Nutritional value of Bee Pollen
The most significant component of bee pollen is its complete protein content, or more precisely amino acids, which typically makes up around 26% to 40% of its composition. Bee Pollen contains 5 to 7 times more amino acids than beef or eggs. In addition, pollen includes nucleic acids, nucleoproteins, and approximately 20% plant-based lipids.
Bee pollen is also a rich source of vitamins, including D, B1, B2, B5, B6, PP, E, and C, as well as biotin and folic acid. It contains high levels of potassium (around 400 mg per 100 g), along with significant amounts of phosphorus and magnesium, and trace elements such as iron, zinc, and cobalt.
Its fatty acid profile includes alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid (monounsaturated), and palmitic acid (saturated). In addition, pollen contains lipids, phytocompounds such as carotenoids and phenols (including flavonoids and phytosterols), as well as active enzymes, coenzymes, hormones, and antioxidant enzymes. Bee Pollen fibers serve as a prebiotic for our digestive microbiota.
Pollen consists of granules collected from a wide variety of plants, which vary depending on the region and season. Fresh pollen spoils quickly, so it is typically dried or frozen to preserve its nutritional value. In the hive, however, bees naturally ferment pollen, increasing the bioavailability of its phytocompounds and allowing it to be stored at around 35°C for more than a year. This fermented form is known as bee bread.