Pollen is nothing more than male germ cells of various flowering plants that are collected by bees and transferred to the hive. It is stored in the honeycomb cells, doused with honey and covered with wax. In this form, it is used by bees to feed the larvae at the initial stage of development (4-9 days). The food prepared in this way is called bee bread and is the basic source of protein for the bee colony. It is nothing but preserved pollen mixed with bee saliva and honey. How is pollen produced for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes? Special pollen traps are set up in the beehives. A bee entering the hive must pass through a structure that removes pollen from its legs. It falls into the lower container and in this form is dried at a temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius. How does it look like? They are small pollen balls that are glued together with the saliva of forager bees. Most commonly, they come in various shades of yellow, but they can also come in orange, purple, and even black. Pollen obtained from plants such as willow, poppy, clover, heather, mustard and fruit trees have the highest value. The smell of pollen is very characteristic: honey-flowery. It has a pleasant taste: sweet, bitter and sometimes slightly pungent.
Bee pollen is a real vitamin bomb. It contains B vitamins, vitamins C and E and provitamin A. The basic components of pollen are carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The proportion of each ingredient varies depending on many factors, such as E.g.: soil type, climatic conditions, plant type from which the pollen was obtained. Pollen is also a source of valuable fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated) that help lower blood cholesterol levels. It also contains polyphenolic compounds, i.e. flavonoids and phenolic acids. Scientific research will also make it possible to detect the presence in pollen of peptide substances similar to growth hormones and gonadotropins (their function is to stimulate the sex glands to produce eggs and sperm). However, the content of these substances in bee pollen is small. Scientists emphasize that it can only have a positive effect on the cellular metabolism of the skin.
Scientific studies show that bee pollen can strengthen and close blood vessels thanks to its flavonoid content. It also has a positive effect on the work of the heart. Therefore, pollen is used to prevent atherosclerotic diseases. Polyphenolic compounds contained in pollen show antioxidant activity. Regular use of pollen helps fight free radicals. However, this is not the end of its beneficial properties. What else does it help? Scientists note its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. It also protects the liver. In cosmetics, it is valued for its nourishing and anti-aging properties. Therefore, it is a component of many shampoos and hair conditioners. The sulfur-containing amino acid (cysteine) contained in pollen can stimulate hair growth and strengthen its structure. The bee pollen hair mask is very easy to prepare and you can easily make it at home. The basis is a tablespoon of pollen ground in a mortar and 250 ml of water or milk. Another option is to mix the pollen with honey and egg. Such a mixture nourishes the hair, it is especially recommended if it is very dry.
INGREDIENTS
bee pollen.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF THE PRODUCT IN 100 g
Calorific value - 1103 kJ / 261 kcal
fat - 5 g
- of which saturated fatty acids - 3 g
Carbohydrates - 31 g
- including sugar - 21 g
Protein - 23g
Salt - 0.1 g
NET WEIGHT: 250 g
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Pollen, which is available in granular form for health purposes, should be consumed 3 times a day half an hour before a meal. It is best to mix with water, milk and add to coffee or tea. It can also be eaten with honey or added to yogurt. It is good to chew the granules thoroughly, which increases the absorption of the valuable nutrients contained in the pollen. Many people wonder if it can be ground. A mortar or a coffee grinder will help us with this. The shape of the bottom does not worsen the quality of the product. In this form, pollen does not lose its properties and it is easier to use it for cosmetic purposes, for example, to make a home mask. If we do not like pollen granules, it can also be bought in tablet form in the form of various dietary supplements. However, they are enriched with additional ingredients, so it is better to consume pollen in its natural form without any artificial additives.
As a preventive measure, it is sufficient to take 1 heaping teaspoon of pollen per day. It can be added to tea, juice or water. Pollen can be ground before consumption. It is worth remembering that the action of pollen is more effective if we combine it with honey, for example, by sweetening tea.
Prophylactic dosage: up to 20 g per day, treatment dosage: up to 40 g per day and in children up to 5 years - do not exceed 10 g per day.
RECOMMENDED STORAGE CONDITIONS
Store cool and dry.
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