How to Determine the Quality of Bee Pollen

Health conscious individuals all over the world consume bee pollen for its many purported health benefits including weight control, longevity and increased energy. Bee pollen is also thought to act as an anti-carcinogen. Additionally, its myriad of vitamins and minerals make it a valuable food supplement. There are three forms of bee pollen available for human consumption including granules, capsules and tablets. With so many options, choosing the right type can be tricky. But before you start to feel overwhelmed with all of your choices, there are a few key things to keep in mind when determining the quality of bee pollen.

Instructions

Choosing a Form

• 1

  Consider the differences between the three different forms of pollen -- granules, capsules and tablets -- before making a purchase.

• 2

  Keep in mind that unprocessed granules are the purest form of bee pollen because they retain more nutrients than processed capsules and tablets, which can lose many of their nutritional ingredients during production.

• 3

  Remember to select the form of pollen based on your own personal needs (granules may pack the most nutritional punch, but capsules and tablets offer the most convenience).

• 4

  Consult your regular physician to discuss the possibility of a bee pollen allergy. If you're allergic to bee stings, you may not be able to consume bee pollen.

Finding the Purest Pollen

• 5

  Purchase raw bee pollen granules directly from a local beekeeper, if possible. This ensures that you are getting the bee pollen in its purest form. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to find local beekeepers.

• 6

  Make sure the bee pollen that you choose is from a Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant plant. Look for facilities that the produce a certificate of analysis for each batch, as this certifies the quality.

• 7

  Determine the original source of the bee pollen. Some of the bee pollen sold in the U.S. is imported from China and is known to have contamination. Ensure that the source is legitimate and adheres to the GMP.

• 8

  Buy freeze-dried bee pollen to ensure that the product still retains most of its nutrients. Avoid processed, heated or heat-dried bee pollen. Heating bee pollen can destroy its health benefits.