Bee Pollen for Fertility – Benefits and Recommended Dosage
Every married couple eagerly waits for the day when their family is blessed with a baby. But sometimes, there are some hurdles that hinder the process of conceiving. Couples facing infertility issues have increased due to sedentary lifestyles, continuous radiation exposure through wireless networks, and unhealthy food choices. Several natural remedies offer couples a safe and effective choice to boost their fertility in such situations. Bee pollen for fertility is one remedy that has gained popularity in recent years, but whether it is genuinely effective is something many people are unaware of. So, is bee pollen for female fertility really effective, or is it just another hoax? Let’s read the post to know the effectiveness of bee pollen for fertility.
What Is Bee Pollen?
When worker bees leave the hive for the day, they collect bee pollen and return it to the hive. They granulate pollen with the plant pollen’s enzymes, digestive enzymes from bees, and a little honey or nectar (1). Bee pollen is a natural, high-nutrient source with various trace minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants (2). Its health advantages include improving immunity, controlling weight and allergies, treating prostate issues, and enhancing fertility. Bee pollen is loaded with bioactive compounds and offers extremely successful natural therapy for infertility in both men and women. However, before using bee pollen to treat infertility, you should speak with your doctor.
It is important to note that bee pollen should not be confused with beeswax, honey, bee venom, royal jelly, or propolis (3).
Benefits of Bee Pollen on Women’s Fertility
The bee pollen’s benefits for female fertility are numerous. Here are some listed benefits of bee pollen on women fertility:
1. Rich in Nutrients
Bee pollen contains many essential elements, around 96, that you need to live a healthy life. Pollen contains 40% proteins that your body can utilize without having to break them down. Bee pollen also contains various important minerals, including calcium, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to your overall health and fertility.
2. Boosts Estrogen Levels
Estrogen aids in the proper release of eggs during ovulation by boosting ovarian activity. The higher the quality of the eggs, the more likely you are to become pregnant. If you’re attempting to conceive, bee pollen can help you enhance your estrogen levels and balance the hormones you need to get pregnant. Pollen also improves the capacity of the eggs to withstand and survive the incubation phase.
3. Improves Immunity and Libido
Pollen increases your libido and energy levels, making it easier to conceive. Pollen also stimulates your immune system and protects you from various ailments. All important fatty acids, carbs, glucose, antioxidants, fructose, vitamins, enzymes, and minerals included in pollen help to enhance your immune system.
4. Hormone Regulation
Bee pollen is beneficial in regulating hormonal imbalance faced by women that lead to fertility issues like PCOS. However, to prove this claim, more research needs to be done.
The relationship between bee pollen and fertility is not beneficial for only women; it is for men as well. A 2009 study found an increase in daily sperm production, testosterone levels, and sperm counts when rats were fed with the pollen of pollen of plant sources Raphanus spp. and Cistus spp. (4).
Side Effects and Risks
You have heard numerous success stories about bee propolis fertility; however, you may be wondering, “Is bee pollen safe for getting pregnant?” Well, it is, as there are no significant side effects or risks after using bee pollen. Though in some rare cases, there could be some minor side effects. Here are some side-effects or risks to consider before starting the use of bee pollens:
- If you are allergic to bees or bee products or have asthma, you might be allergic to bee pollen (5) (2).
- Bee pollen from industrialized areas can have toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals that can harm your health. So go for fresh, clean, and pure bee pollen that comes from an unpolluted environment.
- Skin rash, low pulse, stomach pain, wheezing, tingling, and discomfort may happen in some cases for people allergic to bee pollen, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis (6).
- Women taking blood thinners should avoid it.
- If you have prostate problems, stomach problems, joint pains, or hay fever, consult your doctor first before consuming bee pollen.
How to Improve Fertility Through Bee Pollen?
To improve fertility through the consumption of bee pollen, follow these tips:
- Only use bee pollen from organic sources that are of good quality. Chemicals may be present in those supplied from industrial farms.
- Eat healthy and nutritious foods in a balanced diet, and stay away from processed foods with high quantities of toxins and salts.
- Exercise regularly, get enough rest and de-stress.
- Have frequent checks to determine your and your partner’s fertility status.
- If you are on blood thinners, such as warfarin, make sure to consult your doctor before trying bee pollen for fertility, as it could bee pollen could interact with anticoagulants (6) (3).
How Much Bee Pollen Should You Consume Daily to Improve Fertility?
There are no recommended or set quantities of bee pollen for increasing fertility. Ask your physician or a certified herbalist for the recommended dosage before starting bee pollen. There are many ways to incorporate bee pollen into your daily diet. It can be used in various recipes for added nutrition and flavour.
FAQs
1. Can bee pollen help or work with IVF treatments?
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition suggested that bee pollen may help bring improvement in the IVF treatments (7). However, more research is required on this case.
2. Can bee pollen help treat or reduce menstrual irregularities or PCOS?
Although bee pollen is known to reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms, there is not evidence that claims it can reduce or treat menstrual irregularities. It is also known to help with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) (8).
Bee pollens are an effective and natural way to boost fertility. However, apart from them, make sure to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a nutritious diet to get your body ready for pregnancy.
References/Resources:
1. Khalifa. S. A. M, et al.; Bee Pollen: Current Status and Therapeutic Potential; Nutrients.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8230257/; May 2021
2. Bee Pollen; URMC; https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=BeePollen
3. Bee Pollen; MedlinePlus; https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/78.html
4. Selmanoğlu. G, et al.; The Effect of Pollen on Some Reproductive Parameters of Male Rats; Pestic. fitomed. (Beograd); https://doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1820-3949/2009/1820-39490901059S.pdf; 2009
5. Jagdis A, Sussman G. Anaphylaxis from bee pollen supplement. CMAJ; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3394823/; July 2012
6. Bee pollen; Drugs.com; https://www.drugs.com/mtm/bee-pollen.html
7. Abdelnour. S. A, et al.; Useful impacts of royal jelly on reproductive sides, fertility rate and sperm traits of animals; Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpn.13303; Januray 2020
8. Naseri. L, et al.; Synergic effect of bee pollen and metformin on proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells: Rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome; Journal of Food Biochemistry; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfbc.13635; February 2021
Also Read:
Feng Shui for Fertility
Sonohysterogram Test for Fertility
Is Royal Jelly a Super Fertility Food?
Importance of Trigger Shots for Fertility
Natural Ways to Increase Fertility in Men and Women
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