There are three forms you can choose from when buying bee pollen – tablets, granules or powder. A lot of people think that any of these options is alright because they all contain the same basic ingredient, which is bee pollen. But there are actually more differences in these three forms than most people realize.
The tablets may not be the best form of bee pollen
Nutritional Content of Bee Pollen
Several laboratory tests and clinical studies have repeatedly proven that bee pollen is packed with nutrients, which is why it has earned the moniker of “nature’s super food.”
It has been found to contain at least 16 vitamins and minerals, more than 20 amino acids, 18 powerful enzymes and loads of other nutrients needed by the body to stay strong and healthy.
Comparing the Different Forms of Bee Pollen – Tablets, Granule and Powder
Based on the above mentioned information, one would assume that all bee pollen supplements are the same. However, that is not always true. Tablets usually contain additional substances so that they can keep their solid form. Granules have absorption problem and shorter shelf life.
Powder bee pollen, however, is pure and does not contain any other extra artificial ingredients; it also have long shelf life.
No matter the form the bee pollen comes in, it is important to choose one that is freeze dried immediately after harvest. This helps to extend the shelf life of the pollen without reducing the nutritional content. On the other hand, the heating method of preservation tends to destroy the nutrients.
Convenience
Bee pollen tablets are very convenient to take – all you have to do is pop a pill into your mouth and wash it down with water.
This is definitely easier than having to mix the bee pollen granules or powder into your fruit shake or breakfast cereal. However, bee pollen powder also comes in encapsulated form, which makes it just as convenient to use as the tablets.
Absorption Rate
Bee pollen tablets take several minutes before being absorbed by the body due to the added solidifying ingredients that it has. Granules are also difficult to digest and absorb by the human body because they are encapsulated inside hard shells also called husks.
The only way to enhance the absorption rate of the granules is by soaking them in water or juice for about 10-12 hours before consumption.
Bee pollen powder, on the other hand, is absorbed by the body almost instantly upon ingestion. In fact, because of the natural enzymes that it contains, powdered bee pollen can be absorbed directly by the different parts of the body without having to be digested.
All aspects considered, it’s easy to see that bee pollen in the encapsulated powder form is the best to use. A particular brand of this form of bee pollen is Xtend–life Natural Energy with NZ bee pollen.