Categories

Pollen

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen’s nutritional content varies by plant source and collection conditions, but per 100 grams, it typically contains:

  • Calories: ~300-400 kcal.
  • Protein: 15-25g (including essential amino acids like leucine and lysine).
  • Carbohydrates: 30-60g (mostly sugars like glucose and fructose).
  • Fats: 4-10g (including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids).
  • Vitamins: B-complex (B1, B2, B6), vitamin C, vitamin E.
  • Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron.
  • Antioxidants: Flavonoids, phenolic compounds.
  • Enzymes: Amylase, phosphatase.
  • Fiber: 5-15g.

It’s nutrient-dense but should be consumed in small amounts (e.g., 1-2 tsp daily) due to potential allergens and lack of large-scale studies confirming benefits.

Always source from reputable suppliers to avoid contaminants.

Consult a doctor if you have allergies or are on medications.

Honey bee with pollen baskets. Source: Wikimedia.
A pollen trap. Source: Wikimedia.
Fresh bee pollen. Source: Wikimedia.
Frozen bee pollen, a human supplement.  Source: Wikimedia.
Bee bread: the bee pollen stored in the combs. Source: Wikimedia.
Chunks of bee bread.  Source: Wikimedia.
Vertical dissection of cells from a comb, showing the packing of different types of pollen over time. Source: Wikimedia.
Colorized scanning electron microscope image of pollen grains. Source: Wikimedia.

Colorized scanning electron microscope image of pollen grains from a variety of common plants: sunflower (Helianthus annuus), morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea), prairie hollyhock (Sidalcea malviflora), oriental lily (Lilium auratum), evening primrose (Oenothera fruticosa), and castor bean (Ricinus communis).

Bee Pollen NutritionDownload
Pollen Bee BloomDownload

Source: USDA, Wikimedia.