Reliable, extensive medical studies have yet to substantiate the health benefits of bee pollen. As of now, evidence supporting the efficacy of bee pollen is anecdotal.
Vitamin-rich
Bee pollen has a rich concentration of B vitamins, which are used by the human metabolism to boost energy and assist in neurological function. The pollen also contains antioxidant vitamins C and E. Because the bees introduce a natural preservative to the pollen upon arrival at the hive, these vitamins are kept fresh from the very start.
Health Tonic
The use of bee pollen as a health support tonic is mentioned in a range of ancient texts, including the Bible, Talmud, Koran and Book of Mormon. Even ancient Chinese medical documentation describes the use of bee pollen to address energy-balance concerns; in fact, bee pollen is still prescribed by acupuncturists and naturopaths.
Many Anecdotal Benefits
Though yet unproven by science, bee pollen has been touted as a tool to treat alcoholism, allergies, asthma, several cancers, diabetes, digestive problems, respiratory issues, obesity and prostatic hypertrophy, as well as increase athletic stamina and mental acuity. It's also marketed as a supplement for general health maintenance as well as included as an ingredient in many beauty products.
Anecdotal Fat Loss Link
Lecithin is a substance that assists the body to metabolize fat stores and efficiently assimilate the nutrients contained in food. Because bee pollen has a moderately high level of lecithin in its nutritional profile, some people believe that supplementing with bee pollen may help weight loss efforts. The pollen is also a mild diuretic.
Warning
Due to a decided lack of clinical and laboratory research on the health benefits of bee pollen, most of the proven effects of bee pollen are firmly in the realm of side effects. Some patients have shown dangerous hypersensitivity to bee pollen, experiencing symptoms such as itching, swelling, headaches, inflammatory reactions and respiratory distress. Some severely allergic patients go into anaphylactic shock upon exposure.
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