Introduction Nutrition has been defined as the science of food, the study of what is ingested, digested, absorbed, transported, utilized and eliminated. Food is defined as a substance that contains protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and other substances such as enzymes. In keeping with a discussion of nutrition-the theme of this issue of TAC-\ would like to discuss what may be the perfect food: bee pollen. Based on the above definitions, bee pollen certainly ranks as a great source of nutrition. It contains all the known vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, essential proteins, amino acids, enzymes, and co-enzymes known to man. And, because it contains these elements in a form easily assimilated by the body, it is useful for nourishing the body and maintaining homeosta-sis. Because it supplies nutrients the body may be deficient in due to poor diet, poor digestion, or increased need due to stress, it is helpful in regulating metabolism. Before we analyze bee pollen for nutritional content, let's take a closer look at this food source that has been used since antiquity. There are two kinds of pollen. Anemophile and Entomophile. The Anemopiiile pollen, from the Greek anemo- ("wind") and -philos ("lover of"), is not gathered by bees and depends on the air for distribution and fertilization. All conifers (e.g., pines and firs) have Anemopiiile pollen that is not only allergenic, but. also, does not contain a desirable amino acid content for humans. On the other hand. Entomophile pollen, from the Greek entoino-("insect") and -philos ("lover of), has extraordinary nutritional value. It is sticky and cannot be carried by the wind. Distribution, thus, depends on bees that form the pollen into pellets by adding a little nectar and saliva, neutralizing and destroying any allergenic principle that may exist. Bee Propolis Upon returning to the hive, the bees must pass through a barrier of propolis (Greek for "bee glue"; literally, "defenses before a town"), which is constructed behind the entrance to the hive. Since propolis is a natural antibiotic, it disinfects the incoming bees and keeps the hive free of pollution from any foreign bodies that may enter. Propolis is a reddish resinous substance, collected by bees from the buds of trees, such as the Horse Chestnut, Poplar, Spruce, and other conifers. Propolis protects a tree's leaf buds and prevents them from drying out. The bees use it to stop up crevices in the hives and strengthen the cells of the honeycomb. Collection of Bee Pollen To collect the pollen, the beekeeper uses a pollen trap consisting of a diaphragm, or screen, with a mesh barely large enough to permit the bees to return to the hive. Farmers also use a cheesecloth-type screen for the same purpose. As a bee collects pollen, it stores the pollen grains on its hind legs in small receptacles. When the bee returns and tries to enter the hive, its hind legs are caught as it struggles to enter the screened hive. During the struggle, the pollen falls from its legs into another screen through which the bee is not able to pass. The pollen is then passed into a drawer to be retrieved by the beekeeper. Nutritional Value Bee pollen contains every nutrient needed to meet the nutritional requirements of humans, and supplies about 377 calories for every 100 grams or 3.5 ounces. AVERAGE NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC BEE POLLEN Amounts vary by each batch Carbohydrate 59% Fiber 4% Protein 16% Moisture 14% Fat 9% Ash 2.16% It may appear that the following figures are a misprint; however. I assure you that bee pollen is incredibly high in potassium. If only all of the high-sugar food and drinks available today had similar mineral contents to match their carbohydrate contents. AVERAGE MINERAL CONTENT OF 1000 mg Potassium 40 to 60% 400 to 600 mg Calcium 1 to 15% 10 to 150 mg Magnesium 1 to 12% 10 to 120 mg Copper 05 to . .08% 5l :o.8 mg Iron .01 1 tc i .3% .1 to 3 mg Silica 2 to 10% 20 to 200 mg Phosphorus 1 to 20% 10 to 200 mg Sulfur 1% 10 mg Chlorine 1% 10 mg Manganese 1 .4% 14 mg Zinc .1 to .5% 1 to 5 ma Its unusually high concentrations of vitamins and minerals make bee pollen an excellent source of antioxi-dants. Research studies and clinical tests have demonstrated that bee pollen has an immunizing effect, enhances vitality, and can counteract the effects of radiation and chemical toxins. AVERAGE1 VITAMIN CONTENT OF 1000 MG Vitamin Bl Thiamin 6 to 9 mg Vitamin B2 Riboflavin 18.5 mg Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 200 mg Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid 30 to 50 mg Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 5 mg Folic Acid 3.4 to 6.8 mg Vitamin A <10 I.U. Carotenoids 42 I.U. Vitamin C 7 to 15 mg Rutin (Flavonoids) 17 mg Vitamin D 1735 I.U. Vitamin E 35 I.U. One thousand milligrams of bee pollen contains about 5 or 6 mg of essential fatty acids, which cannot be manufactured by the human body. Among these is linoleic acid, which is needed to nourish the hair and skin. Many claims are made that this substance can reverse aging, as well as darkening, wrinkling, and blemishing of the skin. Research studies continue to investigate these claims. Fourteen-to-twenty percent of bee pollen is protein and amino acids, and analytical studies indicate that bee pollen compares favorably with sources of animal protein. AVERAGE AMINO ACID CONTENT PER 100 PARTS OF DRY MATTER Glutamic Acid 9.1 Valine 6 Lysine 5.7 Leucine 5.6 Isoleucine 4.7 Arginine 4.7 Threonine 4.6 Phenylalanine 3.5 Methionine 1.7 Tryptophan 1.6 Histidine 1.5 Cystine 0.5 Digestion, Absorption, and Transportation Bee pollen, like all raw natural foods, contains enzymes that aid in the digestive process and the assimilation of its nutrients. When the pollen has not been heated or irradiated, the enzymes protease, amylase, and lipase aid in the digestion of the pollen. However, my own clinical work has indicated that reactive hypoglycemics, or those with disaccharidase insufficiencies, do not tolerate bee pollen without additional disaccharidase supplementation. Also among the constituents of bee pollen are glucosides, molecules of glucose combined with another molecule. Glucosides act to increase absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Bee pollen contains a high percentage of free glutamic acid, an amino acid which is able to cross the protective blood-brain barrier—the reason bee pollen has been successful in enhancing mental abilities. Glutamic acid (GA) is used to make proteins, peptides (glutathione), amino acids (proline. histidine. GAM, and GABA) and DNA. It is. also, converted by the body into glutamine (GAM) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GA. GAM. and GABA are all neurotransmitters in the brain. Initial research studies indicated that using 10-to-12 grams of glu-tamic acid increased IQ in mentally challenged individuals. Those who do taxing menial work also can see benefits from this natural energy food. Bee pollen can relieve brain fatigue and improve alertness. This can increase your capacity for intense concentration and enable longer periods of work without becoming tired. Stress can use up vitamins quickly, and bee pollen can relieve stress and anxiety by replacing essential nutrient reserves in the body. Utilization Double-blind studies and basic research into the benefits of bee pollen consumption by human beings are being conducted in many divergent areas. It is interesting to note that research in these areas was quite advanced in the former U.S.S.R. as early as the 1970"s. long before the Western part of the world became interested. Immune Enhancement Used as an immune system builder, bee pollen is thought to correct body chemistry and eliminate unhealthy conditions. It is considered to have the ability to eliminate poisons and toxic materials from the body. Radiation and chemical pollutants are known as the most severe stressors to your immune system. Side effects of radiation treatment decrease the body's production of blood cells and nutrients in the blood. Antibiotic Qualities in Bee Pollen In another study, the antibiotic in honeybee pollen was extracted and found extremely active. Certain cultures of microbes were killed almost instantly with bee pollen extract, especially those agents responsible in the hard-to-control diseases such as salmonella (typhoid types). Respiratory Problems Scientists have found bee pollen to be helpful in treating problems, such as fatigue, allergies and other respira- Continued on Page 55 ...from Page 17 tory problems, such as bronchitis. sinusitis and colds. Bee pollen reduces the production of histamine, which can cause allergic responses such as hay fever. It can strengthen the respiratory system and provide protein that can help the body build a natural defense against allergic responses. Endocrine System Equally impressive, bee pollen helps balance the endocrine system. It is especially beneficial for menstrual and prostatic problems. It is also effective in treating constipation and colitis, colibacillosis, anemia, circulatory disorders, neurasthenia and depressive states, skin fragility and hair loss. Bee pollen also has an effect on blood pressure and sexual function. People who suffer from low blood pressure can be subject to deficiencies in the sex glands. Pollen increases blood pressure, especially when taken with kelp, and may increase hormone levels and sexual strength. Endurance Athletes often use this supplement to help increase their strength, endurance, energy and speed. Bee pollen aids the body in recovering from exercise by returning breathing and heart rate to normal; and it improves endurance for repeat exertion. Bee pollen provides energy, stamina and strength as well as improving mental and physical reactions. Weight loss also may occur as lecithin, a constituent of bee pollen, stabilizes poor metabolism and increases the speed at which calories are burned. Elimination Scientists think that bee pollen's capacity for regulating intestinal functions may rest in its ability to destroy harmful intestinal flora. Summary In conclusion, bee pollen certainly merits consideration as a good source of nutrition and inclusion in dietary planning or supplementation. Ensure that you are dealing with a reliable source that has not been irradiated or heated during processing. Neither of these is necessary. Be careful using bee pollen on reactive hypo-glycemics—although they, arguably, need the benefits of this food more than most of your patients. Howard F. Loomis, Jr., DC, president of Enzyme Formulations, Inc., has an extensive background in enzymes and enzyme formulations. As president of 21s' Century Nutrition, Inc., for fifteen years, he has forged a remarkable career as an educator, having conducted over 400 seminars to date, in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia, on the diagnosis and treatment of enzyme deficiency syndromes. Call 21s' Century Nutrition at 1-800-662-2630 for more information, o References Balch. James F. and Phyllis A. Balch. 1997. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: A very Publishing Group, p. 50. Bankova. V. S.. S. S. Popov and N. L. Marekov. 1983. A Study of Flavonoids of Propolis. J. Natural Prod. 46. 471 -474. Bell. R. R.. E. I. Thronber. 1. L. L. Seet. M. T. Groves. N. R. Ho and D. T. Bell. 1983. Composition and Protein Quality of Honeybee-Collected Pollen of Eucalyptus calophylla. I. Ntitr. 113. 2479-2484. Finnis. Richard. 1977. Bee Pollen: The Kremlin's Secret Fountain of Youth? Let's LIVE. Lepore. Donald. 1996. The Ultimate Healing System. Utah: Woodland Publishing Inc.. pp. 341-344. Liebelt. R. A.. A.D. Lyle and I. Walker. 1994. Effects of a Bee Pollen Diet on Survival and Growth of Inbred Strains of Mice. Am. Bee J. 134.615-620. Willard. Terry. 1984. Feeling Good with Natural Remedies. Calgary: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing.
