How much bee pollen should i eat

Summary Bee pollen contains a wide variety of antioxidants, which may protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases, including cancer and type 2 diabetes. Your liver is a vital organ that breaks down and removes toxins from your blood. Animal studies have found that bee pollen may enhance its detoxifying abilities. Summary Animal studies suggest that bee pollen may boost liver function and protect this organ from harmful substances.

However, more high-quality human studies are needed. Summary According to animal and test-tube studies, bee pollen antioxidants may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Bee pollen may boost your immune system, helping you avoid illnesses and unwanted reactions.

Summary Animal and test-tube studies show that bee pollen antioxidants may reduce the severity and onset of allergies and kill several harmful bacteria. Summary Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may promote wound healing. Its antimicrobial properties may also prevent wound infections. May Have Anticancer Properties. However, more human-based research is needed. Summary Test-tube studies suggest that bee pollen lowers your risk of several cancers, though more human studies are necessary.

Summary Studies have shown that bee pollen may alleviate several menopausal discomforts, including hot flashes. It may also improve cholesterol levels. Summary Animal studies have shown that bee pollen may enhance the absorption and utilization of nutrients like iron, calcium and phosphorus.

It may also speed up metabolism and promote longevity, though human research is needed to confirm these benefits. Bee pollen comes in granule or supplement form and is safe for most people. You can purchase it at health stores or from your local beekeeper. The granules can be added to your favorite foods such as breakfast or smoothies. Summary Bee pollen supplements are generally safe to consume. However, people with pollen or bee sting allergies, pregnant or lactating women and people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should avoid it.

The Bottom Line. More research is required to determine the full effects — positive or negative. Bee pollen is an excellent source of a wide variety of nutrients. It is generally safe for most people when taken by mouth. However, long-term use may cause serious side effects, including muscle weakness, nausea, numbness, skin rash, swelling or trouble breathing.

Stop using and contact your provider if you experience such symptoms. It also can interact with some medications, so always check with your provider before starting any supplements.

As it turns out, the characteristics and nutrition of bee pollen depend on the plant from which it was gathered. People typically take a bee pollen supplement, or sprinkle a tablespoon over their oatmeal or acai bowl. Bee pollen is made up of carbs, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A tablespoon of bee pollen has around 40 calories, 7g of carbs including 4g of natural sugars , and 1g of fiber. Plus, bee pollen can have over two grams of protein per tablespoon—more protein than the same amount of chicken or beef!

The pollen has a sweet, floral taste that varies depending on which plants the bees gathered it from. People can use bee pollen in various ways, such as a topping on cereals, yogurt, or salad, or in smoothies or similar drinks.

It is also available as a supplement. However, take care when using pollen products may cause allergic symptoms, including shortness of breath or anaphylaxis. Learn more about anaphylaxis here. Bee pollen is a complex food. There are about active substances in pollen, including:. Pollen also contains the following important nutritional compounds:. Some traditional medicinal practitioners use bee products, such as pollen, as a form of medicine.

Using bee products to benefit health is known as apitherapy. Bee pollen contains many active compounds that may have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bee pollen contains antioxidants, vitamins, and other compounds, and may reduce damage in the cells from free radicals or oxidative stress. It may also protect cells from damage due to UV light from the sun. However, levels of antioxidants in bee pollen can vary widely based on the plant types and growing conditions in the area where bees collected the pollen.

Learn more about antioxidants here. A study into the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and proteasome proteins of Greek pollen, indicated that high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol in bee pollen may be responsible for its antimicrobial activity.

Learn about antimicrobial resistance here. Research in animal models suggests that bee pollen may have anti-inflammatory properties. Other animal-based research from indicated that bee pollen extract reduced inflammation in rats.

In another study from the same year, mice with liver disease showed anti-inflammatory effects after consuming bee pollen. However, researchers need to carry out further studies to confirm whether these results apply in humans.

Learn more about inflammation here. Some bee products, including bee pollen, may have other health benefits. However, more human-based research is needed to confirm any beneficial effects.

Some of these potential benefits are:. A research article indicates that compounds in bee pollen may help regulate the immune system by improving individual immune response in the cells or stimulating the immune cells when necessary. Bee pollen compounds, such as flavonoids, volatile oils, and steroids, may reduce the impact of allergies on the immune system.