Pregnancy is a beautiful journey. It is a time when mothers become more cautious of the food they consume for a healthy baby. Are you planning to introduce bee pollen to your diet? Let’s learn more about bee pollen, its benefits, and its side effects. This article will help you decide if bee pollen is a superfood or just hype.
Bee pollen is becoming a trending choice among pregnant females. It becomes an easy way of meeting nutritional needs and getting variety in food. It is nowadays considered to be a functional food.
What is Bee Pollen?
Bee pollen is also known as bee-collected pollen. It is a combination of flower pollen grains, nectar, and bee salivary secretions. Bee Polle is widely used as a medicine in Southeast Asian countries. It is power-packed with nutrients, which makes it a great choice to enhance health.
Is Bee Pollen Safe To Consume During Pregnancy?
Bee pollen is safe during pregnancy. It is a dense source of nutrients and can be consumed as a supplement or as a dressing. However. before consuming anything new it is always recommended to have a word with your healthcare provider and seek his opinions.
[Read: Amazing Benefits of Honey For Pregnant Women]
Nutritional Composition Of Bee Pollen
Bee pollens are a dense source of nutrients that help keep pregnant women and fetal health in check. It gives all the important nutrients to support vital organ development.
Proteins– It provides proteins that are easily digested and absorbed in the body. Good bioavailability supports the muscle development and weight of the fetus. A study conducted in 2021 shows that it provides 22.7% protein including all vital amino acids.
Carbohydrates– Glucose and fructose helps in meeting the increased energy demand.
Fats– It’s good for essential fatty acids which help in maintaining Omega 3 and Omega 6 in the diet. Appropriate intake of omegas is helpful in brain development.
Micro-nutrients – It contains nutrients like B complex, magnesium, and iron. It contains powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, E, and A which help in reducing oxidative stress. Vitamin C helps in enhancing the absorption of iron required for fetal brain development.
Benefits Of Consuming Bee Pollen During Pregnancy
Bee pollen has a variety of advantages when it comes to pregnancy diet. It makes Let’s
Boosts Immunity
The mother’s body and fetus become more prone to infection with low immunity. Antioxidants present in bee pollen help in fighting back infections. (1)
Prevents Fetal Developmental Issues
The dense nutritional profile including proteins, essential amino acids, and micronutrients helps in the healthy growth and development of the fetus. (2)
Controls Stress During Pregnancy
Nutrients like iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12 are known to relax muscles and reduce stress.
Prevents Pregnancy-induced Disorder
Optimal protein, good fats, and antioxidants help reduce insulin fluctuations. Reduce insulin spikes and keep diabetes, and hypertension away. (3)
[Read: Protein During Pregnancy – Importance and Sources]
Side Effects Of Consuming Bee Pollen During Pregnancy
Bee pollen does not have any major side effects. However, mothers with sensitive guts might experience allergic reactions. Examples: rashes, diarrhea, stomach cramps, pain in the abdomen, or breathing issues with cough. If you are allergic to honey or pollen you might experience discomfort
Precautions To Take While Consuming Bee Pollen During Pregnancy
Bee pollen is usually safe during pregnancy. In case of sensitive skin or sensitive gut, it is always recommended to consult the doctor. Doctors can guide with the right dose as per the condition during pregnancy. Take a look at the pointers below to
- Make sure to wash it properly.
- Read the labels thoroughly before purchasing to keep a check on quality and standards
- If consuming for the first time, begin with a small dose to see how well the body adapts to it.
- Avoid consuming in raw form, as it might lead to bacterial contamination
It can be a healthy addition to the diet in pregnancy. It can help in enhancing the nutrients in the body. High concentrations of nutrients can lead to gastrointestinal issues. However, it’s always advised to avoid intake of any new food product during pregnancy. Nutritional requirements can be easily met by a healthy diet. Fortified food items like cereals, oil, and milk can help maintain nutrient levels. Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables balances the micronutrient requirements during pregnancy. Lastly, doctors consultation always can help you make better decisions as per your health condition in pregnancy.
Read Also: How Safe Is Lemongrass During Pregnancy?
FAQ’s
1. Can You Get Bee Pollen Naturally From Foods?
No, you can’t get bee pollen through food. However, nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins can be up using veggies and fruits.
2. Can Bee Pollen Cause Uterine Contractions?
Yes, in case of high consumption or allergic reactions, you might experience uterine contractions in the form of cramps.
3. Does Bee Pollen Help You Get Pregnant?
Yes, it can help in improving ovarian health and regularizing hormone production, thereby increasing the chances of conceiving.
References
- Bee Pollen: MedlinePlus Supplements – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8230257/
- Khalifa SAM, Elashal MH, Yosri N, Du M, Musharraf SG, Nahar L, Sarker SD, Guo Z, Cao W, Zou X, Abd El-Wahed AA, Xiao J, Omar HA, Hegazy MF, El-Seedi HR. Bee Pollen: Current Status and Therapeutic Potential – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8230257/
- Taking Bee Pollen During Pregnancy – Benefits And Risks –https://pollennaturalenergy.com/bee-pollen-during-pregnancy
- El Ghouizi, A.; Bakour, M.; Laaroussi, H.; Ousaaid, D.; El Menyiy, N.; Hano, C.; Lyoussi, B. Bee Pollen as Functional Food: Insights into Its Composition and Therapeutic Properties. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 557. –https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/3/557
- pdf-libre.pdf (d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net)
- Journal of ApiProduct and ApiMedical Science 2 (4): 131 – 144 (2010) – https://ibra.org.uk/wp-content/JAAS/VOL2/2-4/JAAS%202%204%2001L%20%25281%2529.pdf
- Ana M. Ares, Silvia Valverde, José L. Bernal, María J. Nozal, José Bernal,Extraction and determination of bioactive compounds from bee pollen,Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis,Volume 147, 2018, Pages 110-124 –https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0731708517314528
- Rzepecka-Stojko A, Stojko J, Jasik K, Buszman E. Anti-Atherogenic Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Bee Pollen. Nutrients. 2017 Dec 18;9(12):1369.- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29258230/
