We all know that bees collect pollen don’t we, but have you ever thought about what it is exactly? Why do bees dedicate their lives to it? We also know that it gives some people hay fever but can pollen actually do us good too?
The answers and more about this precious substance in our short guide to bee pollen.
What is pollen?
Pollen is produced by flowering plants and plays a role in their reproduction. Bees collect it as they visit flowers, and they can carry pollen between flowers during pollination.
How do bees collect pollen?
The bee flies into the centre of the flower and scrapes off some of the pollen which it stores in the hairs on its legs in a part known as the ‘honey baskets’. It repeats this from flower to flower until the moistened, pressed down, collected pollen becomes a round granule.
What do bees use pollen for?
This is main food source for the hive as it is rich in protein and it’s used to feed the larva or baby bees. Nurse bees eat the pollen and turn it into ‘brood food’ for the growing new worker bees. Like honey, it is also stored for later use.
What is pollen made of?
Bee pollen contains a mixture of plant material, with a composition that varies by flower and harvest. A list of nutrients does not by itself show that taking pollen improves a person’s health.
What can health claims tell us?
Traditional use and laboratory research are not proof that a bee-pollen food product treats cancer, infertility, pain or allergies. Claims need human evidence for the specific preparation and use; this article does not establish those benefits.
Energy and stamina Preventative medicine Anti-inflammatory and pain relief Hormone regulation Concentration and focusHow to eat bee pollen
Bee pollen can cause allergic reactions, including serious reactions in susceptible people. Do not try increasing amounts to test a known or suspected allergy. Ask a clinician before using pollen products if you have allergies, take medicines, are pregnant or are considering them for a child.
Where to get bee pollen?
At Balqees we get it direct from our trusted cooperatives of beekeepers who some attach a kind of mesh to the entrance to hives which collects some of the pollen when the bees enter. The beekeepers, through careful monitoring, gentle methods, and not collecting too much, ensure that this is harmless to the bees and that they retain more than enough to maintain a healthy hive.
Order Balqees bee pollen online here.
