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?

Recent insights from medical experts show that even people who eat very less can gain weight due muscle mass, stress, and their body’s movement during the day.

Dr Mohit Bhandari, a robotic bariatric and endoscopic weight loss surgeon, founder and director of Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics at Bhandari Hospital Indore notes some people eat whatever they want without gaining weight, while others struggle even with dieting.

The secret lies in the complex interplay of genetics, metabolism, and environmental factors that influence weight management.

This is why are you are putting on weight, according to Dr Bhandari:

1. Metabolism Differences

The speed at which the body burns calories is different for every individual. A slower metabolism means that even consuming small amount of food can lead to gain.

Individuals with high level of physical activity are less likely to be obese as they mean calories quicker.

2. Hormonal And Lifestyle Factors

Hormones like thyroid hormones, cortisol, and play a major role in weight regulation. Stress, lack of sleep and Insulin sensitivity are also factors that lead to fat storage in the body.

3. Loss Of Muscle Mass

Consuming a snack rich in carbohydrate with 10-20 grams of protein before and immediately after strength training sessions further acts as a responsible factor in gaining weight.

4. Gut Health And Digestion

Additionally, it can also trigger inflammation, which interferes with normal metabolism and insulin function, encouraging fat storage.

People are switching from weightlifting and training in the gym to real world strength training.

By strengthening multiple muscle groups at once, it enhances balance, posture, and overall physical efficiency. And one of the best ways to do this is by adopting the farmer's walk

What Is Farmer’s Walk?

Here’s Why Farmer’s Walk Has Gained Popularity:

1. Builds Body strength

Meanwhile, the legs including the quadriceps and hamstrings support the lower body’s endurance.

2. Improves Balance And Posture

Overall, this exercise also regulates spinal and musculoskeletal health.

3. Supports Recovery

It can rebuild strength and stabilize mobility without exceeding tissue healing thresholds.

4. Time Efficient

It can help build strength, improve balance, and boost endurance all at the same time by ensuing coordination among different muscles of the body, making it useful for physical therapy and everyday fitness.

5. Proper Diet and Care It is crucial to fuel your body and make it ready for such a comprehensive exercise.

Proteins such as legumes, tofu and supplements support muscle repair and growth making them an excellent source.

Hydration is the key factor that prevents fatigue and muscle cramps.

Before any extensive workout, warm up thoroughly with light cardio or stretching for about 15-20 minutes.

Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) should be treated more like cigarettes than foods. A new study by researchers at Harvard, the University of Michigan and Duke University noted that UPFs have more in common with cigarettes than with fruits and vegetables and thus require tighter regulation.

Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: What Did The Study Find Out?

Their findings, published on February 3 in the healthcare journal Milbank Quarterly, suggest that both industries have historically engineered products to maximize consumption and potentially drive addiction-like behaviors.

According to the researchers, both cigarettes and ultra-processed foods are developed using similar strategies aimed at influencing reward pathways in the brain. The study suggests manufacturers carefully calibrate ingredients to optimize the “dose” of sugar, fat or salt, ensuring rapid sensory satisfaction that encourages repeated consumption.

The paper draws from addiction science, nutrition research and public health history to highlight these overlaps. The authors concluded that many UPFs demonstrate behavioral and consumption patterns that resemble addictive substances, even if they differ biologically from tobacco.

Professor Ashley Gearhardt, a clinical psychologist at the University of Michigan and one of the study’s authors, said she often hears patients describe their eating patterns in language similar to addiction. She explained that many individuals report intense cravings for products like soda and sugary snacks, acknowledging their health risks but finding it difficult to stop consuming them.

Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: What Are UPFs?

UPFs refer to food products that are heavily industrially manufactured using ingredients rarely found in home kitchens. These often include additives such as emulsifiers, artificial flavors, preservatives and coloring agents. Common examples include sugary soft drinks, packaged snacks, biscuits, instant meals and processed meats.

Unlike minimally processed foods such as fruits or vegetables, UPFs are typically designed for longer shelf life, convenience and enhanced taste appeal.

Read: Ultra-Processed Foods May Add 330 Extra Calories A Day, Study Finds

Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: The Role Of Marketing And “Health Washing”

The researchers also examined marketing strategies used by food companies. They argue that claims such as “low fat” or “sugar free” may create a perception of health benefits while distracting from overall nutritional quality. The study compares this tactic to cigarette advertising in the 1950s, when filters were promoted as safety innovations despite offering limited protection.

The authors believe such marketing can delay regulatory action by creating confusion among consumers and policymakers.

While tobacco is not essential for survival, food is a basic human necessity, making regulation far more complex. However, Professor Gearhardt noted that it should still be possible to distinguish between potentially harmful ultra-processed foods and healthier dietary options, much like alcoholic beverages are regulated differently from other drinks.

The researchers argue that UPFs meet several established criteria used to identify addictive substances, including product designs that may encourage compulsive consumption. Regardless of whether UPFs qualify as addictive in a strict scientific sense, the authors emphasize that their link to rising health problems remains well documented.

The study recommends adopting strategies similar to tobacco control measures, including stricter marketing regulations, industry accountability and structural public health interventions.

However, not all experts fully agree with the comparison. Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadram Institute, acknowledged parallels but cautioned against drawing direct equivalence between nicotine addiction and UPF consumption. He suggested that it remains unclear whether UPFs are chemically addictive or whether they primarily exploit behavioral preferences and convenience.

Professor Warren also noted that health risks associated with UPFs may partly stem from their replacement of nutrient-rich whole foods.

A Growing Global Concern

Dr Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, warned that the expansion of ultra-processed food markets, especially in regions with weaker regulatory systems, is placing additional strain on public health infrastructure. He emphasized that without stronger government-led interventions, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases could overwhelm healthcare systems.

As research continues to explore the long-term health effects of ultra-processed foods, the debate highlights a larger question: whether modern food environments are shaping consumer choices in ways that demand stronger regulatory oversight.