Pollen

Part of the male productive system in flowers, pollen is the main source of protein for bees. They collect it from stamen and form balls of it that they take back to the hive, attached to their back legs.

To collect it, beekeepers use a grid or trap, through which the bees returning to the hive have to squeeze, thus losing their biggest balls of pollen, which are collected in a drawer.

The composition, flavour, shape and colour of the pollen grains vary depending on the flowers from which they were collected, but they all contain:

•     essential amino acids
•     many vitamins
•     a variety of trace elements
•     natural antioxidants
•     products that reduce the absorption of cholesterol
•     lacto-ferments

Pollen has an effect on the digestive system, stimulating the gastric functions. It reduces fatigue, stress and circulation problems as well as boosting the immune system.

How to use pollen:
One course of fresh pollen lasts for 6 weeks and should be followed twice a year, but you can get the benefits from it by consuming it throughout the year.
The minimum daily dose is one tablespoon with breakfast for an adult and one teaspoon for a child. Pollen can very easily be mixed with lots of different foods, but it naturally works particularly well when combined with fruit.

*** source: Abeilles et Fleurs – Apitherapy special edition – January 2012