You know that pesky, springtime nemesis that sticks to your car's windshield and makes you sneeze—AKA:
pollen? Alright, alright, so it might not be your favorite
bee invention yet (We get it—hay fever is
not a strong
selling point), but keep reading, and you'll be down to add a sprinkle of bee pollen to all your favorites (including your
smoothie bowl). If you don't believe us, just take a look at history. The use of bee pollen has been recorded on medical records dating back to 2735 BCE. Luminaries and celebrities alike have lauded the ingredient for its nutraceutical qualities. In fact, getting a daily serving is the
only ritual that Hippocrates, Gold Medal Olympic athletes, and Victoria Beckham all share in common.
What even is pollen?
You'll be seeing pollen on the daily pretty soon, but do you actually know what it is? This powder-like substance carries the male reproductive cells of seed plants. Bees collect golden pollen and carry it back to the hive, mix it with other enzymes, and create their primary food source: bee bread. Without pollen, honeybees wouldn't have the essential proteins they need to stay alive. And it's not just good for them, it's
super nutritious for you too! Keep reading to learn all the superfood powers of bee pollen that you don't want to pass on.
It boosts your immunity
It might seem counterintuitive that this allergen actually
protects your immune system, but it does. A
2008 study conducted in Japan
studied how bee pollen interacted with mast cells—which play a huge part in many allergic diseases. Scientists found that bee pollen possesses an anti-allergenic that actually
hinders the activation of these cells during early and late phases of allergic reactions.
It's a major stress-buster
Stress eating is
never a good idea (#beenthere), so if you're jonesing for a natural way to quell your anxiety, look no further than bee pollen. This
superfood stimulates blood flow to your nervous tissues, boosting your brain power and overall nervous system.
It protects your liver against toxicity
The anti-inflammatory quality of bee pollen also makes it a killer
tool for keeping your liver in tip-top shape. A
2013 study examined the benefits of consuming two different types of pollen in rats with induced liver damage. Both treatments reversed liver damage in the little guys.
It revs up your metabolism
Each grian of pollen packs the significant ability to regulate both hormones and
metabolism. The superfood contains amino acids that dissolve fat cells in the body and heighten metabolic activity. So enjoy your daily teaspoon right before or right after a workout to keep your digestion and energy on track for the whole day.
