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
 Over 80 different compounds, minerals and vitamins
 Contains B1, B2, B6, C, and E vitamins
 Contains Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Copper

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.