Harvesting bee honey
Both bee oollen and royal jelly have gained a lot of popularity as a health food source. Many claims have been made about the nutritional and health benefits of both products. You can find information on both sides of the issue.
Bee Pollen
Worker bees collect pollen from plants and combine it with the nectar and their saliva to create small pellets that are used to feed the male drones in the beehive.
Uses
Bee pollen has been used for its health and nutritional benefits in different cultures for many years. However, it has risen dramatically in popularity in the U.S. primarily from claims by professional athletes of its benefits. Their claims of increased strength and stamina, however, have not been verified.
Other Benefit Claims
In addition to athletes' claims that it increases strength and stamina, many users point to an enhanced immune system and increased energy and vitality as a result of taking bee pollen.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly, a milky white substance secreted by worker bees, is the primary food source for the queen bee. It purportedly produces increased growth of the queen bee.
Royal Jelly Uses
Queen bees are twice the size of worker bees and live 40 times longer, approximately five to eight years. Marketers have seized upon this to promote royal jelly as having the same benefits for humans. Long promoted and used to increase longevity in Asia and Europe, it has also been touted as a medicine, moisturizer, cosmetic, health food and even hair growth stimulant.
Claims
Royal jelly has been studied for its anti-hypertensive, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory activity.
Side Effects
Before considering taking either of these products, consult with a doctor. Those with allergies or sensitivity have experienced everything from acute asthma episodes, anaphylactic shock and even death.
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