31/07/2023
Bees forage and collect pollen from a variety of plants. When the bees return to the beehive with the pollen, it becomes food for the colonyTrusted Source in the form of fats, minerals, and proteins. It may also contain other compounds, such as enzymes, bee wax, honey, and nectar.
The type of plants the bees harvest, together with other ingredients, affects the composition of the bee pollen.
As a product for human use, bee pollen appears as small yellowish-orange to dark brown or black granules. The pollen has a sweet, floral taste that varies depending on which plants the bees gathered it from.
How to eat bee pollen
People can use bee pollen in various ways, such as a topping on cereals, yogurt, or salad, or in smoothies or similar drinks. It is also available as a supplement.
However, take care when using pollen products may cause allergic symptoms, including shortness of breath or anaphylaxisTrusted Source.
Learn more about anaphylaxis here.
Is bee pollen nutritious?
Bee pollen is a complex food. There are about 200 active substancesTrusted Source in pollen, including:
amino acids
triglycerides
phospholipids
vitamins
macronutrients and micronutrients
flavonoids
Pollen also contains the following important nutritional compounds:
Compound Percentage
Protein 7–40%, including essential amino acids
Carbohydrates 24–60%
Fats 1–18%, including essential fatty acids
Flavonoids 0.2–2.5%
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E
Minerals Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, silicon, selenium, zin
