Sunday

Organic Bee Pollen

What is Organic Bee Pollen?

The word “organic” seems to command instant attention and draws the dollars out of our pockets faster than any other “type” of food.  Organic certainly is what everyone’s looking for – and for good reason!  No pesticides, no preservatives, no toxins - just pure delicious food.

It should come to no surprise then that there is also organic bee pollen on the market.  As we know, anything that is organic is safer and better for our health, but… how can something like organic bee pollen exist? 

How Bee Pollen Supplements are Created

Bee pollen supplements come from the tiny dust granules that gather on a bee’s leg as they buzz and flutter from blossom to blossom, gathering nectar to bring back to the hive.  A special contraption will brush off and remove that pollen as bees enter into the hive, and the organic bee pollen is then collected and stored.

The problem many have with the term “organic bee pollen” is that no one can control just where a bee has flown to.  How can you be sure that the flower a bee has visited has not been sprayed down with pesticides?  How do you know that a few granules of pollen are not from a flower that is located close to a busy highway and that they are loaded with car exhaust-related chemicals?  For reasons such as these, if you are set on having organic bee pollen, you must do your research about the organic bee pollen you are buying.

What you Need To Consider when Buying Organic Bee Pollen

There’s no way that one can pick up a granule of organic bee pollen and either prove or disprove that it has been touched by some form of chemical.  That is why it is important to check out the location of where your bee pollen is coming from.  Obtain the address of the bee keeper, the manufacturer, or the production company and look it up with mapping software on the Internet.  Is the organic bee pollen coming from a farm with acre upon acre of pesticide-free flowers, thus reducing the chance that bees may fly outside the area to gather pollen?  Or is this organic bee pollen being collected from a high-traffic area or an area with little to no organic gardens and fields around?  Look up the company itself and see if it is a reputable company.

It is also important to consider the form of organic bee pollen you are buying.  If you are buying the organic bee pollen in a capsule, tablet, pill, liquid or a fine powder form, chances are it is not 100% organic.  For the bee pollen to be made into such forms, it has been processed in some manner, which also reduces the quality of the organic bee pollen. To be sure that you are enjoying true organic bee pollen, purchase raw organic bee pollen granules.  This form of bee pollen is unfortunately the most expensive of the lot, but the contributions raw organic bee pollen make towards your health compared to the other kinds are exponential.  If you’re going to buy organic bee pollen, be sure that you are only buying the best.

What Is Bee Pollen?





The Secrets of Bee Pollen Uncovered

Before you find yourself tempted to swat at that bee that has been buzzing around you this afternoon, stop and think about what that bee actually does for us.  That apple, those flowers, and even that chocolate bar you enjoyed for dessert are all thanks to bee pollen and pollination.

But that’s not all.  Not only is bee pollen the reason for so many fruits, vegetables and plantation we have outdoors, but the more we learn about bee pollen the more scientists recognize how beneficial bee pollen can be for our health.

What is in Bee Pollen?

Did you know that bee pollen actually has more than 96 nutrients in it?  Did you know that every single nutrient that is needed for us to live is contained within this finite dust?  Here’s a short list of the nutrients that can be found in bee pollen:

22 amino acids
B-Complex vitamins
Vitamin C
Folic acid
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Enzymes
Carotene
Iron
Zinc
Calcium
Copper
Potassium
Magnesium

How can Bee Pollen Benefit Me?

Thanks to the numerous vitamins and minerals that bee pollen has to offer, taking approximately 35 grams of bee pollen every day can guarantee that your every nutritional need is being met.  When every nutritional need is being met, you are then able to enjoy the health benefits that come along with a healthier life style, such as:

Increased immunity.  Vitamins B, C, D, and E, as well as beta-carotene, calcium, selenium, proteins, magnesium, lecithin, cysteine and nucleic acids can all be found in bee pollen.  These have been proven to strengthen one’s immune system.
Become allergy-free!  Though pollen may be the cause for many of your sniffles and your red, itchy eyes, bee pollen can actually help you build up a resistance to allergens and prevent allergic reactions (such as hay fever).
Get Energized!  Many doctors and nutritionists believe that the long term use of bee pollen will also leave you with increased energy and improved endurance.
Reduce Stress.  Receiving the required amount of amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins help regulate your mood, thereby helping you cope and manage stress.  Plus, if you are feeling less fatigued and discover you have more energy, the exercise you’ll be able to take on will help you decompress and relax! 


Are there Any Side Effects I Should Know About?

If you are planning on taking bee pollen or any sort of bee pollen supplement, do be aware of any potential side effects, such as:

Coughing
Wheezing
Flushed Skin
Hives
Itchy/”Scratchy” throat
Anaphylactic shock

If you do have any history of pollen allergies, asthma, or bee sting allergies it is important to discuss the potential side effects with your health care practitioner.  Anaphylactic shock (which includes breathing problems, convulsions, and loss of consciousness) may also be a side effect.

When you do plan on taking a bee pollen supplement, do be sure to start with small doses so you can monitor your body’s reaction.  Should you notice no side effects, slowly increase the dose of bee pollen until you can be sure you do not have an allergy.

How to Choose the Best Bee Pollen Supplements



We do our best to look after our health.  We exercise when ever we can, try to get our 5 to 10 fruit and vegetables a day, and many of us take a daily multivitamin.  If you are looking for a natural and homeopathic form of receiving your recommended daily nutrients, try bee pollen supplements.
What are Bee Pollen Supplements?

Bee pollen supplements are exactly what they sound like – bee pollen!  Bee pollen is gathered on a bee’s legs as the bee moves from flower blossom to flower blossom.  The pollen is permeated with enzymes while it is present on the bee.  Bee keepers then collect the bee pollen through a special grate that they set up in front of the bee hive.  From there, the bee pollen is made into bee pollen supplements.

Bee pollen supplements contain all of the nutrients that we as human beings require on a daily basis, such as:

Proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates
Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E
Minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese and magnesium

How can I Choose Good Bee Pollen Supplements?

Just as with your daily multivitamin, not all bee pollen supplements are created equal.  There are some things you need to look out for when choosing bee pollen supplements, such as:

Make sure the bee pollen supplements are being manufactured in a pharmaceutical good manufacturing practices (otherwise known as a GMP) compliant facility.  These companies follow the highest standards of manufacturing, thus guaranteeing that you are getting the best quality bee pollen supplements.
See how the bee pollen has been extracted.  How the bee pollen has been obtained will help determine how well the bee pollen is absorbed into your body.
Bee pollen supplements come in a variety of forms: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and granules.  Several products on the market also contain bee pollen extracts such as creams and lotions.  Choose supplements that are natural and that do not contain artificial dyes, flavors or any preservatives.
Bee pollen supplements that come in the form of granules are arguably the best kind of supplement you can find.  When choosing bee pollen supplements that are in granules, be sure to find the pollen with the greatest diversity of colors.  A variety of colors indicates a variety of different flowers’ pollen, which guarantees a greater range of vitamins and minerals.

How can I Increase the Absorption of Bee Pollen Supplements?

Some argue that if taken directly, only 2 to 7 percent of the bee pollen supplements you may be taking are absorbed into your body.  To increase the amount of bee pollen that is absorbed into your body, Doctor Cherbuliez (president of the American Apitherapy Society and a practicing physician in Scarsdale, New York) recommends soaking pollen granules in water or a glass of orange juice for 10 to 12 hours before consumption.  This helps break down the shell that you will find encasing the pollen, which also is what prevents the nutrients from being absorbed by our digestive system.  He claims that if you do soak bee pollen granules in this manner, up to 90% of the nutrients within the bee pollen supplements will be absorbed.

The Benefits of Bee Pollen Vitamins



Bee pollen supplements have become all the rage recently as scientists discover how many more nutrients are crammed into that tiny speck of dust.  With up to 97 essential nutrients in each little granule, it’s no wonder that people are turning to bee pollen vitamins and supplements to meet their necessary daily nutritional needs!  Below is a list of several of the bee pollen vitamins and how they can benefit you in your day to day life.

Bee Pollen Vitamins

Vitamin A (Retinol):  This vitamin helps stave off any sort of infections (viral and bacterial), dry eye, and will help anyone suffering from night-time blindness

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):  If you are looking to “detox” and clear your body of any toxic effects from medicines and alcohol, this vitamin will do it for you.  It is also great for curing edemas, treating shingles, helping one cope with heart conditions (such as tachycardia and myocarditis) and is also used by many people who suffer from diabetes.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):  This is the best of all the bee pollen vitamins to help cure any eye ailments, such as conjunctivitis or any sort of retinal adaption disorders.  Riboflavin will also help alleviate any migraines and some skin diseases.

Vitamin B6:  Vitamin B6 is essential for the formation of hemoglobin in our bodies.  It helps those with anxiety fight off nervousness; it will combat fatigue, muscular weakness, anemia, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, arteriosclerosis, and radiation sickness.  

Pantothenic Acid (Part of the Vitamin B-Complex family):  Of the bee pollen vitamins, pantothenic acid helps speed up the healing process for all wounds, ulcers, and any gangrenous problems.  It has also been known to help with bed sores, herpes, the modern day cold, bronchitis, hepatitis and a variety of minor skin issues.

Nicotinamide:  This group of bee pollen vitamins is also great when it comes to helping your body rid itself of dangerous toxins.  Those who suffer from diabetes often use nicotinamide as well.  It is also used for gastrointestinal problems, asthma, migraines, tinnitus, and neuralgia.  It is most often taken by those who need to lower their cholesterol.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):  We all know that this is the best amongst the bee pollen vitamins when it comes to fighting colds, but did you know that it also use useful when it comes to helping your body rid itself of toxins?  It also helps one metabolize calcium and is used often by those who suffer from respiratory distress.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol):   Of the bee pollen vitamins, vitamin E is the best to take if you are looking to improve your blood circulation.  It helps with the oxygenation of our cells and also has anticoagulant properties.

As you can imagine, meeting your daily nutritional requirements improves your life on so many different levels.  Those who take bee pollen vitamins report feeling more energized, sleeping better, feeling more wakeful during the day, and even ailments they had previously been suffering from have suddenly disappeared (such as stomach pains and eczema).

Before taking any bee pollen vitamins, be sure to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor.  Those who have had a bad reaction to bee stings in the past, who suffer from asthma, or who have suffered from an anaphylactic shock in the past should not take bee pollen.

Discovering Bee Pollen Health Benefits


Who isn’t looking for a way to improve their health these days?  We all tend to gravitate towards the low-fat and no-fat foods, the “no transfats” and “no MSG” meals, and several of us hold a year-long gym membership (which, when it comes to people like me, is very seldom used).

Forget the crash diets.  Forget the costly memberships to the fitness club.  You can improve your health today by taking advantage of bee pollen health benefits.


Who Takes Advantage of Bee Pollen Health Benefits?

More people than you may think!  Taking bee pollen to improve one’s health isn’t a new concept, either.  For thousands of years the Chinese have practiced using bee pollen to both improve health and to cure a number of ailments.  Only recently has Western medicine caught on to and begun learning about the bee pollen health benefits.


What are the Bee Pollen Health Benefits?

The bee pollen health benefits are numerous, given that bee pollen is packed with a multitude of nutrients, including:

Vitamin A
B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin F
Vitamin H
Vitamin K
Vitamin PP
Folic Acid
Choline
Rutin
Inositol
Calcium
Iron
Zinc
Phospherous
Potassium
Copper
Selenium
Iodine
Sulfur
Sodium
Titanium
Amino Acid
Carbohydrates
Fatty Acids
Enzymes
Fats

In total, there are 11 enzymes and co-enzymes, 11 carbohydrates, 14 fatty acids, 18 vitamins, 22 amino acids, 25 minerals and 59 trace elements.  With so many nutrients packed into these tiny granules, it is no wonder that those who take bee pollen enjoy these bee pollen health benefits:

Weight Loss and Weight Control
An increase in vitality, stamina and energy levels
A better immune system
Allergy and Asthma relief
Increased sexual drive (for men and women)
Improved digestion
Anti-aging Properties
Helps prevent cancer and other diseases
Soothes menstrual cramping
Helps speed up the wound healing process
Combats fatigue and depression
Gradually helps one build up a resistance to other airborne pollens (fewer allergies!)

How should I Begin Taking Bee Pollen?

To enjoy the bee pollen health benefits, it is important to first speak to your doctor or nutritionist about any potential side effects.  Those who have proven to be allergic to bee venom or have suffered from asthma attacks are particularly prone to having adverse reactions to bee pollen.  Anyone who has suffered from an anaphylactic shock are also at a greater risk of suffering from another shock if they take bee pollen supplements.

As with any supplement you take, the idea is to start off slowly.  Begin by taking a fifth of the recommended dosage (the recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon of raw granules or 3500mg capsules) and constantly monitor your sensitivity to bee pollen.  If you suffer from allergies, it is recommended that you begin taking the bee pollen in January if you have allergic flare ups in June.  Try to begin taking the bee pollen supplement 6 months before your expected allergic reaction.  The longer your immune system has to adapt and adjust to bee pollen the better the results.

Why Natural Bee Pollen is Better for Your Health



You have heard about how great bee pollen supplements are for you.  You’ve heard about how bee pollen contains all of the essential nutrients required to sustain human life.  But all because natural bee pollen may start off as having up to 97 essential nutrients packed within its fine dust doesn’t mean that the bee pollen you buy in the store necessarily offers the same amount of  benefits for your health.

It is important to recognize that not all bee pollen supplements are created equal.  Many bee pollen supplements undergo several treatments: processing, coloring, dyeing, added preservatives, heating, freezing, grinding crushing… each one of these treatments only further kills off the nutrients that are naturally contained within a natural bee pollen. Because of this, it is essential that you do seek out a natural bee pollen that has been left in its most natural state: a bee pollen granule.

Sure, you will find bee pollen tablets and pills and powders and liquids and several other commercial products that claim to have bee pollen in them.  But read the back of the package: Do you see any dyes?  Coloring?  What sort of manufacturing or processing has that so-called natural bee pollen been through?  If the bee pollen is not in a granule form and is on a store shelf, you know there must be preservatives in there.  Seek out bagged and bottled natural bee pollen granules that offer a diversity of color.

There are two sources that I find offer easily accessible and good quality natural bee pollen:  a bee keeper, or an online bee pollen or natural health store.  Bee keepers are wonderful as you can actually inspect the natural bee pollen right then and there and see the area the bee pollen is coming from (if you are trying to buy bee pollen that may be organic, this is a great route to take).  The drawback to a bee keeper is that the different types of flowers that a bee has collected pollen from may be lessened.  This means that the pollen you are buying may not have as many nutrients in it.

TIP:  To find a local bee keeper, check out bee keepers in your area through an Internet search or visit your Chamber of Commerce.

Buying natural bee pollen online allows you to easily compare prices, quantities and review the company to check out the quality of the natural bee pollen they are selling.  The drawback of course is that you cannot actually physically inspect what you are buying before purchasing.  Again, be sure to perform an Internet search on the company and seek out any reviews or customer complaints.  Many online natural bee pollen companies also have a customer service line you can call with any queries or concerns you may have before buying their product.

It is important to recognize that buying natural bee pollen means that it has a much shorter storage life, so buy natural bee pollen in small yet frequent quantities to ensure that you always have a fresh supply at hand.

Getting to Know Bee Pollen Allergies



Interested in taking a bee pollen supplement after hearing of all the natural health benefits you can enjoy, but not entirely sure if there may be any adverse side effects?  Though adverse side effects do seldom occur, one of the most typical reactions to bee pollen is bee pollen allergies.

What Causes Bee Pollen Allergies?

If you or someone you know has any sort of allergy (as up to 40% of the population does), you may notice that the allergies tend to spike during the spring and fall months.  This is due to an increase in mold and pollen in the atmosphere.

Allergies are more than itchy eyes and runny noses.  The reason why our bodily reactions are so harshly to these changes in the environment is because our immune system is telling our body that these things are harmful to us.  As such, it sets about “attacking” and trying to kill off these foreign substances.  Things like pet dander, dust and pollen are not necessarily harmful to us, but your immune system is “hypersensitive” to that substance and “overreacts” to it.

What are some common Bee Pollen Allergic Reactions I should be Aware Of?

If you have ever been stung by a bee or been around pollen in the past and have noticed a reaction, there is a good chance that you are allergic to bee pollen.  Some of the most common reactions include:

Hives
Rashes
Swollen/Scratchy/Itchy throat
Breathing Difficulties
Hay fever

One of the more dangerous bee pollen allergies that can occur is anaphylactic shock.  An anaphylactic shock causes your mouth and throat to swell up to the point where it is difficult or downright impossible to breath.

If you have ever suffered from anaphylactic shock, had an adverse reaction to bee venom or bee pollen, or have asthma then it is recommended that you do not take a bee pollen supplement.  Consult your doctor if you have any concerns. 

What if I’m not sure if I have an Allergy to Bee Pollen?

The best way to introduce any new routine to a dietary regime is to start off slow.  Bee pollen supplements are available in small dose forms so you can begin by taking, for example, half a tablet to one tablet at a time.  If you are taking a granule form of bee pollen, then start off with just a few granules.  Gradually increase the amount you are taking every 2-3 days until you have reached the desired dosage of one teaspoon a day. Continually monitor your body for any reactions.

I’ve heard Bee Pollen can actually help my Allergies – is this true?

Yes, bee pollen supplements can help you get rid of your allergies entirely.  It is a food that is dense in nutrients, which has astounding positive effects on our immune system.  Bee pollen also contains “bioflavonoid quercetin”, a chemical which stops the release of histamines in our bodies.  The inhibition of histamines means that you may not suffer any of those nasty allergic reactions to allergens at all – particularly airborne allergens.

How Bee Pollen Nutrition Supplements can Help You



Looking for a new way to get the nutrition that your body needs?  Try bee pollen nutrition supplements.  Believe it or not, bee pollen supplements are just as – if not even more – complete than that multivitamin you have been taking.  Though many may frown upon the idea of taking a bee pollen nutrition supplement, chances are those people just do not know enough about the benefits of bee pollen.

First, it’s important to know what vitamins and minerals are part of a bee pollen nutrition supplement.  Bee pollen supplements contain a variety of different vitamins, which includes:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K

When it comes to bee pollen nutrition supplements, they are also amongst the best kind of supplement to take when it comes to offering you the amounts of minerals you need each day.  Some of the minerals that can be found in a bee pollen supplement include:

Zinc
Iron
Copper
Potassium
Calcium
Manganese
Magnesium

In addition to the above vitamins and minerals, bee pollen is also loaded with antioxidants which help fight off any free radicals, which in turn reduces the risk of cancer and helps combat the signs of aging.

Though the actual composition of bee pollen varies slightly, generally all bee pollen is 24% protein, 27% carbs and 5% fat.

So what do these nutrients mean for you?  Not only do these supplements mean that you will be living a healthier lifestyle, but it also means that you will be combating illnesses better than ever.  Having a full compliment of nutrients strengthens your immune system and will keep you from falling ill.  The bee pollen nutrition contained with these supplements also helps people stave off long-term illnesses and diseases, control diabetes, and lose weight.

But that’s not all.  Did you know that taking a bee pollen supplement can also boost your sex drive AND your fertility at the same time (yes, this applies to both men and women)?  You’ll feel more energized, less depressed, and taking on a bee pollen nutrition plan will also help you fight any pollen-related allergies in the future.

Not all bee pollen supplements are as good as the other, however.  Many commercial bee pollen supplements are frozen or heat dried, which may deplete the bee pollen of the essential enzymes that help improve our health.  The form of bee pollen also makes a difference of its quality and the amount of benefits you will enjoy from it.  If a bee pollen nutrition supplement comes in a:

Capsule
Tablet
Liquid

…then it may not be as easily absorbed into the body as if you were to take it in its purest state:  a raw granule.

Raw bee pollen can be found in a couple of ways:  online or through a bee keeper.  Trying to hunt down a bee keeper may seem like a complex task, but a quick call to your local Chamber of Commerce will offer you a name or two of the closest bee keepers in your area.  Give them a ring and see if they sell raw pollen.  When online, be sure to compare prices, quantities, and quality of the products any company offers.  Once you find a company that sells bee pollen nutrition products, begin researching the product and try to find customer reviews.

NOTE:  Before starting any new bee pollen nutrition routine, be sure to discuss the supplement with your health care practitioner to learn about the benefits and potential side effects.

What You need to Know about Bee Pollen Side Effects



Before introducing any sort of new food or chemical into your body, it is always best to do a bit of homework and find out just exactly how that item is going to affect your overall well being.  If you are thinking of or are already taking a bee pollen supplement, it is important familiarize yourself with both the good and the potentially bad bee pollen side effects you may experience. 

The Good Bee Pollen Side Effects

The benefits of bee pollen supplements are astounding.  First, let’s look at the vast amount of nutrients that are contained within bee pollen.

Vitamins:  Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 Thiamin, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Vitamin B3 Nancin, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 Pyridoxin, Vitamin B12, Pantotheic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin F, Vitamin H, Vitamin K, Vitamin PP, Choline, Inositol, Folic acid, and Rutin.

Mineral Content:  Titanium, Silica, Boron, Selenium, Molybdenum, Manganese, Magnesium, Chlorine, Sodium, Sulfur, Zinc, Iodine, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Calcium.

Other nutrients:  Carbohydrates, Amino acid, Fatty acids, Fats, Enzymes and Co-Enzymes.

Bee pollen has a lot to boast about.  It contains 11 enzymes and co-enzymes, 11 carbohydrates, 14 fatty acids, 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals and is 25% proteins.  Not only that, but it also has up to 59 trace elements and minerals that are not contained in most vitamin and mineral dietary supplements today.

Now to the good side effects.  Apart from your health improving substantially, you will find that:

You have an increased libido (the sex drive will improve in both men AND women)
You will age better and stay youthful longer
You will have an increase in energy levels
You will have an increased metabolism (which, of course, can help one lose weight a lot faster!)
You will see a decrease in your cholesterol levels
If you are a man, bee pollen will help you prevent a number of prostrate problems
If you are a woman, you will notice your menstrual symptoms decrease in intensity or completely disappear
You can actually cure your allergies to airborne allergens by taking what is often considered an airborne allergen – bee pollen!

There are studies that also have some inclination to suggesting that bee pollen can help treat and even cure asthma, liver diseases, kidney diseases, and some forms of heart disease.

The Bad Bee Pollen Side Effects

With any “good”, there’s always a flipside to the coin.  First and foremost, if you have ever had a bad reaction to bee pollen or bee venom (such as a bee sting) in the past, be particularly wary if you choose to use a bee pollen supplement.  Be sure to discuss its usage thoroughly with your doctor before starting to take it.

Those with asthma should also use extreme caution and discuss taking a bee pollen supplement of any kind with their doctor.  If you have suffered from an anaphylactic shock before (the swelling of the throat to the point you cannot breathe, convulsions and loss of consciousness) then it is recommend that you do NOT supplement your diet with bee pollen.

Whether or not you have suffered from any bad bee pollen side effects, it is always a good idea to use caution and begin taking bee pollen supplements in small doses to start off with.  This will help you determine whether or not you will suffer from bad bee pollen side effects, or if you will be able to enjoy the vast amount of wonderful bee pollen side effects that this super food has to offer.

Why Raw Bee Pollen is Better For You



Perhaps you have heard all about the wonderful health benefits that bee pollen has to offer, but you aren’t quite sure how to begin finding and taking it.  Knowing which form of bee pollen you would like to take will go a long way in helping you begin improving your life with bee pollen supplements.  Let’s begin by describing the different forms of bee pollen.

Raw Bee Pollen versus Freeze- and Heat-Dried Bee Pollen

If you have already begun checking out bee pollen online or in your health store, you will notice that most – if not all – were probably a freeze-dried or heat-dried variety of pollen rather than raw bee pollen.

Freeze- and heat-dried pollens come in several different forms, whether it is a capsule, a tablet, a liquid or a powder.  The way that the pollen is dried allows the bee pollen to have a longer shelf life, so it will not become moldy and become poor in quality while it is in your refrigerator.  The downside, however, is that the way the pollen is dried may actually kill off many of the beneficial enzymes, thus making the bee pollen less effective in improving your health.

Raw bee pollen, on the other hand, is fresh and has not been dried in any way other than air dried.  Just as eating fresh fruits and vegetables are better for you than eating a canned variety, raw bee pollen is also arguably better for you as well.  Raw bee pollen has not been over processed, bleached, colored, heated, ground up, preserved or crushed.  Leaving the raw bee pollen in its natural state prevents the destruction of essential nutrients.

You can find raw bee pollen in a few different forms: in raw unpasteurized honey, in royal jelly, or in the form of granules.  The only drawback to buying raw bee pollen is that it tends to go bad fairly quickly, even when refrigerated, so be sure to only buy small quantities, and to buy it often.


How do I Buy Raw Bee Pollen?

Many natural health stores in your area will offer “raw” bee pollen, though be sure to check out other resources too such as the Internet and local bee keepers.  The products on the Internet and from a bee keeper may either be a better deal or of better quality than those that line the health store shelves.

Next, it is important to avoid any pill or tablet form of bee pollen if you are looking for genuine raw bee pollen.  Buy raw bee pollen that is bottled or bagged, and be sure that you can actually see the granules inside.  It is important for raw bee pollen to have a wide variety of colors.  If the raw bee pollen you’re buying only has a couple of different colors in it, go find yourself raw bee pollen of better quality.

It is important to also find out how the raw bee pollen was dried.  As discussed, the freeze- or heat-drying of bee pollen may very well kill off many nutrients, so the best way for raw bee pollen to be dried is air dried.   

Lastly, it is important to know when the raw bee pollen was bagged and/or bottled after it was dried.  Look into how long it took for it to be stored (it should be within a couple days of harvesting) and whether or not it was frozen or refrigerated.

I hope these tips help you on your raw bee pollen journey!

Why Choose YS Bee Pollen Products?

After deciding that I wanted to switch from my daily multivitamin to a bee pollen supplement, I wanted to find a company I knew I could trust.  I wanted to know that the bee pollen supplements I were buying would be of the best quality and completely organic.  That’s when I decided on YS bee pollen supplements.

Reason #1: The History

YS bee pollen supplements are backed by 4 generations of bee keeping experience.  The commitment that these four generations of bee keepers put into a product they trusted and knew was beneficial for all became the company YS Organic Bee Farms, which officially launched in 1995.  The fact that their products offered Certified Organic Honey that was USDA and NOP approved helped convince me that this company was one to be trusted.

I knew that good quality bee pollen should come from several different sources and areas so as to obtain the most nutrients.  YS bee pollen comes from a number of beekeeping farms located in a number of areas, including:  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota.

Not only can I find quality YS bee pollen products lined on many of the shelves of stores I frequently buy other products at (such as GNC and Whole Foods Markets) but they have also dedicated themselves to holding several “Organic Fairs” that have helped educate and teach people about the benefits of bee pollen dietary supplements.  

Reason #2: The Products

YS Bee Pollen products are not only organic, but they offer a wide range of quality supplements such as:

100% Certified Organic Honey (Raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized and unheated)
Several fresh royal jelly products (such as 100% pure and fresh royal jelly, royal jelly in honey, royal jelly and bee pollen in honey, and fresh royal jelly with bee pollen, propolis and ginseng in honey)
Fresh bee pollen products (such as fresh raw bee pollen granules, low moisture whole granule bee pollen, and bee pollen chewables with vitamin C)
Fresh propolis (in powder form, honey, as a spray, in capsules, and tinctures)
Honey (both raw and certified organic raw honey)

Where do I find YS Bee Pollen Products?

YS bee pollen products are not sold online, but YS bee pollen products and supplements are available in many stores in several different regions.  

NOTE:  You can contact the YS Organic Bee Farms to obtain information packages on their products and to familiarize yourself with their company.  

Last but not least, if you have any concerns about taking a YS bee pollen supplement, be sure to discuss it with your physician to see if this type of nutritional supplement is right for you.

Why You should Buy Bee Pollen?



I can never say that I was completely satisfied with any of the multivitamins I was taking over the years.  Several of them were filled with preservatives and synthetic materials, and many had such low absorption levels that they were not even worth taking at all!  That’s when I began seeing information about why I should buy bee pollen online.  

What’s all the fuss about?

There’s a lot to get excited about when it comes to bee pollen supplements.  Not only does it contain every vitamin, mineral, protein, fat, and enzyme that we need, but bee pollen also has several trace elements in it that cannot be found in that multivitamin you are probably taking right now.  These trace elements only further help improve our health and help stave off disease and illness, like cancer and kidney disease.

Men who have prostate problems or are at a risk of suffering from any sort of prostrate diseases and cancers will certainly benefit from taking a bee pollen supplement.  Women will enjoy lessened or eliminated menstrual symptoms, especially cramps.  As for both sexes, men and women will have increased fertility and sexual desire.

Did I mention that bee pollen also has anti-aging properties that will keep you more youthful inside and out as well?

Where can I find Buy Bee Pollen Supplements?

When looking to buy bee pollen supplements, you can try three different places:

Natural health food stores
Bee keepers
Online

Natural health food stores tend to offer the greatest variety, but a lot of the supplements that they have on their shelves have either been freeze or heat dried and are riddled with preservatives.  This greatly reduces the integrity of the bee pollen itself, which in turn kills off a lot of the enzymes that offer health benefits.

Bee keepers allow you to buy bee pollen only in its rawest state: the granule.  Though I recommend above any other form of bee pollen to take granules (you can find bee pollen supplements in capsules, tablets, powders, liquid, or even in honey itself) finding a bee keeper may be particularly bothersome, especially if you live in the city.  Raw bee pollen doesn’t last long in the refrigerator, so you would have to make trips out to the bee keeper often.

Online is by far my preferred method when looking to buy bee pollen.  After checking that a company is reputable and follows the GMP standards, you are then offered the convenience of shopping from your own home.  You can compare prices, quantities, shipping rates, and the types of bee pollen at your leisure. 

Anything I should know before I Buy Bee Pollen?

Before you buy bee pollen, do discuss any side effects or reactions with your physician or health care practitioner.  Those who have had allergic reactions to bee venom or bee pollen before should be wary if they chose to buy bee pollen.  Asthma sufferers should also use caution if they buy bee pollen.  Another possible reaction is anaphylactic shock.  If you are ever in doubt about going to buy bee pollen, be sure to consult your doctor first before taking this supplement.

Get Healthy with Fresh Bee Pollen



FACT: Fresh bee pollen is one of the most nutrient-rich foods that has ever been discovered.

FACT:  Fresh bee pollen has been used for centuries for both health and medicinal purposes.

FACT:  Almost anyone can enjoy fresh bee pollen!

Fresh bee pollen is the rawest form of bee pollen that you can possibly find.  But just how do we end up with bee pollen that is available for human consumption?

First, we have to understand where bee pollen comes from.  As we know, bees travel from flower to flower, gathering nectar to bring back to the hive. There can be hundreds or thousands of bees per hive.  As the bees seek out the very best nectar in these flowering plants, they are also actively seeking out the highest quality of bee pollen (which are called entomophile pollen grains, a pollen grain with a greater nutrient content than other type of pollen).  Bees collect fresh bee pollen on their legs, which they then usually bring back to the hive and use as a protein source.  Pollen also brushes off of the bees as they fly, which helps fertilize and propagate the growth of plants.

When it comes to bee pollen supplements for human consumption, the fresh bee pollen is collected outside of the bee hive before the bees disappear inside.  Fresh bee pollen can contain any where from 3 to 20% water content, so it is important that the water is carefully removed so as to leave the fragile elements of the fresh bee pollen undisturbed.  This helps ensure that you are truly enjoying as many health benefits from the bee pollen as possible.

There are three common methods of drying fresh bee pollen:  freeze drying, heat drying, and air drying.  Freeze and heat drying are the methods that are used to dry fresh bee pollen most often as it is quick and easy.  The drawback, however, is that both freezing and heating up the bee pollen granules may very well be destroying the natural healthy enzymes, thus reducing the benefits of the pollen supplement.  Air drying, on the other hand, is certainly most preferred as this form of drying fresh bee pollen leaves the pollen undisturbed.  Air drying will take a longer amount of time, but the scope of health benefits that you will get from an air dried bee pollen supplement are insurmountable.

The packaging and the form of bee pollen also affects the integrity of the nutrients.  Fresh bee pollen which is allowed to air dry in its granule state and is consumed as such is the best way to gain the most health benefits.  A good idea is to soak the granules in water or juice to help break down the harder outer shell so your body can best absorb the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and other important enzymes that are in a bee pollen supplement.

Many health food stores carry these air dried bee pollen supplements.  If you are looking for a raw and more organic fresh bee pollen to dry yourself, visit your local bee keeper and query about prices and availability.

Why Honey Bee Pollen is Good for You



Wondering what the “buzz” about honey bee pollen is all about?  Pollen is more than just an irritating dust that causes several people to suffer from mild to severe allergic reactions each spring.  Honey bee pollen is a “super food” that contains all of the nutrients we need to sustain our lives.  It is natural and safe for most people to take on a daily basis.  So just where can we find this honey bee pollen?

Where to Find Honey Bee Pollen

You can find honey bee pollen in a number of places these days.  You can purchase commercial bee pollen from almost any health food store.  Commercial honey bee pollen is often freeze- or heat dried so that its shelf-life is extended.  It is argued, however, that both the freeze and heat drying process of honey bee pollen kills off many of the beneficial enzymes, though very little research that proves or disproves this occurs

TIP:  If you are seeking a commercial brand of honey bee pollen, be sure that the company you purchase it from is a GMP (pharmaceutical good manufacturing practice) compliant facility.  These facilities must comply to the highest manufacturing standards.

Another option is to find a local bee keeper who offers bee pollen (you can locate a bee keeper by contacting your chamber of commerce).  Their honey bee pollen is 100% natural, though bear in mind that it needs to be refrigerated and bought in small quantities as bee pollen can “go bad” fairly quickly.  

TIP:  If you choose to visit a local bee keeper to check out their honey bee pollen, be sure that the pollen they offer has a variety of colors.  This ensures that you are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients from the pollen.

The most convenient way of purchasing honey bee pollen is to do so over the Internet.  Buying honey bee pollen over the internet allows you to compare prices, quantities, and the type of pollen you are interested in (i.e. raw pollen, freeze dried pollen or heat dried pollen).

What Forms can I Find Honey Bee Pollen In?

Honey bee pollen comes in an amazing amount of forms for you to use.  This includes:

Capsule
Tablets
Lotions and Creams
Liquid 
Powder
Granules

You can even find honey bee pollen in many natural honey products, including natural unpasteurized honey itself.

How can I Get the Most from my Bee Pollen Supplement?

To gain the most nutritional benefits from your honey bee pollen, buy it raw and in a granule form.  It is more costly this way, but the raw granules definitely offer the most nutrients at the best absorption rate possible.

To ensure that your body does absorb as much of the honey bee pollen as possible, take the granules and soak them in juice or water for up to 12 hours (the longer, the better).  This soak will break down the shell that you will find encasing the honey bee pollen which in turn allows you to absorb close to 90% of pollen (as opposed to the 7% that would be absorbed otherwise).

How to Choose a Bee Pollen Supplement



Looking to improve your health?  Not sure which of the several multivitamins that line the store shelves may be suitable for you?  Stop right there and try a bee pollen supplement.  A bee pollen supplement not only contains 95 important nutrients, but it also contains all of the vitamins and minerals that we need to live a healthy life. Consider, too, that a bee pollen supplement is a natural and homeopathic way to obtain every nutrient you need in a day!

How can I Take a Bee Pollen Supplement?

A bee pollen supplement comes in several different forms.  You can find a bee pollen supplement as:

A capsule
A tablet
In granules
As a liquid
As a powder

You can even find bee pollen in many of today’s marketed facial lotions and hand creams!

The most favorable way to take a bee pollen supplement is in the form of a granule.  Granules are the least processed and most natural form of bee pollen.  It is recommended that prior to taking this supplement; you allow the granules to soak in water or orange juice for 10 to 12 hours.  This soak will allow a bee pollen supplement to be better absorbed through your digestive tract, which in turn allows you to benefit from the most nutrients bee pollen has to offer.

What Nutrients are in a Bee Pollen Supplement?

You will be amazed by the amount of nutrients that you will find in bee pollen.  Here they are below:

VitaminsVitamin A, B-1 Thiamin, Vitamin B-2 riboflavin, Vitamin-3 niacin, Vitamin B-5, Vitamin B-6 pyridoxine, Vitamin B-12, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin H, Vitamin K, Vitamin PP, Folic Acid, Rutin, Inositol, Choline.

MineralsCalcium, Copper, Chlorine, Boron, Iron, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silica, Sodium, Sulfur, Titanium zinc.

Other nutrientsAmino acids, Carbohydrates, Co-Enzymes, Enzymes, Fatty Acids, Fats.

In total, a bee pollen supplement has 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 22 amino acids, 11 enzymes & co-enzymes, 14 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates, 59 trace elements and is rich in protein and carotenes.  As a matter of fact, a bee pollen supplement can contain up to 50% more protein than beef!

Is there anything I should Know Before I take a Bee Pollen Supplement?

Though adverse reactions to this supplement are few and far between, before deciding to take a bee pollen supplement, it is important to recognize that if you have an allergy or any sort of sensitivity to bee venom that you may experience an allergic reaction.

If you have any history of anaphylactic shock, do not take a bee pollen supplement as this can increase the risk of convulsions and the loss of consciousness associated with anaphylactic shock.

A bee pollen supplement can also cause stomach pains, an itchy throat, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue and asthma attacks.

Lastly, if you do have any history of allergies to pollen or asthma, be sure to discuss taking a bee pollen supplement with your physician.

What You need to Know about Bees Pollen



When we think of a honey bee’s pollen, we tend to think of buzzing insects and flowers.  We think of allergies and runny noses and endless sneezes.  As bee’s pollen is explored and dissected further, we are also finding that bees pollen is incredibly healthy and good for us too.

Where does a Bee’s Pollen come from?

A bee’s pollen comes from the ever so tiny male seed particle that you can find on almost every flower blossom around the world.  It is a dusty substance that collects on a bee’s legs as they buzz to every different flower blossom.  As it is collected, the bees produce enzymes which are then infused into that pollen.

To collect the pollen for human consumption, bee keepers will create a grate that they then place over the hive or honeycomb. The grate will “brush” the bees pollen from their legs and can then be collected by the bee keeper several times a week.  The bee’s pollen is typically stored in a frozen state until it is ready for human consumption.

What is In Bees Pollen?

Would you believe that there are over 96 nutrients in that dusty substance?  Or how about how bees pollen actually has each and every nutrient that we as human beings need to survive?  Bee’s pollen is becoming all the rage since it is a natural supplement that human beings can take that guarantees that we are meeting our daily nutritional needs.

Bee’s pollen is made up of 3.5% ash, 48.5% carbohydrates, 9.9% fatty acids, 14.2% fiber and 21.2% protein – all nutrients that are essential to our health, and in healthy quantities.  In addition to this, you will also find:

Retinol (vitamin A)
Thiamine (vitamin B1)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
Pantothenic Acid (part of the B-complex vitamins)
Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)
Tocopherol (vitamin E)
Nicotinic Acid (nicotinamide)

NOTE:  The best way to ensure that you are receiving all nutrients from bees pollen is to mix the bees pollen supplement you are taking.  Plan on taking not only a local bees pollen supplement (such as if you went to a bee keeper to obtain your bees pollen supplement), but also a bees pollen from another part of the continent or area of the world.

What Can Bees Pollen Do for Me?

Apart from bee’s pollen helping keep us in tip top shape, you can enjoy these other benefits from a bee pollen supplement too:

Weight Control
Reduced cholesterol
Resistance to allergies
Increased energy
Increased fertility for both men and women
Restoration of sexual desire 
Relieves a number of prostrate issues
Alleviates menstrual cramps
Alleviates headaches (migraines in particular)
Quickens the healing of wounds
Gets the digestive tract back ON track
Helps cure depression and chronic fatigue


Before taking a bees pollen supplement, be sure to discuss the benefits and potential side effects (such as a flair up of allergies or asthma) with a nutritionist, natural health practitioner or with your doctor for further information.

Why a Bee Pollen Vitamin is Right for You







As those around me go on about their over-marketed mass produced multivitamin that they take every morning, I continue to take my bee pollen vitamin.  Though it may sound odd and a bit off the wall to be taking a bee pollen vitamin to ensure that my nutritional needs are met, the fact of the matter is that bee pollen is a natural source of each and every nutrient that we human beings need to survive.  Proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can all be found packed into these tiny pollen granules that come from the plants and flowers that bees pollinate.  

The History of the Bee Pollen Vitamin

If you think that taking a bee pollen vitamin for your nutritional needs is some new fad, think again.  Bee pollen has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years as an herbal medicine.  They recognized long ago that the nutrients found in a bee pollen vitamin help build up one’s immune system and that it keeps us healthy.

As the bee pollen vitamin becomes more widely recognized by Western physicians and health practitioners, scientists have set about trying to create a synthetic version of bee pollen – only to have no success.  The synthetic pollen that was created for testing was fed to worker bees, resulting in those bees dying within a week’s time.  No science thus far has been able to replicate and produce what can literally be viewed as a “dust” which contains 97 nutrients, all of which we need and benefit from.

What Is Bee Pollen?

Pollen is a dusty substance that can be found in flowering plants.  As bees move from flower to flower to gather nectar, this fine dust (pollen) collects on their legs.  The pollen is collected for human consumption by bee keepers who set up a specialized grate in front of the honeycomb or hive.  As the bees enter the hive, the pollen is then brushed off of their legs and is gathered to be made into a bee pollen vitamin.

What Benefits will I Get from Taking a Bee Pollen Vitamin?

Apart from optimizing your health, you will enjoy other benefits from taking a bee pollen vitamin, such as:

Reduce and alleviate migraine headaches
Heal and relieve several prostrate-related problems
Increase both male and female fertility
Lower cholesterol
Increase energy
Lower and alleviate both fatigue and depression
Control your weight
Build up a resistance to other airborne pollen-related allergies
Restore your sex drive
Ease menstrual cramps
Speed up the healing of wounds
Get your digestive tract back on track

All of these benefits from a natural food supply.  A bee pollen vitamin has been recognized for years as an optimal food source for men and women.  Be sure to speak with your dietician, nutritionist, physician and/or health care practitioner more about taking a bee pollen vitamin and how it can benefit you and your health.  You will be thrilled with the results!