The world of bees makes for a treasure trove of superfoods, useful not only to nourish the bees themselves, but also us human beings. Today we’re skipping over the merits of honey, considered a natural food/drug in that it is a source of vital principles essential to the organism, to focus instead on two other beehive products that are of no less importance, or rather pollen and royal jelly.
What is pollen?
Composed of microscopic structures, pollen is a fine, sticky powder able to transport the germ cells of the plant from which it comes. Every flower has its own type, which will differ in terms of colour (anything from yellow to red, brown or purple), size and shape, depending on the plant species to which it belongs. Each grain of pollen contains elements essential to life; we’re talking about proteins, vitamins, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, enzymes, mineral salts, hormones, carotenoids and flavonoids, present in different proportions depending on the type of flower it comes from. The bees collect a large quantity of pollen, flying from flower to flower, and unintentionally disperse some of this onto other plants as they carry it on their body. They collect it to take it inside the hive where it becomes an important source of protein, rich in a series of nutrients that are essential to the survival of the hive. Once processed by the bees, it is stored in the honeycomb to become so-called ‘bee bread’. As we’ve said, the bees collect much more than necessary, which means that any human collection of pollen does not damage the equilibrium of the bee family.
What is royal jelly?
Royal jelly comes in the form of a white gelatinous, semi-liquid substance and is secreted from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker bees. Considered a superfood, it is the only nourishment offered to young immature larvae in their first 2-3 days of maturity, as well as being used as a specific foodstuff for the queen bee throughout her entire life cycle. Royal jelly is the main reason that the queen bee lives longer than the other bees.
What are the benefits of royal jelly and pollen?
Bee pollen is a combination of pollen from the plants, bee secretions and nectar. Certain scientific studies published on PubMed Central describe the therapeutic benefits - a 2021 research study highlights how the Bible and ancient Egyptian texts provide clear proof of its use in relation to public health. Bee pollen is described in the study as a “goldmine of nutrition thanks to its active components that have significant healing and medicinal properties”. An earlier study, from 2015, talks about it as a “form of apitherapy that has an anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour function and is a liver protector, an immunostimulant and a local analgesic, able to modulate the healing process following burn injuries. Pollen is also a natural anti-ageing product, an energy-giver that improves athletic performance, and a stimulant for our brain and memory.
The use of royal jelly by humans is recommended as a way of fighting various chronic health conditions and, more generally, for the well-being of the entire organism. At the scientific level, various pharmacological activity has been attributed to royal jelly. It has been found to have an anti-bacterial, anti-tumour, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action, be immuno-modulating and anti-ageing, and help to heal wounds and protect against Alzheimer’s disease. It is also considered an accelerator for the human body’s healing process and a natural tonic. Scientists have identified a specific molecule in royal jelly, a peptide protein known as defensin-1, which actually stimulates cell recovery. It is made up of water (50-60%), proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, mineral salts and vitamins. Approximately 185 different organic compounds have in fact been identified in royal jelly, as well as a significant number of bioactive compounds.
How and when to consume pollen and royal jelly
Pollen should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach (or during the day, but always on an empty stomach). A teaspoonful is sufficient. If the ‘natural’ flavour is unpleasant on the palate, you might add it to your favourite yoghurt, a teaspoon of honey, a fruit juice or smoothie, milk, or in a salad. In recent years, it has become common practice to add it to risottos, meat courses and vegetable side dishes, after cooking (once the heat is turned off). Those with allergies should be careful when it comes to taking pollen.
And how about royal jelly? The recommendation is roughly 100 milligrams per day for adults, which equates to about two mini spoonfuls (the spoon is provided with the product); a half dose for children. It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal, preferably in the morning before breakfast. Hold the royal jelly under the tongue so that its components can be absorbed directly, thus entering into circulation much more quickly. It is best to use it for a period of six weeks, followed by a break of at least two weeks for anyone planning to start a second cycle. Fresh royal jelly should be kept in the fridge at a temperature of 4°C.
What are the side-effects?
Those who are allergic to bee products should not use royal jelly, and neither should those who are overweight as it boosts the appetite.
Paola Magni is a journalist at LifeGate. Having always been interested in ecology and natural foods, it became her profession and, since 2000, she has headed up the food section of the publication.
