Emilia Laskowska, Maria Halina Borawska, Katarzyna Socha

Health properties of bee bread and bee pollen
2022-11-07

Bee bread is a natural bee product and the raw material for its production is pollen. Flower pollen is collected by collecting bees. Mixed with a small amount of salivary gland secretions or nectar, it is transferred to the hive. The bees present in the hive take the previously prepared pollen from the collecting bees, where they arrange it in the cells of the comb. The stored pollen is moistened with saliva along with the honey, crushed and compacted in layers. The top layer is coated with a little honey and wax. The above mixture under anaerobic conditions undergoes lactic fermentation, leading to the formation of bee bread. In the bee colony, it is the main source of protein necessary for larvae and young workers. The lactic acid formed during anaerobic fermentation preserves the fermented pollen, i.e. the bee bread. Lactic acid protects the product against deterioration. Flower bee pollen is a valuable plant product due to the diverse composition of biologically active substances. In terms of chemicals, it contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins. The pollen protein, compared to the protein of other food products, is distinguished by a high content of essential amino acids. Carbohydrate content is estimated at 13-55%, among which the dominant simple sugars are fructose and glucose. The fat fraction constituting 1-20% is represented by both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids as well as phospholipids and phytosterols. Another group of biologically active compounds are polyphenols present in the amount of about 1.6%. They include: flavonoids, catechins and phenolic acids. Flower pollen is a good source of both water and fat soluble vitamins. Among the macronutrients, potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium are the most important. The micronutrients include copper, zinc, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, silicon, selenium, and iron.

The paper presents a review of the scientific literature on the health properties of bee products. Bee bread and bee pollen, due to their rich chemical composition and therapeutic properties, can be classified as the most valuable bee products. Bee bread and bee pollen have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and protective properties against ionizing radiation, and support the functioning of the circulatory system and are used in dermatology.

Keywords: bee bread, bee pollen, therapeutic properties.

© Bromat. Chem. Toksykol, 2022, 54 (2): 105–118