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.
