By Dr. med. Claudia Schmiemann
Pollen is needed for the sexual reproduction of flowering plants. Every single pollen grain contains male gametes for fertilization.
About 75% of flowering plants need to be pollinated. This is done by insects, birds, moths or butterflies. These pollinators carry the pollen from one plant to another. Many plants can produce pollen (male) and seeds (female). But there are also plants that produce only the male or the female component. If you want to grow them and have fruits (for example kiwi trees) then you have to buy a male and a female plant.
Bees feed on pollen and nectar. The nectar provides them with carbohydrates whereas the pollen is the protein, mineral and vitamin source. Pollen is mainly fed to larvae in the hive.
Pollen can promote immune function as it contains lots of anti-oxidants and flavonoids. Some people use pollen of the area they live in to counteract pollinosis (allergies in springtime). On the other hand there is a small risk to be allergic to pollen. Something else to consider is that pollen harvested in landscapes where pesticides are used can be contaminated. This is why you want to verify the source of this precious good.
You can have a tea to table spoon daily as a topping on salads, yoghurt or in a smoothie.
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