remedy made from pollen extracts, reduces hot flushes and improves quality of life in menopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study. Climacteric. 2005 Jun;8(2):162-70. doi: 10.1080/13697130500117987. PMID: 16096172.
6. Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, Mendiola J, Weksler-Derri D, Mindlis I, Pinotti R, Swan SH. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Nov 1;23(6):646-659. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmx022. PMID: 28981654; PMCID: PMC6455044.
7. Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, Mendiola J, Weksler-Derri D, Mindlis I, Pinotti R, Swan SH. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Nov 1;23(6):646-659. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmx022. PMID: 28981654; PMCID: PMC6455044.
8. Güldeniz, Selmanoğlu & Sibel, Hayretdağ & Kolankaya, Dürdane & Özkök, Asli & Kadriye, Sorkun. (2009). The Effect of Pollen on Some Reproductive Parameters of Male Rats. Pesticidi i Fitomedicina. 172. 10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.05.593.

Written by Brooke Lounsbury