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EVERYTHING you need to know about Fresh Wild Bee Pollen... The Healing Powers of Pollen Extracted from Patrice Percie du Sert's Book "The Healing Powers of Pollen" soon to be launched in English We live in extraordinary times. During the last century the diet in modern western countries has consistently deteriorated. Apparently all that we want from food is that it is convenient, reasonably cheap, and that it does not pose a hygiene risk. The food industry's main objective is to improve profitability; the long term health of customers is not an issue, unless it can be used to sell something. Medicine has made enormous advances particularly in terms of diagnosis. More and more drugs have become indispensable; some even create a need for others because of their harmful secondary effects. Doctors are obliged to undergo training that is almost exclusively organised by the pharmaceutical industry. Their training in nutrition is virtually non-existent. However these really are extraordinary times and I believe that we are seeing the beginning of a fundamental reversal that is pushing towards a return to much sounder values in our approach to health by recognizing diet, exercise and general well-being as being crucial factors. The leaders of this gradual reversal are on the one hand doctors who refuse to prescribe drugs unless they are useful or absolutely necessary, and on the other nutritional councillors and naturopaths who are trained to take an holistic approach to health that includes diet. We are witnessing a very necessary revaluation of the complex and absurd practices that have become the norm in agriculture, in the food industry and in medicine itself. FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html What is pollen ? he pollen cell or grain is the cell that enables fertilization and thus seed formation in plants. It contains two nuclei: after fertilization one forms the fruit and the other the seed. The cell is covered by several layers that provide extra protection. The intine layer, which envelops the cell, is made up of cellulose fibres and provides mechanical protection against impact;
The function of the intine is to support the exine, often called “pollen kit”. Exine has a complex composition, and contains a mixture of fats, gel-like substances, molecules responsible for colour and smell, a high concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols, bioflavonoid, xanthophylls and fat soluble vitamins that have antioxidant properties. Genetic diversity within a gene pool is vital if a species is to survive. Plants that are fertilized by pollen from plants that are a considerable distance away will obviously benefit from a wider gene pool than those that exchange pollen at close range. All plants have a different form of protection built into their exine. For example rock rose, a Mediterranean plant that flowers in hot sun during May and June, has a very efficient sun filter that is made up mainly of carotenoids (48.3 mg/100 g) and a small quantity of polyphenols (1.24 g/100 g), whereas chestnut pollen has more polyphenols (3.02 g/100 g) and less carotenoids (2.3 mg/100 g). In terms of size pollen grains measure just a few microns (or thousandths of a millimetre) and are invisible to the naked eye. Highly fragile they must, for the purposes of genetic diversity, travel several kilometres on a bee's body at a speed of approximately thirty five miles per hour often in full sunshine and in windy conditions. In order to survive the journey and fulfil their role they must have some kind of protection against desiccation, ultraviolet rays, and oxidization through exposure to air. Nature makes sure of this by providing these microscopic cells with a truly remarkable arsenal of defence mechanisms. Pollen may be classified into two main families. 1. Entomophilous pollen (from flowers that are pollinated by insects), which is a source of food 2. Anemophilous pollen (from flowers that are pollinated by the wind), which is a source of allergies
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html The composition of fresh bee-pollen Lacto-bacteriaBee ‘s main source of protein is pollen. Actually richer in protein than meat or fish. Bees have perfected a lacto-fermentation process involving a mixture of pollen and nectar that takes place in the cells that surround the central brood nest and which results in what is known as “bee-bread” Conditions are created for the growth of lacto-bacteria and yeasts in the nectar that is stored around the brood nest.
The bees are in fact cultivating bacteria : the bacteria that are in the nectar are transferred onto the pellets. This preservation technique, now used by the modern food industry, was perfected by bees several million years ago.
The bacterial environment that is created consists of between five and eight strains of lacto-bacteria and three yeasts, and prevents the growth of any other bacteria that may cause the pollen to spoil. This bacteriological “micro flora” is perfectly preserved when the pollen is frozen, and varies in terms of quantity from between one and ten million bacteria per gram of pollen. However, when pollen is dried it is almost completely destroyed.
The bacteria naturally present in frozen fresh pollen provide a degree of protection against the pathogenic bacteria in our gastro-intestinal tract.
Pollen has a clear antibiotic effect. The correct term is a “barrier effect” because there is no actual antibiotic present, but rather a synergistic and very powerful bacterial system.
Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
Vitamin DPollen would not seem to be a source of vitamin D; it does however favour biochemical mechanisms that involve light. Vitamin KThere is some vitamin K in the fermented pollen inside the hives (the bee-bread), but not in the pollen that is collected at the entrance. Our intestinal flora, mainly in the right side of the colon, usually manufactures sufficient quantities to meet our requirements. Fresh pollen can assist this process by maintaining and regenerating the intestinal flora. Vitamin A or RetinolPollen contains beta-carotene, which may be converted by the body into vitamin A. Beta-carotene accounts for a maximum of 17 % of the carotenoids in pollen; the other 83 % have not yet been fully identified. In studies of necrotic inflammation in rats pollen has been observed to have a protective effect on the mucous lining of the intestines. The protection resulting from a three week course of rock rose pollen was significant: one third less lesions, and half the number of cases with inflammation (reference 9 and illustrations page 12 and 13). Every pollen contains different carotenoids, and so one can expect a range of protective effects for specific organs or types of tissue, and that each of these protective or preventative effects will effectively be linked to a particular variety of flower. Vitamin E or tocopherolIn pollen the antioxidants are able to function synergistically rather than in competition, which means that the effect of one reinforces the effect of another Given the wealth of antioxidants contained in pollen it seems likely that the effect of the vitamin E will be significantly reinforced. 100 g of rock rose pollen contains 31 mg of vitamin E, which is 258 % of the R.D.A.; a 15 g tablespoonful contains about 40 % of the R.D.A.. In pollen the vitamin E is carried by omega 3 and 6 type polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fats are nutritionally very important; they are also present in, for example, borage oil and evening primrose oil. The great problem is their fragility: they oxidise easily on exposure to air. The only way of preserving them is either by freezing or by packing them in an inert gas; this protects them from oxygen. If they oxidize they become rancid and are toxic. The vitamin E, for which they are a vehicle, also becomes oxidized and therefore inefficient; its bio-availability is obviously severely compromised. Dried rock rose pollen that has been stored for several weeks after drying is found to develop intestinal toxicity for sufferers from Crohn's disease. It would seem likely that this is due to the deterioration of the carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E
Water soluble vitamins
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 100 g of pollen contains between 30 and 60 % of the R.D.A. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 100 g of pollen contains between 60 and 90 % of the R.D.A. Due to its sensitivity to light and to ultraviolet rays this vitamin is often lost in dried pollen Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid or niacinamide) 100 g of pollen contains between 30 and 47 % of the R.D.A. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 100 g of pollen contains between 3 and 51 % of the R.D.A. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 100 g of pollen contains between 12 and 14 % of the R.D.A. Although present in comparatively small quantities vitamin B6 is important for its synergistic role with vitamin B9, which is present in much larger quantities in certain types of pollen. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) 100 g of rock rose pollen contains 60 % of the R.D.A.; 100 g of willow pollen contains 420 % of the R.D.A. Folic acid is sensitive to oxidization by oxygen in the air at temperatures above freezing. It is amongst the most important of the B group vitamins, and numerous studies have demonstrated its protective effect. The folic acid content of certain types of pollen, notably willow, is extremely high; just one tablespoon of willow pollen (the recommended daily intake) contains over 60 % of the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) not found in pollen
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 100 g of rock rose pollen contains 24 % of the R.D.A.; 100 g of willow pollen contains 50 % of the R.D.A. Despite its fragility vitamin C has a healthy presence in pollen. Even though the recommended daily intake of 15 g provides only 7.5 % of the R.D.A., the vitamin C in pollen is of exceptional quality because, like many of the other vitamins, it benefits from synergy with antioxidants present in pollen notably carotenoids, vitamin E, and selenium.
Minerals
All types of pollen have a high mineral content, which further contributes to their exceptional nutritional value. For example 100 g of rock rose pollen contains 1.93 g of minerals, including (in order of quantity) potassium, phosphorous, calcium, sodium and magnesium. The ratio of the amount potassium to sodium is 1.9, which is significant because this is the ideal ratio for the regulation of the blood pressure. The higher proportion of potassium relative to sodium makes pollen an alkalizing food. However the potassium-sodium ratio is not the sole cause of this property; the balance and synergy with other components in pollen results in a greater alkalizing effect than many other foods that have the same ratio and are consumed in greater quantities. This property is regarded as fundamental by several schools of naturopathy, who consider pollen as, amongst other things, an invaluable “corrector” of the body's acid-alkali balance. Alkalization is important for the immune system and for maintaining bones; it also counterbalances acidifying foods such as meat and dairy products.
Iron100 g of pollen contains 28 % of the R.D.A. Calcium100 g of pollen contains 3.1 % of the R.D.A. As we shall see in the section devoted to osteoporosis, the inclusion of fresh pollen in the diet can limit calcium loss, which is interesting given that pollen itself provides comparatively little calcium (approximately one percent of the R.D.A. in the recommended daily intake). Pollen effectively consolidates the body's existing calcium. Zinc100 g of pollen contains 22.6 % of the R.D.A Typical sources of zinc are meat, fish and whole grain cereals, however pollen's exceptionally high content places it very high, if not at the top, of the list of zinc rich foods. Seleniumintuitive deduction would suggest that pollen contains high levels of selenium, because, like sperm, this would help pollen to successfully transmit genetic information by deactivating mutagenic heavy metals.
Polyphenols
According to analyses carried out in 1991 Francisco Tomas-Lorente, willow pollen contains 16 different flavonoïds. There are no tannins found in pollen; the most beneficial polyphenols found in pollen would seem to be the flavonoïds.
The anyioxydant effect of some flavonoïds is two hundred times more powerful than that of vitamin E, which is itself considered to have significant antioxydant properties.
Flavonoïds not only have the ability to check the gradual accumulation of fatty waste in our blood vessels but also to eliminate the waste. This effect becomes important in the prevention of deseases that occur more frequently with age, especially cancer, and particularly those type of cancer that have been linked to consumption of saturated fats, such as prostate, breast and colon cancer.
Furthermore, several flavonoids are involved in maintaining the elasticity of veins and are used in medicines for the treatment of varicose veins and haemorrhoids
Additionally, or in place of an antioxidant effect, certain flavonoids or more widely certain polyphenols present oestrogen substitute properties that, although weak, are significant in terms of protection. These flavonoids are partially similar in structure to the oestrogen hormone present in women (17 beta-oestradiol).
This enables the flavonoids to take the place of 17 beta-oestradiol and thereby limit the effect of the oestrogen hormones on tissues. This is known as hormonal desaturation; it is of great value in the prevention of hormone dependent cancers that are stimulated by hormonal saturation.
Phytosterols
The ability of phytosterols to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood has been known since the fifties.
From the table on page fifty four showing the sterol contents of rock rose, chestnut and willow pollen we see that all contain high levels of phytosterols.
We already have an idea that the 73.84 mg/100 g of beta-sitosterol in willow pollen is likely to play a significant role in its effect on the prostate, but the delta5-avenasterol (38.64 mg), 24 methyl-cholesterol (21.81 mg) and campesterol (20.28 mg) may also be involved; they seem likely to provide the explanations for many of our observations.
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The Healing Powers of Pollen
Pollen and the intestines.
The intestines: more than just a digestive tract When we think of the intestines we imagine the small intestines as a soft tube several metres long followed by the shorter and larger colon, in the shape of an inverted U. Many people are not aware of the immense complexity and fragility of this organ, or the importance of its functioning correctly if many diseases are to be avoided. The first task of the intestines is to act as a filter and to enable us to absorb what is good for us and reject what is not. This filter is made up of a single layer of cells that covers the finger like villi of the intestines; if it were stretched out it would cover a surface area of between 200 and 400 m2, or about half the size of a tennis court. The filter is made up of the interaction between bacteria adhering to the mucous membrane and the membrane itself. The second essential factor for the health of the intestinal flora is a diet suited to the species in question. For humans this consists of a diet as close as possible to that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, before the discovery of fire. The more that we stray from this primitive diet the more our health suffers.
We have already noted that pollen contains certain lacto-bacteria when it is fresh, and that Dr Seignalet established that these bacteria are able to inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria: when cultures are impregnated with between 5 and 10 % of fresh pollen the pathogenic bacteria do not develop (see illustrations page 11). Fresh pollen seems to be the ideal regenerative food for the intestinal flora. This would explain its effect on digestive transit, colitis and even Crohn's disease.
The INRA (National Institute for Agronomic Research) in Toulouse (9) developed an experiment with rats that simulated Crohn's disease. After the introduction of T.N.B.S. (trinitrobenzene sulfonique acid) into the colons of rats, it is possible to count the lesions that occur and to measure inflammation by measuring the quantity of an enzyme called M.P.O. myeloperoxydase), the quantity of M.P.O. being directly proportional to the degree of inflammation. Three groups of rats were fed as follows for three weeks. Fresh rock rose pollen from the Var was used throughout the experiment. - The control group (C), were fed a standard diet without pollen. - The fresh group (F), were fed a standard diet supplemented with frozen fresh pollen. - The dry group (D), were fed a standard diet supplemented with an equivalent dose of dried pollen that had been refrigerated after drying. The following results were obtained: in group C maximum inflammation was diagnosed; in group F the number of lesions due to inflammation was 30 % less than in the control group; in group D no significant reduction in inflammation was measured.
The consumption of fresh pollen as a preventative measure against inflammation will provide less protection than a drug, but without any side effects. One person in five has a poor tolerance of the drugs used in the treatment of this disease, which in any case cannot be prescribed on a long term basis because of the associated side effects. The above experiment confirms that it is conceivable that frozen fresh rock rose pollen has a significant protective effect against Crohn's disease and in general on inflammations of the digestive mucous membrane. Pollen is not a medicine but rather a food that reduces our susceptibility to certain diseases.
Lacto-bacteria are probably the most important factor because they inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The lacto-bacteria present in pollen will no doubt be at their most efficient in the presence of a diet that corresponds to their requirements. Lacto-bacteria are almost certainly responsible for pollen's stabilizing effect on digestive transit; however, for Crohn's disease there are other factors involved. During our initial experiments on rats the dried pollen appeared in some cases to have a slightly harmful effect (i.e. to produce more inflammation than that present in the control group), but not to an extent that was statistically significant. This would not surprise me because I have noticed that sufferers from Crohn's disease are unable to tolerate dried pollen.
The antioxidants contained in pollen are not completely destroyed by the drying process, but will eventually deteriorate in the presence of light and/or air and become toxic. Rock rose pollen is characterized by several antioxidants including carotenoids and tocopherols, and in particular alpha-tocopherol. These are fragile fat soluble constituents since, in pollen, they are contained within polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are themselves fragile and liable to oxidize. If exposed to air for a period of several months then all of these constituents will lose their antioxidant effect and may irritate the mucous membrane. Carotenoids are known for their anti-inflammatory effect, and for their ability to restore membranes damaged by toxic substances or ultra violet light.
The key to its operation is that the microflora in frozen pollen is living and multiplying. The micronutrients are intact and therefore active, one could even say that they were "living". Pollen is the only known substance that is able to improve function of both the mucous membrane and the intestinal flora.
People taking fresh pollen frequently experience an improvement in skin colour. This return of a glowing complexion is very often accompanied by an improvement in liver complaints or even their total disappearance. Pollen has also been found to be effective in the treatment of chronic constipation if it is taken with at least one meal a day. The most dramatic improvements tend to involve people who have chronic constipation as a side effect of a medicine. Pollen restores regular bowel movements without being a laxative and thus without causing any demineralization.
Pollen is an excellent "rehabilitation food", even in cases of serious or chronic digestive complaints. It must be emphasized that this is only true of fresh pollen, and that old dried pollen that has completely oxidized can be harmful.
In terms of enzymes and micronutrients pollen could be compared to highly concentrated fruit. The lacto-bacteria present in frozen fresh pollen have a stimulating and regulating effect on intestinal transit. Synergy between these friendly bacteria and the carotenoids in pollen result also has a protective effect on the mucous membrane. The higher the levels of carotenoids the greater this protective effect becomes. The effect is even further increased if the pollen is eaten with fresh fruit.
Stress, or rather a stressful event, will eventually result in gamma interferon being released into the bloodstream. This is a well-documented physiological process. One of the secondary effects of the interferon is to increase colon permeability. The efficiency of our digestion's filtration system is reduced and over-sized molecules may be allowed to pass through, along with microbial toxins present in the intestinal flora. The discharge of gamma interferon produces what is known as auto-intoxication of the body as a result of the poor performance of our intestinal filtration system. This is the mechanism behind nearly all of the "stress-induced" diseases and conditions. Stress causes our bodies to produce adrenaline and endorphins that gives us that familiar "buzz"; this is followed by the gamma interferon that, via the intestines, causes auto-intoxication. Lack of energy is frequently associated with a weakened immune system. The person therefore looks for more stress in order to get another shot of adrenaline and endorphins that will temporarily cover the effects of the auto-intoxication . A stressful event is thus agreeably invigorating during the adrenalin and endorphin phase, which is followed by a drop in energy levels. It is the subsequent gamma interferon and auto-intoxication phase, a "coming down" effect, which is less enjoyable. Faced with this situation we tend to react in one of two ways. The first is what has been called masculine stress management. Men tend to look for fresh stimulation to provide the solution to the ill effects of the gamma interferon produced by a previous stressful event, because the new stress will boost them with more adrenalin and endorphins. Man's nature is to take up challenges and to seek out new danger. The second approach has been called feminine stress management. Women tend look inwards rather than outwards for a solution; they take the approach that the discomfort resulting from a stressful event must have an internal cause. They will therefore do something to make themselves feel better, which could involve anything from eating chocolate to going to the hairdresser. Stress management on an individual basis is of course more complicated than this, and we use both techniques in varying proportions depending on the person and the nature of the stressful event.
Pollen is a powerful weapon against the effects of stress on the body. We have already noted that gamma interferon increases the permeability of the digestive mucous membrane. Pollen has the opposite effect due to its accompanying lacto-bacteria. These friendly bacteria help to maintain the intestinal flora that are to a large extent responsible for the selective permeability of the digestive tract. The carotenoids present in pollen also have a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive mucous membrane. Fresh pollen prevents all or certainly part of the harmful effect of stress-induced gamma interferon through its direct action on the mucous membrane. This preventative action will be even stronger in people who take pollen regularly. A large dose just before a stressful event will not have a noticeable effect; pollen is a food and acts more slowly than a drug, but without any secondary effects.
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Pollen and the prostate
As for bee pollen no epidemiological study, in vitro or with animals could ever be much use in proving or disproving the effect of supplementation on prostate health. This is because the quality and type of pollen depends on the flowers that the bees visit, and thus standardisation would be impossible. Production is comparatively small, and the costs would be prohibitive because bees cannot be farmed mechanically. The pharmaceutical industry is thus unlikely ever to be interested. For this reason many doctors are somewhat condescending on the subject of pollen. They consider bee products to be in the gourmet domain and are often unaware of pollen's remarkable composition.
Observed effects of pollen on BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Dried pollen would seem to be able to at least partially reproduce the effects on mice that were observed by Professor Chauvin. Furthermore the drug produced by Cernelle is made from an extract of dried pollen. However many men who noticed no effect with dried pollen notice a considerable improvement with fresh pollen. This is entirely possible because drying does not efficiently preserve certain potentially active substances. Virtually 100 % of men taking fresh pollen experience improved urinary comfort. Men suffering from BPH taking 12 to15g of pollen every day often do not notice a significant effect, however when they increase this to 25 to 30g per day, taken in two doses over the course of the day with meals, there is a clear improvement. Once this has happened they are then usually able to gradually reduce the dose to 15g per day. This would seem to confirm that the effect involved is dietary rather than medicinal. The pollen that seems to have the most beneficial effect on prostate conditions is willow, very closely followed by rock rose.
Effect of pollen on P.S.A. levels (prostate-specific antigen).
As we have seen P.S.A. testing is currently used as the main indicator of prostate cancer risk. When a patient is being monitored a doctor will usually call for two P.S.A. tests per year. A number of people being tested in this way, who were also taking pollen, have made their results available to us and we have been able construct graphs of their changes in P.S.A. levels over two or three years. These people were following normal medical supervision. In a substantial majority of cases we observed a steady decrease in P.S.A. levels, and in particular that: - this occurs almost twice as quickly with a daily dose of 30 g as compared to a dose of 15 g ; - if the same dose is maintained then the decrease is less in the second year than in the first; - if the person stops taking pollen then their P.S.A. level tends to rise again ; - certain graphs displayed irregularities that for the moment would not appear to have any explanation. Questioning would sometimes reveal that a rise had occurred after certain forms of exercise (e.g. cycling), or a rectal examination.
We will now consider each of the constituents of pollen that are responsible for this reduction in the likelihood of prostate problems occurring, both in terms of urinary comfort and P.S.A. levels.
Fats and pollen100 grams of pollen contains between 4 and 7 % fat, of which 50 to 57 % are polyunsaturated. Pollen contains between three and five times more linolenic acid (w-3) than linoleic acid (w-6). This content corresponds to between 4 and 32 % of the R.D.A. in 100 g, or 0.6 to 4.8 % of the R.D.A. in a normal 15 g dose. These are not sufficient quantities in themselves to have a direct effect. However there is almost certainly some kind of synergy with other components. Fats in the diet Pollen does not contain any animal fats and is rich in substances that prevent fat from oxidizing, in particular LDL. Phytosterols and pollenWe have already noted that two scientific publications reported considerable improvements in urinary comfort with daily doses of 60 mg of beta-sitosterol. American studies have shown that beta-sitosterol inhibits the formation of blood vessels in tumours. An intake of 30g per day of pollen would supply 22.6 mg (willow) or 33.2mg (chestnut) of beta-sitosterol. There could equally well be a synergistic relationship between the polyphenols and the antioxidants in pollen, which also help to prevent cancer. Both of these families of biological compounds encourage, through various mechanisms, the phenomenon of apoptosis (see page 90). The quantities found in different types of pollen are highly compatible with a preventative effect for both BPH and cancer. If strong synergy exists between the antioxidants, vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols in pollen, then freezing is infinitely preferable to drying as a preservation technique. Polyphenols in pollen and protection of the prostateChestnut: 252 mg / 100g; willow: 157 mg / 100g ; rock rose: 123 mg / 100g. Pollen is an excellent source of polyphenols. There are as many polyphenols in chestnut pollen as there are in green tea. Furthermore those found in chestnut pollen (quercetin glucosides) are between four and five times more easily absorbed than those found in green tea, which are rather close to tannins in their structure. Polyphenols almost certainly prevent BPH and prostate cancer as a result of their antioxidant effect on fats and L.D.L. cholesterol. FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html Vitamin D and the prostatePollen does not contain vitamin D. However it does help the body to manufacture vitamin D. Our capacity to manufacture vitamin D decreases with age due to a gradual reduction in the quantity of enzymes that the body can produce. Pollen, if it is fresh, is a great stimulator of enzyme activity. Carotenoids in pollen and protection of the prostate . Carotenoids seem likely to have a protective effect on the prostate: willow and rock rose pollen work best in treating BPH and reducing P.S.A. levels, and these are the two pollens that are richest in carotenoids. Provitamin A and several carotenoids can also claim a possible protective effect on the prostate on account of their role in preventing the oxidization of fats. Vitamin E in pollen and prostate cancer. An intake of 15 to 30 g per day of pollen can provide a significant amount of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E, despite the fact that RDAs of vitamin E have recently been increased. The two pollens that are particularly rich in vitamin E are rock rose and willow. Zinc in pollen and prostate cancer. 100 g of pollen contains 50 % of the R.D.A. Pollen contains potentially active micronutrients that can cause or stimulate the phenomenon of apoptosis. Some of these micronutrients act in synergy but are present in sufficient quantities to produce an effect, such as beta-sitosterol. Pollen is very rich in zinc. 30 g provides about 15.6 % of the RDA. This is not insignificant and can contribute to a preventative diet for prostate conditions. Folic acid or folates and prostate conditions. Willow pollen: 420 % of the R.D.A. / 100 g; rock rose pollen: 40 % of the R.D.A. / 100 g. What is the role of folic acid in pollen? Listening to the feedback from consumers of willow pollen, one cannot help noticing the frequency with which improved urinary comfort is mentioned, and perhaps wondering whether this could be connected to the folic acid. Folic acid is present in willow pollen in particularly high concentrations (7 times the amount in rock rose and 2.3 times the amount in chestnut). One of the vitamin B complex, folic acid is involved in reproductive mechanisms, in fertilization and in genome transmission. Secretions from the prostate almost certainly have a protective role in these processes, which would explain the importance of folic acid.
Conclusion on the role of fresh pollen in preventing prostate conditions and as an accompaniment to medical treatment
Men have a choice when they reach the age at which prostate problems may begin to develop. They have to decide whether or not they would be confident in the medical care available, and should be aware that this often involves either a long and uncomfortable treatment or opting for surgical removal and the associated risks of incontinence, impotence and hormone imbalance. The real choice is between continuing as they are and changing to a healthier diet and lifestyle that would reduce the likelihood of their developing a prostate condition. It is well documented that in certain countries the occurrence of B.H.P. and prostate cancer is ninety-five per cent lower than in the USA and Western Europe. This lifestyle approach can be taken a step further by supplementing a healthier diet with fresh pollen. Fresh pollen is a food that naturally helps to maintain the prostate in good condition. The value of pollen is that it has a general effect on the body: it boosts the immune system and regenerates many of the processes and mechanisms in the body that are vital for good health. Pollen's wide-ranging action is beyond doubt Pollen's initial effect is in the intestines. The lacto-bacteria present in fresh pollen inhibit the growth of other harmful bacteria and regenerate the selective absorption capacity of the digestive tract. Fewer potentially toxic molecules are able to pass through the intestinal membrane and elimination of waste is improved, including that of L.D.L. cholesterol. Pollen's effect continues through the action of the enzymes provided by the pollen and the fruit with which it is usually consumed. There is also fresh pollen's the ability to stimulate the body's production of enzymes. Finally there is pollen's exceptional nutritional diversity. Pollen is comparatively low in calories but provides a vast array of micronutrients, some of which are present in significant quantities in relation to recommended daily allowances. In addition to pollen's broad physiological action there is a psychological effect. Eating healthily is part of taking responsibility for one's own health, and effectively an affirmation of one's will to live. If this is combined with the energizing and uplifting effect of pollen the result is a very positive mental attitude that can dramatically enhance the body's protective and healing processes.
Pollen and breast cancer
Diet is acknowledged as an important factor in breast health, and has for some years now been linked to breast cancer. So what are the dietary habits that can be a factor in causing breast cancer ? The most harmful is the consumption of saturated animal fats that are present in red meat, pork, and high fat dairy products. The consumption of dairy products is another significant factor in breast cancer; this may again be linked to the hormones that are used in the dairy industry. Foods that can help to prevent breast cancer. All antioxidants have a protective effect. There is a vast group of antioxidants known as phyto-oestrogens, which have a role as an oestrogen substitute, and which are particularly relevant in breast cancer prevention. the endings of the molecules are identical to those of oestrogens and they are thus able to bond with the receptor molecules of certain cells in place of oestrogen. What then are the roles of these endogenous or natural hormones? Depending on the molecule they have various and complementary roles. For example, some act predominantly as oestrogen substitutes while others are more powerful as antioxidants. Polyphenols, a sub-group within the phyto-oestrogens, have other roles: – Polyphenols have an anti-inflammatory effect that can also be a factor in preventing cancer. – Polyphenols help to eliminate atherosclerotic plaque. Peroxidation of fats is a risk factor, and polyphenols stimulate the body's production of the enzymes involved in the oxidation of fats. – Polyphenols can take the place of oestrogens. Replacement of oestrogen in the mammary gland receptors has a protective effect. The reduced level of oestrogen impregnation combined with antioxidant activity, which cleanses and reduces inflammation, provides very effective protection. Pollen and a preventative or curative strategy . Prevention often begins with early detection. Regular check ups and professional medical supervision are obviously a vital part of this. The body's immune response relies on healthy cells being able to identify and eliminate cancerous cells. One reason that cells may be unable to carry out this task is that they have been clogged with toxins. A detoxification diet can enable these cells to regain their role in the body's defence system and thus can have a preventative or even curative effect. Pollen: a significant role in a preventative strategyBroadly speaking most types of bee pollen are very rich in active plant antioxidants. Antioxidants affect the peroxidation of fats, which generates large quantities of free radicals. It is these that hinder the body's natural defence mechanism against cancerous cells. Free radicals can trigger activity in latent tumours and induce the transition from precancerous to cancerous cells. Pollen's exceptional richness in antioxidant vitamins is well established, and its effectiveness as a source of antioxidants is beyond doubt.
Some forms of breast cancer are hormone dependent. The risk of cancer from excessive impregnation of the mammary gland with oestrogen may be reduced by the polyphenols in pollen. These have the ability to replace naturally present or endogenous oestrogens without having the same effect. The polyphenol “decoy” molecules replace oestradiol without the risk of hormone stimulation. There are significant quantities of polyphenols in pollen (cf. II D); rock rose pollen contains 123 mg/100 g, willow has 157 mg/100 g and chestnut has 252 mg/100 g. Polyphenols evolve in plants into more and more stable forms that tend to be less and less easily assimilated. Tannins are an extreme example of this phenomenon. Pollen is unusual in that it offers a concentrated source of natural polyphenols that have not evolved and which are therefore readily assimilated. The protective role of pollen fibrePollen contains soluble and insoluble fibre in ratios that are well suited to the human body: one to three in rock rose, one to 2.6 in chestnut and one to 1.8 in willow. Thirty grams of pollen will provide 20 to 25 % of the recommended daily allowance of fibre (20 g). Since fibre helps the body to eliminate oestradiol the consumption of pollen can also contribute to oestrogen desaturation. The consumption of saturated fats is an established cause of breast cancer and again fibre can help by absorbing LDL cholesterol. The protective effect from the fibre in pollen will supplement that of the B group vitamins (B2, B3, B6 and folic acid), which play a role in the metabolism of fats. In the thirtieth chapter of Alimentation ou la Troisième Médecine (“The Medicinal Role of Diet”) Dr Seignalet describes the protective effect of the lacto-bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria are the body's first line of defence against cancer and the growth of tumours. They work by destroying carcinogenic substances called nitrosamines, and by inhibiting the development of bacteria that protect enzymes, such as beta-glucosidase and beta-glucormidase, which are responsible for transforming cells from the precancerous to the cancerous stage. We have already noted (cf. III A) pollen's exceptional protective effect on the intestines; this protective effect will almost certainly result in a reduction in the intestine's production of carcinogenic substances. Improved selective permeability of the intestinal mucous membrane will also avoid general toxification of the system. Breast cancer is almost always due to an unsuitable diet and/or poor intestinal function; genetic and hormonal factors are very rarely enough to trigger cancer if the diet is sufficiently protective. This cannot be emphasized enough! Women wishing to maximize the protective role of their diet should reduce their consumption of saturated fats, and probably also of cereals containing gluten; they should eliminate dairy products and increase their consumption of fruit, vegetables, walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds; they should include soy products in their diet on a regular basis and, finally, should eat between fifteen and thirty grams of fresh pollen everyday. Early detection is vital and thus regular check-ups and mammograms as often as recommended are essential. For women who have already developed breast cancer the above diet, with fresh willow or rock rose pollen, in conjunction with conventional therapy offers the best chance of recovery.
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Pollen and osteoporosis
A major public health issue Risk factors in osteoporosisMedication Alcohol and tobacco Lack of exercise Lack of sunlight Lack of phyto-oestrogens Lack of antioxidants Excessive acidity
Studies of the effect of pollenWe carried out a study on rats that had had their ovaries removed (21). They were given a diet without vegetable protein and very low in vitamin E (a third of the recommended daily allowances for rats). Pollen was found to significantly reduce loss of bone density whatever the dose (2.5 %, 5 %, 10 % of their total food intake). Calcium fixation was found to improve very slightly with the dose size, but not in a statistically significant way. Bone density was not found to increase significantly. Fresh pollen was thus found to have a positive effect on one out of the three parameters that are used to measure osteoporosis. Pollen and osteoporosis preventionPollen is very rich in antioxidants and, while these cannot directly fix calcium, they can reduce its loss through oxidative stress. Pollen's most significant contribution on a synergistic level will be its improvement of intestinal function Pollen can also improve the effectiveness of plant-based treatments. Pollen is also strongly alkalinizing and, since most people's diets tend to be acidifying due to over-consumption of protein in the form of meat, dairy and other animal products, this has a valuable counter-effect. Eating pollen is not in itself a sufficient preventative measure against osteoporosis. However it helps combat so many of the associated risk factors that it merits a place in any preventative strategy. It is never too early to start thinking about one's bones! The more solid they are the less chance there is of them requiring repair work later. Fresh or frozen pollen keeps all of its antioxidant properties and these are known to play a key role in slowing the ageing process and preventing degenerative diseases.
Excess weight and obesity
The mechanisms of weight gain
The body's fat cells have a kind memory
A reduction in calories is generally accompanied by a reduction in micronutrients. If the body has a deficiency then it tends to compensate quality with quantity. Simply eating less is not enough: a balanced diet is just as important, otherwise there is a real risk of deficiencies developing. To put it another way, it is vital to establish quality before reducing quantity. Any loss of fat entails a proportional release of toxins Weight loss is thus accompanied by considerable oxidative stress
Gradual weight loss Rebalance Due to its high vitamin, mineral and enzyme content pollen is the ideal rebalancing food that will compensate for deficiencies that have developed as the result of a poor diet.
This is particularly important in the context of weight loss. Before beginning a low calorie regime it is preferable to establish a balanced approach that substitutes foods rich in micronutrients for those that contain “empty calories”.
Freshly frozen pollen is ideal as part of such a diet because of what is known as a “matrix effect”, which essentially means that there is strong synergy between the various constituents. Drying pollen destroys the matrix and any such effect is lost (cf. II C). Storage of dried pollen in a jar at ambient temperatures will eventually result in the oxidization of the fatty acids and thus the loss of effectiveness or even toxicity of certain molecules such as carotenoids. Pollen helps the body to regulate the accumulation of fatIn several experiments it was noticed that rats whose diets were supplemented with fresh pollen had less internal fat than the control group. Pollen is very rich in the B group vitamins that are involved in the metabolism of sugars and fats. Pollen protects against the secondary effects of obesityObesity not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer but also contributes to the degeneration of the nervous system and the retina. The wide range of antioxidants contained in pollen will help to prevent these unpleasant secondary effects by compensating for an unbalanced diet. Of particular value are the carotenoids, vitamin E and phytosterols in pollen, which enable a better metabolism of cholesterol and a reduction in atherosclerotic plaque. Pollen helps the body to detoxifyThe friendly lacto-bacteria or microflora that are present in pollen reduce the risk of pathogenic bacteria developing in the intestines and improve intestinal function. The lacto bacteria in the colon need plenty of fibre, ideally from fruit and vegetables, to perform correctly. If these bacteria are vigorous and healthy then they will successfully fulfil their role of removing bad cholesterol, and along with it the toxins associated with fats such as certain pesticides. Fresh pollen is an excellent aid to intestinal transit. Constipation is often a serious problem in obese people. They suffer from an over absorption of water in the transverse and descending colon, and their ascending colon (on the right) does not secrete enough mucous. Pollen can dramatically improve the elimination process. Fresh pollen regulates the intestinal floraintestinal candida. Pollen reduces stress due to dietingAs well as helping on a psychological level the B group vitamins in pollen have an effect on the nervous system and produce a mild feeling of exhilaration, which can help to alleviate stress. The ancient hunter and gatherer diet contained little or no cereals and thus no slow-burning carbohydrates. And yet they were capable of hunting or walking for long periods, and did not become crazed with hunger or exhausted if a meal was fifteen minutes late. Obesity is a modern privilege. In nature there is no such thing as an obese animal. By returning to the dietary habits of our ancestors we can restore our bodies' natural equilibrium. Pollen has a valuable role to play in the transition to, and as part of, this ancestral diet.
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Eyesight and Pollen
Age related macular degenerationThere are several forms of AMD, some of which are more damaging than others. The disease develops gradually and has been linked to various factors, one of the most important of which is diet. Initially there is not a significant loss of vision, but this can be detected by an ophthalmologist, and it is therefore essential to have regular check-ups. The role of vitamin A and provitamin AWe have seen that vitamin A is essential for maintaining eye health. In global terms deficiencies in vitamin A are responsible for 300,000 cases of blindness every year. The body stores vitamin A in the liver. Vegetables provide provitamin A, in particular beta-carotene, which the body then converts into vitamin A. Fruit and vegetables that are rich in provitamin A are carrots, spinach, watercress, broccoli, apricots, mangoes and melons. In Australia blindness as a result of vitamin A deficiency no longer occurs; our diets are generally rich enough in vitamin A to supply the eye with sufficient quantities for normal vision to be maintained. Protection against age related deterioration of eyesightProblems tend to start when the eye is not protected against the effects of age. While vitamin A provides an antioxidant protection that maintains a degree of stability in the health of the eye, especially the cornea and the conjunctiva, this is not sufficient. Two xanthophylls, lutein and zeaxanthin, have been identified as antioxidants that are specifically required by the retina and lens (cf. II C). Research has been carried out by L. Brown (22) on the protective effect of eating spinach. Spinach contains between 9.5 and 15.9 mg/100 g (an average of 11.9 mg) of xanthophylls. Consuming 400 g of spinach every week produces a 20 % increase in macular pigmentation* after a period of about six months. This diet will provide protection against the two most dangerous diseases for the eye, which are AMD and cataracts. Research has also established that people eating a diet rich in vegetables containing lutein and zeaxanthin have a better level of protection. Protection against age related deterioration of eyesight from rock rose and willow pollen A daily intake of 15 g of rock rose pollen will provide 9.74 mg / day of xanthophylls, which is comparable to the daily dose in the supplementation study carried out with African marigold extract (10 mg / day of lutein). Numerous studies have already shown doses at this level to be effective. If instead of rock rose 15 g of willow pollen is taken everyday then this will provide 27.75 mg of xanthophylls. Studies with African marigold extract with daily doses of 30 mg of lutein demonstrated an even more powerful effect. Consumption of 15 g of pollen (rock rose or willow) throughout the year should provide effective protection against AMD and cataracts. Whilst in most cases 15 g will be sufficient, for those at high risk, such as people who have already been diagnosed with AMD in one eye or who have been diagnosed with low macular pigmentation or other early warning signs, then a dose of 30 g of willow pollen would be advisable. The use of fresh pollen as protection against degenerative diseases of the eye is a very recent idea that emerged from some research into the fatty substances present in pollen that I carried out with ITERG (The Technical Institute of Fatty Materials) in Bordeaux in 1999. Xanthophylls in pollen offer excellent nutritional value and are totally safe to useFresh pollen from certain flowers is able to provide sufficient quantities of these xanthophylls to protect our eyes from problems related to age or nutritional deficiencies. On no account should we create synthetic xanthophylls and risk the problems that have been associated with synthetic vitamin A: rather than providing protection high doses of synthetic vitamin A have been linked with cancer. The xanthophylls in fresh pollen are in the most natural form possible. Pollen is also a source of other antioxidants that help to protect the eyes such as vitamin E and zinc. Finally fresh pollen provides the body with unoxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are required to maintain healthy cells in the retina. Polyunsaturated fatty acids quickly oxidize when pollen is dried. Many diseases and the health of our organs can be detected by examining the iris and retina; the eye is a remarkable reflection of our health.
Circulation
Atherosclerosis is an even more serious condition, and has become a major public health issue. It is one of the main causes of death in people who are still young and active (32 % of a total of 140,000 every year). Atherosclerosis is a deposit of fat on the sides of the arteries that causes both progressive and sudden obstruction. Several studies have shown supplementation to have a protective effect. However very high doses of synthetic vitamins are required for any such effect to occur. The introduction of foods naturally rich in vitamins E, C and A that are much more easily metabolised by the body would seem more natural and more logical. We have seen that a high level of cholesterol is a risk factor, but the most serious risk (three or four times more significant) is having a diet low in antioxidant vitamins. The current medical strategy is to lower the LDL cholesterol by using drugs that themselves carry risks that are not negligible. Surely it would be better to try to remove the cause and to recommend a high fibre diet, which would lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, but most important of all a diet that was rich in micronutrients and natural antioxidants. The role of polyunsaturated fatty acidsPolyunsaturated fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining the equilibrium of cell membranes. They also have numerous functions in the blood; we will consider just two particularly interesting ones. Polyunsaturated fatty acids transport fat-soluble vitamins from the intestines to the bloodstream. They are thus the carriers of the most powerful antioxidant vitamins, which are vitamin E, vitamin A and carotenoids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are also the precursors of hormones in the bloodstream that govern the balance between the risk of thrombosis (when an artery becomes blocked because the blood coagulates too easily) and haemorrhage (insufficient coagulation). In fulfilling these two roles polyunsaturated fatty acids help to protect the cardiovascular system. Phytosterols provide proven protection against atherosclerosis. The protective role of polyphenols in the circulation is well established. In depth studies are currently taking place to examine their digestibility and the mechanisms involved in relation to their origin and their degree of polymerisation.
We can already say that:
• they have a strongly antioxidant effect, in particular on peroxidized fats (much more than vitamin E); • they improve elasticity and permeability in capillaries; • they protect certain types of tissue against cancer. The preventative role of fresh pollen in cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants are present in pollen in such quantities that a preventative effect is almost certain.
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Pollen and the immune system
The intestines and the immune system . The key points to remember in this complex relationship between the intestinal mucous membrane, food in the digestive system and the intestinal flora are: – the IgA secretion is dependent on the bacteria that inhabit our intestines; – these bacteria are dependent on the food that we eat (cf. III A); – the immune system in our intestines has a major impact on the body's general immune system; – if the IgAs do not work efficiently then the intestinal filter is impaired and the body develops deficiencies, toxicity and inflammatory reactions. The intestinal barrier function is essentially the cornerstone of our immune system. The effect of fresh pollen on the immune system. The microflora present in fresh pollen have the ability to protect our flora against pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. Pollen is thus able to help strengthen the intestinal immune system. Fresh pollen also helps regularize digestive transit, which enables better elimination of waste matter. Constipation will ultimately result in the reabsorption of toxins present in the faeces; toxins are removed from the blood stream by the liver and excreted in the bile. This vicious circle of excretion and reabsorption eventually causes “auto-intoxication” or a state of being poisoned from toxic substances produced within the body; this phenomenon is familiar to naturopaths. If the cycle is broken then the immune system can in time be re-established. A generous intake of soluble and insoluble fibre in the form of fresh fruit and pollen will enable the large intestines to excrete sufficient mucus. This becomes important during the reabsorption of water by the colon: the mucus lubricates and isolates the faeces from the colon wall of the colon thereby facilitating the elimination of toxins. The wide range of micronutrients and enzymes present in pollen stimulate the body's capacity to manufacture enzymes (another stimulant is exercise).
The modern diet is often deficient in micronutrients; it is however rich in substances that we are not designed to eat, such as Maillard molecules (which result from cooking food), pesticides and various food additives. The amount of calories that we need is a function of how much exercise we do. However if we eat less of a diet already poor in micronutrients we risk impairing the function of our immune system. Fresh pollen is a highly concentrated natural source of micronutrients and can thus totally or at least partially compensate for the problems so often created by the modern diet. Regular consumption of pollen will undoubtedly strengthen the immune system, and this effect will be further enhanced if a healthier lifestyle is adopted. The signs of a healthy immune systemBesides this strictly medical analysis and measurement of the immune system there are other indications of its relative health that are more easily observed. Certain foods may be responsible for health problems; it is worth eliminating and reintroducing suspect foods in order to establish any personal intolerances. If you stimulate your immune system with a healthy diet that includes fresh pollen then you will increase your resistance to colds and a bout of flu every winter. Fresh pollen very often produces a lift in spirits after four to eight days. This could be the cause or the result of a boosted immune system; given the delay of several days before the effects of pollen begin to be felt it seems likely that the pollen boosts the immune system by reinforcing the intestinal barrier and providing the body with a wealth of micronutrients. The state of the body's various visible mucous membranes (the mouth, eyes, nostrils and genitals) is an indication of how a part of the immune system is functioning. If they are easily inflamed or regularly become infected then this is a sign of poor diet. Pollen can be very effective in such cases. Finally the skin is another indication of the strength of the immune system; it is not without reason that we talk of a healthy glow. One of the typical effects of a course of fresh pollen is to restore “colour” to the complexion.
Diet has a major impact on the immune system. The modern diet is often poor in micronutrients and rich in preservatives, colouring agents, flavour enhancers etc. Cooking generates toxic molecules. The high stress levels that are part of city life are ultimately harmful. Rather than regarding health as something that can be fixed when it fails us we would be better advised to build a strong immune system that will then protect against illness and disease. Fresh pollen has an important place in a diet that aims to build and maintain a healthy immune system.
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
How to choose the right pollen
The optimum benefit is not obtained by eating a mixture of all the various pollens but rather by carefully choosing the pollen that is most suited to an individual's particular requirements.
The benefits of different kinds of pollen
The active constituents common to most pollen Any type of pollen that has been preserved by freezing will contain between one and ten million microorganisms per gram. These microorganisms are particularly beneficial for the intestinal flora and the regulation of digestive transit (cf. III A). Regular consumption of pollen will also provide a significant quantity of fibre, which will further enhance the beneficial digestive effect. All types of pollen are very rich in antioxidants, but the types of antioxidant vary between pollens.
Rock rose pollenstimulates the immune system; is rich in antioxidants; helps circulation Orange colour, slightly acidic to sweet flavour. The scent comes from the associated flower and so is variable. On a scale of 1 to 5 Immune system 5– Strengthens the immune barrier. – Prevents neurone degeneration. – Slows the ageing process. Fat 5– Reduces “bad“ LDL cholesterol. – Increases “good” HDL cholesterol. – Reduces internal fat due to its vitamin B3, lactic flora, carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, but most of all due to its phytosterols. Circulation 5– Prevents oxidation of lipids in the bloodstream thereby inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. – Preserves elasticity of capillaries thus helping to prevent aneurisms; this is due to the polyphenols (as in tea or grapes), lacto-bacteria, vitamin B6, carotenoids, but mainly due to its exceptional vitamin E content. Protection of the intestinal mucous membrane 5– Prevents inflammations of the colon; this is due to synergy between the carotenoids and lacto-bacteria. This type of synergy does not appear in any other naturally occurring food. Sports 5– Restores reserves of the micronutrients and antioxidants that become depleted as a result of prolonged or strenuous activity. – Protects muscle tissue by supplying vitamin E, carotenoids, and phytosterols. Vision 5– Protects the lens and retina against the effects of age by supplying zeaxanthin and vitamin B2. This pollen is suitable on a maintenance level. Calcium loss 3 Calcium loss is reduced by the lacto-bacteria and high levels of antioxidants, such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamin E. Allergies 3Reduces allergic reactions by providing vitamin B3, carotenoids (which help mucous membrane function), and above all large amounts of vitamin E.
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
Chestnut pollen
improves digestive hygiene; recommended for women over forty years old; protects against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease Bright yellow colour, always mixed with grey green granules of blackberry pollen; not strongly flavoured, always sweet. Scent has notes of jasmine and grass.
Cardiovascular System 5– Helps remove build-ups of fat in the arteries. – Restores elasticity to capillaries (thus helping to prevent aneurisms). – Helps memory and brain function by supplying polyphenols and vitamin B6. Fat 5– Reduces “bad” LDL cholesterol. – Reduces oxidation of fats in the bloodstream and build ups of fat by supplying vitamin B3, lacto-bacteria, fibre, carotenoids, phytosterols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but above all by supplying exceptionally high levels of polyphenols. Alkalinisation 5Has a highly alkalinizing effect due to its potassium content, fibres and especially to its polyphenols. Phyto-oestrogen synergy and calcium loss 4Reduces calcium loss by supplying lacto-bacteria, carotenoids and above all polyphenols (which have a mild but protective phyto-oestrogen effect of decreasing loss of bone density and calcium).
Feel good factor 3– Helps prevent depression and mild manic depression. – Improves the response to traditional anti-depressant therapy. – Slows build up of harmful stress by providing lacto-bacteria, fibre, carotenoids and B9 (these counteract the effect of gamma interferon, which causes increased intestinal permeability, auto-intoxication and increased sensitivity to stress) (cf. III B). Helps to prevent certain types of cancer 3 – Reduces sensitivity to stress. – Reduces oxidation of fats, which is particularly important in breast, prostate and colon cancer. – Detoxifies as a result of the effect of the polyphenols and vitamin B9 in the intestines. Helps the body to cope with radiotherapy 2by providing vitamins B2 and B6.
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
Willow pollen
Maintains eye health; recommended during pregnancy and conception; recommended for prostate health; boosts the immune system; protects against cardiovascular disease A magnificent pollen, yellow, sweet, scented with a faintly medicinal note.
Immune system 5– Improves the immune response, – Prevents neurone degeneration, – Accelerates healing of skin, – Slows the ageing process, by providing vitamin E, carotenoids, lacto-bacteria and polyphenols. The effects of age on the eyes 5– Prevents AMD (age related macular degeneration). – Prevents cataracts. – Protects the conjunctiva and cornea by providing high levels of xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin), beta-carotene, carotenoids, vitamins B2, E, C, zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Prostate conditions 5– Reduces prostate enlargement. – Lowers P.S.A. (a measure of the risk of cancer). – Helps the body to cope with traditional therapies by providing vitamin B6, lacto-bacteria, carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc and selenium. Before conception and during breastfeeding 5– Improves ovulation and implantation of eggs in women with fertility problems (several long awaited children have been conceived after a two month course of willow pollen at a dose of 30 g/day), – Reduces risks of neural tube defects (brain and spinal cord), – Helps lactation, by providing vitamins B6, B3, B2, B1, E and C, but most of all by providing exceptionally high levels of folic acid (vitamin B9) polyphenols, phytosterols and numerous other substances. Cardiovascular system 4– Eliminates atherosclerotic plaque, – Restores elasticity to capillaries, (thus helping to prevent aneurisms), – Prevents oxidation of fats in the bloodstream, – Almost as beneficial as chestnut, due to vitamins B3, B6, E and C, folic acid, carotenoids, fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids, lacto-bacteria and a good level of polyphenols. Radiotherapy for cancer 5– Helps the body to recover by providing vitamins B2 and B6, but most importantly by providing lutein and zeaxanthin, which helps to protect and restore tissue damaged by radiation. Prevention of certain types of cancer 4– Reduces sensitivity to stress, – Reduces oxidation of fats (significant for breast, prostate and colon cancer), – Detoxifies the body, as a result of synergy between polyphenols and other substances, vitamin E, carotenoids and vitamin B9.
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
Its Medicinal Qualities
It's Composition These are the amino acids moss Indispensable in our dies and which cannot be manufactured or synthesized They come from natural sources. in usable faint. Bees select pollens rich in nitrogenous matter.
Ecological Aspects Pollen as a Food
HIGH ENERGY RECIPES
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FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
FRESH Bee Pollen available now from www.alivefoods.com/products.html
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