Bee pollen: Do bees make pollen with love for us? Or does it only trigger allergies? Find out!

<p>Made of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, <a href=https://www.editorji.com/story/is-honey-better-than-antibiotics-for-cough-and-cold-1598286116052 target=_blank>honey</a>, wax and bee secretions, bee pollen can best be described as&nbsp;yellow grainy pellets gathered by foraging bees. The pollen is carried by bees in sacs on their&nbsp;hind legs, called&nbsp;pollen baskets. Generally, the older bees collect the pollen to feed the young ones in the beehive.</p> <p>Bee pollen offers a range of health benefits to humans as well. To meet the commercial demands, professional beekeepers collect the pollen from the beehives. It is collected using pollen traps which are placed at the entrance of the hive. When the bees enter their hive, the comb-like&nbsp;trap brushes off the pollen from the bee sacs and it falls off. The fallen pollen is then gathered in a container placed below.</p> <p>Once collected, it is&nbsp;processed and sold commercially for the many health benefits it offers. In fact, the&nbsp;German Federal Board of Health recognises&nbsp;bee pollen as a medicine due to the range of health benefits it possesses. Let&rsquo;s take a look at some of them!</p> <h3><strong>Relieves inflammation</strong></h3> <p>In a study published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the US, researchers found that bee pollen extract reduced inflammation in rats with swollen paws. Due to this study, researchers believe that bee pollen may work like anti-inflammatory drugs in humans and help in curing infections and injuries.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Strengthens immunity</strong></p> <p>Bee pollen has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and could help kill off bacteria and viruses. In the same journal published by NCBI, researchers found that bee pollen naturally restrains allergic reactions in mice, thereby indicating that humans may experience the same effect. However, no study has yet proven its absolute effect on human immunity.</p> <h3><strong>Rich in antioxidants</strong></h3> <p>Bee pollen has very high antioxidant properties similar to those of fermented foods. The antioxidants like flavonoids&nbsp;and carotenoids can protect the body cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can thereby prevent chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and high blood cholesterol.</p> <p>Bee pollen is generally safe for most humans but if you are allergic to flower pollen, there is a chance that you may be allergic to bee pollen as well. The allergic reactions can cause shortness of breath, hives and swelling. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.</p> <p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;<a href=https://www.editorji.com/story/is-honey-better-than-antibiotics-for-cough-and-cold-1598286116052>Is honey better than antibiotics for cough and cold?</a></strong></p>