Pollen is a key natural product in the reproduction process of flower plants, in which bees and other animals and pollinating agents play a key role. There is, however, another use for this product, one that the human being has been taking over the time of ancient Egypt and ancient Greece: as a food complement.
They already called him bee bread and was an exclusive product highly recommended for his great beneficial properties attributed, and today he is in the spotlight again. If you want to learn more about what it is and what are the benefits of pollen and how to take it, join us in this ecology article in which we clarify What is pollen and what is it forthe more aspects.
What is pollen and where is it
Flower pollen is a fine yellow dust or orange that It occurs in flowers and that bees, other pollinating insects, other animals and abiotic agents transport. The product that is marketed as pollen is currently almost always bee pollencollected by beekeepers that place pollen collection traps in their hives.
This process is not simple and has a variable collection percentage but usually quite low, below 25%. The traps must be emptied of pollen to the product so that the product is not deteriorated and the weather conditions can have a great negative impact on production, since the bees will collect much less pollen in very dry springs or in the too cold or rainy. Thus, the pollen for human consumption It is an excellent Nutritional complementbut also a laborious obtaining product.
What is the pollen of flowers for
In terms of botany, pollen is nothing other than the set of male reproductive cells of plants. It is formed in the stamens of the flowers, where it waits for external agents, such as wind, gravity or pollinating insects, take it to the pistil of female flowers, where to fertilize the ovules and thus terminate the pollination process which is part of the reproduction of plants. To learn more about this process, encourage you to read this other article about what pollination and its types are.
Thus, the pollen function It is none other than to serve as a method of sexual reproduction in plants With flower or angiosperms. Sexual reproduction thus allows the appearance of small changes and mutations, which lead to greater genetic variability and, therefore, to also a greater capacity for adaptation.
Nor should the bee pollen with the pollen extract be confused, obtaining the latter directly from some plants by man.
What are the benefits of consuming bee pollen
The main benefit of bee pollen is Great concentration of micronutrients which contains, resulting in being a Food complement to take into account, even when consumed in small quantities, and which is also totally natural. It thus has a high content of carbohydrates and plant proteins, in addition to between 5 and 10% of essential fatty acids, vitamins B and C, a large amount of bioactive minerals and bioactive substances of proven antioxidant effect.
Beyond its nutritional properties, bee pollen are also attributed some medicinal effects, although these have not been demonstrated through definitive scientific studies. However, like every food it has effects on our body. Until now, it is considered that it has the ability to help Improve concentration and stimulate memoryboth in young and old people, and they are also attributed digestive, anti -inflammatory and energizing effects.
How to drink bee pollen
He bee pollen It must be consumed as Food complementadding an extra nutrients to a balanced diet that can help us overcome situations of fatigue, overwhelming or lack of appetite.
This natural complement is marketed in the form of granules that, although they can be taken directly, is recommended grind to facilitate its absorption and assimilation by the body. It is usual to take it in infusions, with milk, with yogurt, jam or with any other liquid or semi -liquid food that serves as a base: since its flavor is sweet and pleasant, it allows you to experience it to the taste of each palate. There are those who affirm, of course, that their properties are better used if diluted in water and let stand for about two hours before drinking it, without adding it to any other food.
ยฟHow much pollen can be taken up to date? A dose of no more than 3 small tablespoons per daythat for children it is reduced to between 1 and 2, depending on age.
In any case, given the doubt of whether you can take it or not and how much pollen should be consumed, it is important consult with a doctor before starting to drink bee pollen. The professional will know how to indicate more accurately whether in our case it is convenient for us or not and in what amount we can take it, as well as if we must take some special caution.
Contraindications to have bee pollen
The bee pollen has hardly any known contraindications. However, the following Contraindications to have bee pollen They are clear. If you are in one of these groups you do not consume it.
- The consumption is not recommended to those who have a clear allergy to the pollen of the flowers, if they take it they can suffer a more or less serious allergic reaction, being able to reach anaphylactic shock. If consumed in this case, you have to go to a health or emergency center immediately.
- Nor is those with allergy to the bee venom be advised. In them, pollen allergy can be produced. To the first symptom of pollen allergy or anaphylactic reaction, consumption must be interrupted and going to a primary care center.
- In a few cases it has produced asthmatic reactions, stomach pain or diarrhea. Therefore, if you try it a few times and experience any of these side effects, stop consuming it immediately and consult your doctor, you may have some mild intolerance or allergy and you do not agree to take it.
- Since there are no studies in this regard, neither is pregnant women, nor infant women, nor very young children to avoid problems.
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