Steel-cut oats by itself is a healthy breakfast option. However, eating it plain can also taste a little bland after a while. I enjoy adding different healthy toppings to my oats. I also just started to add bee pollen. Yes, I said, “bee pollen!”

Did you know that bee pollen is richer in proteins than any other animal source? Oat contains protein as well. Dr. Mercola says, “bee pollen has more amino acids than beef, eggs, and cheese of equal weight.” He also adds, “it is particularly concentrated in all elements necessary for human life.” I also add bee pollen in my smoothies, and my children’s own as well.

What is Bee Pollen?
According to researchers at the Institute of Apiculture, Taranov, Russia:

“Honeybee pollen is the richest source of vitamins found in Nature in a single food. Even if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients, its content of rutin alone would justify taking at least a teaspoon daily, if for no other reason than strengthening the capillaries. Pollen is extremely rich in rutin and may have the highest content of any source, plus it provides a high content of the nucleics RNA [ribonucleic acid] and DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid].”

Pollen is the male seed of flowers. It is the food of the young bee, and it is approximately 40% protein. I started taking bee pollen early this year because I read an interesting article that said,

“Pollen reduces the presence of histamine, ameliorating many allergies.”

During allergy peak time my allergies were unbearable. Once I started taking bee pollen, my symptoms subsided. I bought a jar from my local farmers market and started it right away. I took a half of teaspoon in the beginning then, I upped the amount to one teaspoon a day. I kid you not, I felt great. I did have a few attacks of the sneezing, but it wasn’t frequent and I didn’t have to take my usual over-the-counter antihistamine. The bee pollen worked for me.

Many nutritionist revere bee pollen as a superfood. 

For someone who had not taken bee pollen before, taking even a small amount like s teaspoon can cause problems for someone who is sensitive to pollens. I would suggest doing a tyollerance test.  

Tolerance Test (from Bee Pollen Buzz)

Follow these guidelines to determine your sensitivity to the pollens. Although bee pollen is not a drug, it is possible you could be sensitive to it so it’s best that you’re cautious the first time you take it.

1) Place one raw bee pollen kernel under your tongue.

2) Let it dissolve completely. It is absorbing rapidly through what is called your mucous membrane directly into your blood stream.

3) If you experience no reaction, place two granules under your tongue.

4) Continue increasing the number of granules under your tongue until you feel confident that you will not experience an allergic reaction.

Signs & Sensitive to Bee Pollen

• An itchy throat 
• Runny nose 
• Headache 
• Sweating 
• Tearing eyes
• Respiratory issues 
• Stomach/bowel distress

If you experience any of these, stop taking it and if it’s a severe reaction, you should see your doctor.

According to Real Raw Food, bee pollen also:

Increases energy and stamina.
Increase muscle growth and definition
Builds immune system
Has antioxidant activity
Enhances sexuality
Smoothes wrinkles (favorite)

Bee pollen also contains a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, basically containing nearly all nutrients required by humans. It is extraordinarily a rich nourishing food.

Please check out their website because they have more information about taking bee pollen, and also warnings for people who might have allergic reactions to it. As you can see from my picture above, I’m still taking it, and it’s summertime. I truly believe the bee pollen is keeping me energized throughout the day, and my immune is stronger than ever.

 

Helpful links:
Real Raw Food
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Bee Pollen
The Use of Bee Pollen as a Superfood