Bee Pollen, Chia Seeds and Maca

Question 1

Bee Pollen

Answer 1

Bee pollen is made by honeybees who collect flower pollen, mix it with nectar from their honey sacs
and deliver it to the hive. Here, enzymes are added and it becomes the key food source for the colony

Question 2

Bee Pollen: Energetics

Answer 2

Yang, highly nutritive, sweet and warming

Question 3

Bee Pollen: Composition

Answer 3

Providing protein (comprises about 30% protein, a third of which are essential amino acids ), carbohydrates (up to 50% of bee pollen being polysaccharides), fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients including flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.

Question 4

Bee Pollen: Benefits

Answer 4

Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Cardiovascular health
Recovery
Anti-allergic

Question 5

Bee Pollen: Antioxidant

Answer 5

The high antioxidant profile protects body cells from oxidative stress, associated with cancer, atherosclerosis etc.

Question 6

Bee Pollen: Anti-inflammatory

Answer 6

Through inhibition of the inflammatory enzymes COX and LOX

Question 7

Bee Pollen: Cardivascular health

Answer 7

Decreases LDL and lipid oxidation.

Question 8

Bee Pollen: Recovery

Answer 8

Aids recovery: Highly nutritive ; adaptogenic properties (increase resistance to stress).

Question 9

Bee Pollen: Anti-allergic activity

Answer 9

Inhibits histamine release from mast cells. A good example of ‘like with like’ (bee pollen used to treat hay fever)

Question 10

Bee Pollen: Dosage

Answer 10

Hay fever: Take 1-2 tsp. daily at least four weeks before season starts. No need to take during season.

Other usage: Add 1-2 tsp. daily to yoghurt, cereal, smoothies, fresh juices or sprinkle on salads.

Question 11

Bee Pollen: Caution

Answer 11

Often works effectively as an anti-allergic despite the allergenic potential of airborne pollen. Discontinue use if there are symptoms including itching, swelling and shortness of breath.

Avoid in pregnancy. There is some concern bee pollen may have uterine stimulant effects.

Question 12

Chia Seeds

Answer 12

Chia is an annual plant native to the region spanning western Mexico to northern Guatemala. Chia is now cultivated in other areas. The two varieties produce different seed colours (black and white) with marginal differences in nutrient quality

Question 13

Chia: Energetics

Answer 13

Cooling, moistening

Question 14

Chia: Composition

Answer 14

One of the highest known plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid).

Also contains: Fibre , calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, magnesium, iron, manganese; high quality protein and a range of antioxidant plant compounds; Rich in mucilage; swell to about 10 times their size when added to liquid.

Question 15

Chia: Benefits

Answer 15

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Blood sugar regulation
Digestive Support
Cardiovascular health

Question 16

Chia: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Answer 16

The rich antioxidant profile includes tocopherols and phenolic compounds that reduce oxidative stress. The high omega 3 content can lower inflammation.

Question 17

Chia: Blood sugar regulation

Answer 17

Decreases postprandial glycaemia and prolongs satiety, which is attributed primarily to the fibre content.

Question 18

Chia: Digestive support

Answer 18

High in soluble and insoluble fibre; they increase stool bulk and can be useful in cases of constipation. The mucilage content also soothes the GI mucosa.

Question 19

Chia: Cardiovascular health

Answer 19

Reduces LDL and lipid peroxidation

Question 20

Chia: Dosage

Answer 20

Suggested intake: 15-30 g per day (1-2 tbsp).

Question 21

Chia: Caution

Answer 21

Foods high in mucilage may decrease absorption of medications. Take two hours apart.

Question 22

Maca

Answer 22

Maca (or Peruvian ginseng ), originates from South America. The plant part used is the radish like tuber which comprises the hypocotyl and root. The root can vary in colour from white through to black with reported variations in biological activity. Maca has a long history of use for energy , endurance and sexual health

Question 23

Maca: Energetics

Answer 23

Warm , sweet (nutritive), moist , Yin.

Question 24

Maca: Composition

Answer 24

Contains iron, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, B2, B3 and B6 . It is a good source of protein including all essential amino acids, high in fibre, contains a range of lipids including linoleic and oleic fatty acids, and phytochemicals.

Question 25

Maca: Benefits

Answer 25

Fertility and sexual function:
Increases libido, protects against benign prostatic hyperplasia, improves erectile dysfunction, and increases sperm count, motility and semen volume.

Maca does not appear to change serum testosterone and oestradiol levels, but can interfere with androgen receptors. The aphrodisiac properties are related to lipids in maca called ‘ macamides

Enhances energy and cognition:
Maca can improve mood and cognitive function, which is thought to be through its action on the endocannabinoid system, as well as GABA and choline content.

Provides sustained energy can also be associated with its warming energetic properties useful for sports performance and fatigue.

Question 26

Maca: Dosage

Answer 26

Anything between 1-20 gms. Start with smaller amounts.

Question 27

Maca: Caution

Answer 27

Maca from China has a high chance of contamination and genetic modification.