Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions. Foraging honey bees collect pollen from plants and transport it to the beehive, where it's stored and used as food for the colony. In recent times, bee pollen has gained renewed traction as more and more are discovering its health benefits.

Here Are Surprising Health Benefits Of Bee Pollen

1. Packed With 250 Biologically Active Substances

Bee pollen boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It contains over 250 biologically active substances, that includes proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Besides, it is also packed with enzymes, antibiotics and antioxidants. Interestingly, this nutritional profile of bee pollen is variable and depends on the plant source and season collected.

2. Antioxidant Properties

It is loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that bee pollen antioxidants can reduce chronic inflammation, eliminate harmful bacteria, fight infections, and combat the growth and spread of tumours.

3. Heart Health

There is empirical evidence that states that bee pollen reduces high blood lipids and cholestrols. Two studies conducted on animals in 2017 and 2018 showed that bee pollen extracts can lower blood cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad) cholesterol.

4. Liver Protection

Bee pollen also protects the liver from all kinds of toxins and promotes recovery from liver damage. Empirical evidence suggests that bee pollen can act as an effective treatment against conditions like hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

5. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Research shows that bee pollen contains compounds like quercetin, which reduce inflammation and may be an alternative to Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bee pollen packs several compounds that can reduce inflammation and swelling, including the antioxidant quercetin.

6. Immune Boost

Bee pollen exhibits antimicrobial properties, potentially protecting against harmful bacteria and boosting immunity.

7. Wound Healing

With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, bee pollen may aid in wound healing and prevent infections. Bee pollen work by reducing excessive inflammation at the wound site, allowing the body to focus on tissue repair and collagen production.

8. Potential Anti-Cancer Effects

Test-tube studies suggest bee pollen may inhibit tumour growth and promote cancer cell death, though human studies are limited.

9. Menopausal Relief

Some studies indicate that bee pollen may alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, though more research is needed.

Besides bee pollen, another related product that holds immense nutritional value is honey. It is a naturally sweet, syrup-like substance that bees produce from the nectar of flowering plants. The bees collect the nectar and then consume, digest, and regurgitate it inside the beehive to produce honey. This honey is stored in wax structures called honeycombs, which are gathered by humans through the practice of beekeeping. Although the nutritional value of honey. A single tablespoon (21 grams) of honey typically consists of 64 calories and 17 grams of carbs with little to no fat, fibre, and protein.

ALSO READ: Is Honey Good Or Bad For You?

India's food regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to six beverage brands, including Red Bull and PepsiCo India, for claiming to be "energy drinks," citing misbranding and misleading claims.

The brands include:

• Red Bull Energy Drink
• PepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink
• Reliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold Boost
• Sting Energy Drink
• Hell Energy
• Coca-Cola-backed Monster

Why FSSAI Issued Notices

The FSSAI, in a post on social media platform X, noted that it has not notified any standard for "energy drink" or similar products.

The regulator stated that these brands have "marketed using descriptors such as 'energy drink' on product branding and labelling."

The FSSAI further said that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes.

"Functional or therapeutic claims, including but not limited to 'vitalizes body and mind', 'enhancing focus', 'boost energy levels', 'aid in general weakness', or similar conditions, are not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder," the regulator said.

Recently, Maharashtra State FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told the Assembly that the state is set to ban the sale of Sting energy drink within 500 meters of schools.

Are Energy Drinks Healthy?

Energy drinks have become a fad among the youth population and are linked to rising fitness awareness. According to the IMARC Group, India's energy drinks market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2034.

However, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said energy drinks may not actually provide "energy."

Rather, they are loaded with "caffeine, sugar and stimulants" that may not be healthy and are "not necessary for exercise, gym workouts or sports."

"Some studies suggest caffeine can improve alertness and endurance in certain athletes. But that doesn't mean everyone who goes to the gym or for a morning run needs an energy drink. Most recreational exercisers do not need energy drinks," said the noted neurologist known popularly as Hyderabad doctor.

He noted that for people working out for less than an hour: "Water is usually enough".

"If you need extra fuel, ordinary carbohydrate-rich foods, such as a banana, fruit, dates or a simple meal, are often safer and cheaper than an energy drink".

Health Risks Of Energy Drinks

Dr Sudhir also noted the downsides of energy drinks many of which contain large amounts of added sugar, high doses of caffeine and multiple stimulants whose combined effects are not always well studied.

He liked excess intake of energy drinks with:

• Weight gain
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes (especially sugar-sweetened drinks)
• High blood pressure
• Sleep disturbance
• Anxiety and palpitations
• Dangerous heart rhythm problems."

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in young patients presenting with liver dysfunction. Energy drinks may be one of the culprit, according to Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and Chairman and Head, Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital, New Delhi.

"Three major contributors stand out — energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Energy drinks, often perceived as harmless, contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and chemical additives that place immense stress on the liver," the doctor said.

Who Should Avoid Energy Drinks?

Dr. Sudhir suggested people should avoid or strictly limit energy drinks if they are:

• Children and adolescents
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with heart disease
• People with hypertension
• People with anxiety disorders
• People with sleep problems.

Health officials in the United States are investigating a growing outbreak of Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis.

While the source of the outbreak is not yet clear, cases have been rising in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported on July 1 that 170 people across seven counties in Michigan had been infected as of June 30.

"Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan. Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive.

Earlier, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 people, aged 5 to 86, contracted the parasite between May 1 and June 16. Twenty people were hospitalized, with infections reported across 17 states. New York recorded the highest number of cases.

New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, according to The Independent. Illinois and Texas have each reported between 11 and 30 cases.

Other affected states include: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin. Each of these states has reported between one and 10 cases.

Also read: Scientific Breakthrough: US Scientists Create First Synthetic Cell That Eats and Reproduces

What Foods Should You Avoid?

According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the US have frequently been linked to imported fresh produce and to travelers returning from Cyclospora-endemic regions. However, investigators believe the current outbreak is associated with contaminated food consumed within the United States, as most patients had not traveled internationally before becoming ill.

Health officials have not advised people to avoid all fresh produce, as investigators have not yet identified the exact source of the outbreak. However, previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce such as:

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Mesclun lettuce
• Raspberries
• Snow peas

So far, no outbreaks have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.

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How To Prevent Cyclospora Infection

The CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

It also advises people traveling to tropical and subtropical regions, where Cyclospora is more common, should also be cautious. Routine chemical disinfectants used on food or water do not reliably kill the parasite.

What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.

The infection commonly causes watery diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. While many cases are mild, the illness can last weeks or even months if left untreated. Doctors typically treat the infection with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other conditions affecting immunity, are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms usually begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water and may include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting.

The West Bengal government’s recent move to substitute eggs with soybean, paneer, and other vegetarian sources in Kolkata’s midday meal scheme has been met with mixed responses. Amid concern for protein deficiency in children, we took a deeper look into the eggs vs soybean debate.

Eggs Vs Soya: Which Is Better?

After the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) took over midday meal duties in Kolkata, it switched to an all-vegetarian diet that entailed removing eggs. The move sparked a debate about the efficacy of vegetarian sources of protein, especially plant-based ones like soybean.

Experts believe that it's not a matter of one food vs the other but understanding the distinct nutritional benefits of each.

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Aaryin Memon, Clinical Nutritionist, Bhailal General Amin Hospital, Vadodara, about the impact of relying on soybean for protein instead of eggs.

Dr Memon says that protein is one of the key nutrients during childhood and plays a role in the growth, development of muscles, immunity, and brain function. She says that eggs and soybeans are both good sources of protein, but they have different nutritional profiles and impact on the body.

As we have always been told that eggs are the gold standard when it comes to protein for the following reasons:

• Eggs contain all nine essential amino acids in highly available forms.

• Eggs are packed with vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

• Eggs also contain choline, selenium, and healthy fats.

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Additionally, eggs are important for growing children as they contribute significantly in all-round development.

The expert says, “They contain a great amount of choline, which is essential for brain development, memory, and learning.”

When it comes to vegetarian sources of protein that match the nutritional value of eggs, soybeans are one of the top on the list. It is an excellent source of protein, dietary fibre, iron, calcium, magnesium, and beneficial plant compounds including isoflavones.

Soya can also help satisfy children's nutritional requirements and is a recommended vegetarian source of protein, according to nutritionists. It is also inexpensive, readily available, and appropriate for egg-free children's diets due to dietary, religious, or cultural preferences.

But the nutritionist points out that there are differences in their nutritional profiles.

Dr Memon says, “Soybean is a good source of protein, but plant protein is less bioavailable than animal protein. Certain nutrients like vitamin B12 are not found in plant-based protein sources. Additionally, the iron found in soya does not get absorbed in the body as well as iron from animals.”

Soybeans’ comparatively weaker nutritional profile is the reason why vegetarians have to rely on a diverse range of high protein foods like pulses, dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as foods rich in vitamin C to support iron absorption, like fruit and vegetables.

This brings us to the conclusion that school meal programmes should embrace an 'either-or' option and include eggs and well-planned vegetarian options where possible. This enables children to have the right kind of nutrition and takes into account differences in their diets.