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Benefits to Your Body from Bees
Pollen
- the dust like powder you see on and around the stamen of a flowering blossom,
is the male germ of flowering plants with each species of plant having its own
distinctive pollen.
It
is the key to life on the planet - without it the world would starve - indeed
many believe that without bees, and the role the play in the pollination
process, the world would face significant shortages of food.
To
understand the importance of pollen in a wider sense it is worth looking at the
place flowering plants play in alternative medicine - from homeopathic remedies
to aromatherapy, herbal teas - you will find flowers and by association
pollination as the building blocks of therapy.
As
a consequence it is commonly believed that there is more to the pollination
process than simple biological mechanics - there is a higher level which
involves “special energies” of “holistic properties”.
From
our perspective we have no opinion as to whether there is or is not more than
meets the eye - we mention it as it puts perspective behind why pollen, and in
turn bee pollen, is held in such high regard - pollen really is the essence of
life.
What
is Bee Pollen?
Bee
Pollen is the term given to the product that bees create when collecting male
seed (pollen) from flowers in blossom. Bees collect this pollen on their rear
legs as they visit each plant in search of nectar - it is during this process
the bees use special enzymes, gathered nectar, and/or honey to transform the
pollen dust into manageable pallets - what we know as bee pollen. These pollen
grains range in size and colour with the final form largely dependant upon the
flower pollen gathered and local environment. What you will find is that most
pollen pallets will have a very tough outer shell (sporoderm) - indeed the
durability of pollen grains is well known with samples recovered undamaged that
are millions of years old.
So
why pollen?
Content
There is simply no other single source product offering the array of vitamins,
protein, amino acids, antibiotics, enzymes, minerals, trace elements, fats and
hormones. These benefits are delivered in a highly concentrated and bioavailable
form that enables the body to absorb all the nutrients required and pass through
those surplus to requirement.
Catalyst
Pollen acts as a catalyst, or facilitating agent, which greatly aids in the
absorption of nutrients that often are otherwise eliminated as waste by the
digestive system
Bio-availability
Clinical tests show that orally ingested Bee Pollen particles are rapidly and
easily absorbed, passing directly from the stomach into the blood stream. Within
two hours from ingestion, Bee Pollen is found in the blood, in cerebral spinal
fluids, and in the urine. The wide range of beneficial properties in Bee Pollen
enables the body to simply absorb what it requires at that particular time. What
is not required passes straight through - hence the term ‘nutritional
filler’
BEE
POLLEN - The Natural Food for Mind and Body
The
level of interest in the therapeutic value of bee pollen has undergone something
of resurgence over the last 25 years. This interest has been fuelled by
society’s frustration at “main stream” pharmaceutical products but also a
general desire to seek and use natural products both curatively but also - and
perhaps more importantly as preventative treatments
While
much of its popularity lies in the testimonial results you will find here and
elsewhere in the industry it is encouraging to see main stream medical industry
using it in increasing quantities.
The
first thing to clarify is that many of the benefits that flow from taking bee
pollen could be achieved by a better diet and/or taking multiple other
supplements. The big advantage bee pollen has over the alternatives is its
ability to deliver these beneficial components in an easily digestible form.
What
are the most commonly sited benefits from using bee pollen?
The
most common response from new bee pollen customers is a feeling of increased
energy. Bee pollen is often taken by people when they are run down and to offset
both mental and physical stress. It is not just used in cases where there is a
proven deficiency, but also where athletes and or sports people are looking for
the added edge to their performance.
Pollen
helps to alleviate the possible nutritional deficiencies of amino acids,
minerals, vitamins, especially in periods of increased requirements - be they
physical as in pregnancy, sport and recovery through to mental, such as exams,
interviews and other mentally taxing or periods of stress. As every one of us
have different diets, different exercise regimes and varying levels of stress it
is unrealistic to expect everyone to require the same dose of supplements to
support their existing diet. The benefit of bee pollen is that it contains so
many of the essential vitamins, amino acids, minerals etc in the one source. The
wide range of beneficial properties in bee pollen enables the body to simply
absorb what it requires at that particular time. What is not required passes
straight through - hence the term ‘nutritional filler’.
What
are the therapeutically recognised benefits?
•
Prostrate. The only long-term observations on the medicinal effect of pollen are
related to prostate problems and allergies. Several decades of observations in
Western European countries and a few clinical tests have shown pollen to be
effective in treating prostate problems ranging from infections and swelling to
cancer [Denis, 1966 and Ask-Upmark, 1967].
•
Radiation. X-rays, radiation, and many environmental pollutants break down some
of your body's proteins, thus producing histamine, which then causes several
allergic responses. Various laboratory analyses, and the patients' subjective
reports, confirmed that bee pollen counteracted these responses, including
weakened immune system and sickness.
[I.
Osmanagic, M.D., Ph.D. Bee Pollen Protects Against Radiation Sickness Due to
X-Ray Therapy, Journal of the University Radiological Institute, Sarajevo,
Yugoslavia, 1973.
Wang et al., 1984; Hernuss et al., 1975, as cited in Schmidt and Buchmann,
1992.]
•
Immune. Several nutrients in bee pollen, such as proteins, beneficial fats,
vitamins B, C, D, E, and beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, selenium, nucleic
acids, lecithin, and cysteine, are well documented for their ability to
strengthen immunity, counteract the effects of radiation and chemical toxins
(the two most severe stressors to your immune system), and generate optimal
health and vitality.
Other
benefits seen are more specific, with testimonials supporting
•
Improvements in the digestive system (including healthy weight management) bee
pollen contains important amounts of amino acids and proteins that are known to
stimulate the production of gastric acids and aid digestion. Additionally the
micro flora of the pollen is believed to assist in balancing the intestinal
flora,
•
Allergies - One of many home remedy treatments with more than a little success
is the use of honey to alleviate hay fever. While not yet entirely understanding
the paradox there is a belief that a person allergic to air borne pollen may in
fact be able to be desensitised through the consumption of bee pollen.
•
Brain food - 40-80% of the amino acids in bee pollen is represented by Glutamic
acid - an amino acid which is able to cross the protective blood barrier in the
brain. For this reason bee pollen is often given to those desiring a higher IQ,
improved concentration and better memory. Glutamic acid acts as an excitatory
neurotransmitter, transporting potassium to the brain. It is also seen as a
potential treatment for neurological conditions, such as muscular dystrophy,
epilepsy, Parkinson's, and mental retardation
Special
Mention: Anti Oxidants - Selenium
•
Along with its ability to revitalize the body, bee pollen is full of
antioxidants which are reputed to boost immunity, as well as slowing the aging
process.
•
The antioxidants in bee pollen have been demonstrated to be effective in
removing these harmful free radical toxins.
And
then there is the list of testimonial benefits yet to be fully understood:
Menstrual, Male sterility, Anemia, Acne, Aphrodisiac, Sexual functioning
(including the reproductive system), Hypertension, Stress, Sleep disorders (note
from the leaflady, a spoonful of honey is a great help for sleep and insomnia).
Bee
Pollen -
Nature's
richest source of protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, catalytic enzymes,
and carbohydrates. Popular supplement for athletes and sports enthusiasts around
the world. The medicinal properties of bee pollen - and indeed bee products in
general - have been well known
across cultures with a history dating back more than 10,000 year - it is surely
a record unlikely to be matched by any modern day pharmaceuticals.
Nature’s
nutritional power packed bee pollen contains:
-
Vitamins: A, B-1, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, and D and E
-
Protein: Up to 40% protein
-
Trace Elements: At least 25 trace elements, including all essential elements
-
Essential fatty acids: 14 including omega 3 and omega 6
-
11 active enzymes or co-enzymes
-
Rich amounts of carotenoids, bioflavonoids & phytoestrogens
-
11 carbohydrates, 28 minerals, 18 Amino acids
Bee
Propolis -
Naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients,
Bee Propolis is best known for its antibiotic effect that builds the body's
resistance against toxins and infection.
To bees, propolis is a miracle substance designed to
fight off bacteria and infection. It is these bacteria fighting properties that
can provide many benefits to humans. Studies have shown that propolis has the
ability to boost the immune system and fight bacteria in the human body. Check
out the therapeutic studies and cancer studies below for more information.
Propolis Nutrition -
7.5-35% waxes, 10% volatile oils, 3-10% fatty acids, 4-19% other
compounds, minerals and vitamins
Royal
Jelly -
Royal Jelly is the nutritionally rich natural glandular nectar created by
worker bees. It is one of nature's most concentrated foods. Royal Jelly is rich
in amino acids, trace minerals, flavonoids, Pantothenic Acid, B-1, B-2, B-6, and
B-12 Vitamins. Royal Jelly has a bountiful supply of 20 amino acids, essential
vitamins, minerals, and RNA-DNA factors. This highly nutritional nectar is also
known for its antibiotic action.
Rich in all of the essential
B vitamins, along with vitamins A, C, D, E and K, more than 12 important
minerals, amino acids, and other important constituents, including collagen and
lecithin, royal jelly is nutritious food that is taken by an increasing number
of people as an alternative nutritional supplement.
Royal
Jelly Nutrition
12-13% Protein, 12-15% Carbohydrates, 5-6% Beneficial Lipids (Including
Vitamins & Minerals)
High in B vitamin panthothenic acid
Contains Minerals like: Calcium, Copper, Iron, Phosphorous, Potassium
17 amino acids including the 8 essential amino acids
the potential health benefits of bee products
include:
·
Energy and stamina*
·
Benefits to skin/hair/nails*
·
May promotes sexual energy and vitality*
·
Stimulates the immune system to fight viral and
bacterial infection*
·
Regulates and balances hormones*
·
May work to lower blood lipids and cholesterol*
·
Helps to regenerate bone, tissue and muscle growth*
·
Supports wound healing, taken as a tonic following
some surgery procedures*
·
Provides extra physiological support during
pregnancy and menopause*
·
May helps arthritis pain*
·
Improved memory and mental function*
·
Reduced stress - anti-depressive,
anti-anxiety*
·
Contains pollen which can help to suppress cravings
and regulate weight*
·
Helps to promote longevity*
·
Reduces flu and cold symptoms*
·
Alleviates respiratory infections*
Vitamins
- Provitamin A (carotenoids), Vitamin B-1 (thiamine), Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin),
Vitamin B-3 (niacin), Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
Vitamin B-7, Vitamin B-8, Vitamin B-9, Vitamin B-12 (cyanoco balamin), Vitamin C
(ascorbic acid), Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin H (biotin), Vitamin K, Choline,
Inositol, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Rutin, Vitamin P (nicotinicamide) .
Minerals - Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese,
Silicoa, Sulphur, Sodium, Titanium, Zinc, Iodine, Chlorine, Boron, Molybdenum.
Enzymes
& Coenzymes - Diastase, Phosphatase, Amylase, Catalase, Saccharase,
Diaphorase, Pectase, Cozymase, Cytochrome systems, Lactic dehydrogenase,
Succinic dehydrogenase.
Fats
& Oils - Fatty Acid, Hexadecanol, Alpha-amino butyric acid.
Fatty
Acids - Caproic (C-6), Caprylic (C-8), Capric (C-10), Lauric (C-12),
Myristic (C-14), Palmitic (C-16), Palmitoleic (C-15), Uncowa, Stearic (C-18),
Oleic (C-18), Linoleic (C-18), Aracidic (C-20), Benemic (C-22), Limolenic
(C-18), Eicosanoic (C-20), Brucic (C-22).
Proteins,
Globulins, Peptones & Amino Acids
- Tryptophan, Leucine, Lysine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Cystine,
Thresonine, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Valine, Glutamic acid, Tyrosine,
Glycine, Serine, Proline, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Hydroxyproline, Butyric acid.
Carbohydrates - Gums, Pentosans, Cellulose, Sooronine, Starch, Sucrose, Levulose,
Fructose, Grape sugar, Reducing Sugars.
Micro-Nutrients - Nucleosides, Auxins, Brassins, Gibberellins, Kinins, Vernine,
Guanine, Xanthine, Hypoxalthine, Crocetin, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene, Hexodecanol,
Alpha-Amino-Butyric Acid, Monoglycerides, Deglycerides, Triglycerides.
Miscellaneous - Waxes, Resins, Growth
Factors, Vernine , Guanine, Xanthine, Hypoxanthine, Nuclein, Amines, Lecithin,
Glucoside of Isorhanetin, Glycosides of Quercetin, Selenium, Nucleic Acids,
Flavonoids, Phenolic Acids, Tarpenes and many other as yet unidentified
nutrients.
Medical
Journals Document Value of Bee Propolis, Honey and Royal Jelly
Copyright
© 1995 by Jack Challem, The Nutrition Reporter™All rights reserved.
When
it comes to bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, people either seem to swear
by them or swear at them.
Bee
products epitomize everything that's right and wrong about natural foods and
dietary supplements. For a lot of people, the concept of eating "beestuff"
- other than honey - seems awfully strange. And while bee products have a
faithful following, few people really understand why they work. Scientifically,
that is.
Not
surprisingly, physicians usually bristle at the thought of people popping bee
pollen and propolis capsules. One doctor, almost 20 years ago, warned in a
medical journal that patients shouldn't get "stung" by the miracle
claims of bee pollen.
Even
worse, advocates of bee products can often be their own worst enemies with wild
cure-all claims of everything from arthritis to sexual impotence.
Bee
products don't cure everything. But in a search of recent medical journal
articles - most turned out to be from overseas - I found impressive
documentation for propolis and honey as powerful, natural antibiotics.
Amazingly, some doctors have even used honey-soaked gauze as wound dressings.
And a few of the components of propolis and royal jelly even have anti-cancer
properties.
As
for allergies, bee pollen might help you the way it helped Sen. Tom Harkin
(D-Iowa). But there's a dearth of medical journal reports on pollen, except to
point out that it can cause dermatitis or anaphylactic shock.
Propolis
Bees
create propolis by collecting a resinous sap from trees and then mixing it with
wax back at the hive. They use this material much the way people use caulk: to
seal their homes. Chemically, propolis is exceedingly complex and contains a
rich variety of potent terpenes and benzoic, caffeic, cinnamic,and phenolic
acids. It's also high in flavonoids, which by themselves may account for many of
the benefits attributed to propolis-and some researchers refer to propolis as a
type of flavonoid.
One
of the most significant medical journal articles described how the caffeic acids
in propolis and honey might prevent colon cancer, which kills some 60,000
Americans each year. Chinthalapally V. Rao, Ph.D., of the American health
Foundation, Valhalla, N.Y., reported in Cancer Research (Sept.15,1993;
53:1482-88) that these caffeic acids prevented the formation of precancerous
tissue in rats after they were exposed to cancer-causing chemicals.
Most
medical articles, however, still point to the value of propolis as a powerful,
natural antibiotic. That doesn't mean eating propolis will let you throw away
your antibiotics - only that you may not need them quite as often.
Why
would bees need substances with broad antibacterial and antiviral properties?
Any beekeeper will tell you the answer. Bees are very susceptible to bacterial
and viral infections, which can destroy hives the way the bubonic plague ravaged
Europe in the 17th century.
Two
medical journal articles document the activity of propolis specifically against
Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that causes dangerous and often deadly
surgical infections, blood poisoning, and a type of pneumonia. Five to 10
percent of all patients hospitalized in the United States develop such
infections, and S. aureus has become resistant to all but one pharmaceutical
antibiotic.
In
a Chinese study, researchers found that extracts of propolis - specifically,
sinapic, isoferulic, and caffeic acids - inhibited the growth of S. aureus (Qiao
Z, China Journal of Chinese Materi Medica, Aug. 1991;16:481-2). A European study
reported that ethanol extracts from propolis had a "marked synergistic
effect" on the anti-staph activity of two antibiotics, streptomycin and
cloxacillin, and a moderate effect on several others (Krol W,
Arzneimittel-Forschung, May 1993;43:607-9).
Another
scientific investigation discovered that propolis inhibited the activity of
several streptococcal bacteria species that cause dental caries.Japanese
researchers reported that propolis-fed laboratory fats had far fewer caries than
those given a regular diet. Propolis protected specifically against
Streptococcus mutans and several other strep species (Ikeno K, Caries research,
1991;25:347-51). These strep species are closely related to the germ that causes
strep throat.
Propolis
works against bacteria in several ways. One study reported that it prevented
bacterial cell division and also broke down bacterial walls and cytoplasm, which
is how some prescription antibiotics work (Takaisi-KikuniNB, Planta Medica, June
1994;60:222-7).
Perhaps
more remarkable is that propolis acts against viruses, which antibiotics do not.
A number of medical journal reports have discussed the role of propolisin
fighting upper respiratory infections, such as those caused by the common cold
and influenza viruses (Focht J, Arzneimittel-Forschung, Aug. 1993;43:921-3).
Other investigators have reported that the cinnamic acid extracts of propolis
prevent viruses from reproducing, but they worked best when used during the
entire infection (Serkedjieva J, Journal of Natural Products, March
1992;55:294-302).
Underpinning
many of the benefits of propolis is that some of its components,like the
flavonoids and ethanols, function as antioxidant free-radical scavengers. A
study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Jan. 1994;21:9-13)noted
that some of the antioxidant phenols in propolis functioned similarly to vitamin
E. In another article, researchers described that propolis had anti-inflammatory
properties and that it could also prevent blood clots(Drugs Under Experimental
& Clinical Research, 1993; 19:197-203).
Honey
Six
medical journal articles over the past three years have also described the
antibiotic properties of honey. A physician at the medical college in
Maharashtra, India, recently explored the use of honey-soaked gauze to treat
burn patients. The 40 patients treated with honey healed in about half the time
- and with half the scar tissue - compared with patients treated by other means.
(Subrahmanyam M, Burns, Aug. 1994;20:331-3).
A
team of researchers from the department of surgery, University Teaching
Hospital, Nigeria, reported that unprocessed honey "inhibited most of the
fungi and bacteria" causing surgical and wound infections. In a remarkable
conclusion in the journal Infection (Jul.- Aug. 1992;20:227-9),Dr. S. E. Efem
and his colleagues wrote, "Honey is thus an ideal topical wound dressing
agent in surgical infections, burns and wound infections."
Perhaps
most remarkable is the effect of honey on Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium now
known to cause gastric ulcers. Because honey has long been a folk remedy for
dyspepsia, or stomach upset, a team of researchers from the University of
Waikato, New Zealand, tested whether honey would have any benefit. Within three
days, honey stopped the growth of H. pylori colonies obtained from patients.
Royal
Jelly
Highly
touted royal jelly, fed to the debutante larvae that grow into queen bees,
contains a powerful antibacterial protein that Japanese researchers discovered
and named royalisin. Rich in amino acids, royalisin is primarily effective
against "Gram-positive" bacteria, which include staph and strep
species (Fujiwara S, Journal of Biological Chemistry, July 5,1990;265:11333-7).
Like
propolis, royal jelly also appears to have anti-tumor properties. Another team
of Japanese researchers gave royal jelly to one of two groups of laboratory mice
before transplanting different types of cancer cells in them. The royal jelly
had no effect on the leukemia cells, but it had dramatic effects on sarcoma
cells. The lifespan of the mice was extended by about one-fifth and tumor sizes
were about half the size, compared with untreated mice,according to a report in
the journal Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshji-Folia Pharmacologica Japonica (Feb.
1987;89:73-80).
In
sum, we could learn a lesson from bees that eat honey and royal jelly, and seal
their hives with propolis. By eating these bee products, we can preventively
"innoculate" ourselves against many bacterial and viral infections -
and maybe even reduce our risk of developing cancer.
So,
in light of the scientific evidence, next time you hear someone ridicule bee
propolis, royal jelly, and other products, just tell them to "buzz
off."
The
information provided by Jack Challem and The Nutrition Reporter™ newsletter is
strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and
treatment, consult your physician.
FDA Statement: - *statements made at this web site have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
Bee products provide an amazing array of health benefits, contain essential nutrients, vitamins, amino acids etc, and to most people will provide a positive benefit to health. If you have any pre-existing medical condition or allergy to bee products or bee stings it is always wise to consult with your health practitioner before taking ANY health supplement.
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