The Buzz on Bee Pollen

Did you know that bee pollen is one of nature’s most complete superfoods?

Bee pollen in the super food of the future. It is a combination of pollen, nectar, honey, wax, enzymes, and bee secretions. Basically, it’s what bee’s feast on, so it is high in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fats, and it is even a complete protein. Research is also finding that is has anti-inflammatory properties, can decrease allergies, may help fight cancer, boosts energy and metabolism, is anti-bacterial, may increase fertility, and clears up the skin.

Bee pollen is just one of the things that makes these little treats so nutritious. Collagen is great for muscle and joint support. Pepitas are high in zinc to give a little boost to the immune system. Dates not only help these little balls of heaven hold their shape, but they also have a low glycemic index, adding sweetness without the blood sugar spike. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E contributing to healthy glowing skin. Plus, using sunflower butter makes these nut-allergy friendly. Raw honey is full of antioxidants, protecting us from free radicals. Some people also believe that it can help us to develop resistance to seasonal allergies. The real kicker here is turmeric. Usually totted for being an anti-inflammatory, it difficult for the body to absorb without the addition of black pepper. However, no black pepper is used in this recipe. That’s because using pure, fresh turmeric helps strengthen the gut lining and aids in the repair of leaky gut. If you are still searching for that anti-inflammatory effect though, never fear, bee pollen brings that to the table as well.

These bee pollen protein bites taste delicious and can be made in a cinch. The health benefits you’ll get when you eat them are just a bonus.

It is high in protein (in fact, it is a complete protein), anti-inflammatory, can decrease allergies, may help fight cancer, boosts energy and metabolism, is anti-bacterial, may increase fertility, and clears up the skin.

Here is an easy bee pollen recipe for glowing skin and a boost in energy.

Note: please do not consume bee pollen if you are allergic to bees or honey.

#savethebees

Raman, R. (2018, August 13). Top 11 health benefits of bee pollen. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bee-pollen

Drink Yourself Calm

I have suffered from severe anxiety for as long as I can remember. Racing heart. Tightness in your chest. Sweaty palms. Shortness of breath. The feeling of being out of control of your own body is a feeling that I dread.

 

Here are three of my favorite drinks that I turn to when I feel my anxiety spiraling out of control, or when I just need to feel an extra sense of calm.

 

 

Refreshing Lavender Lemonade

1 scoop Vital Proteins Lavender Lemon Beauty Collagen

1/4 tsp honey (or sweetener of choice)

8 oz water

A handful of ice (optional)

 

Why it works:

Lavender contains a compound known as Linalyl acetate that has both relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties. “When inflammatory processes happen within the body, one of the first things to be affected is the gut and the microbiome. Stress produces inflammatory cytokines that can actually alter the way that the gut, brain, and nervous system response. This can include the development of depression, anxiety, and leaky gut” (MCNEW, 2018).

Collagen is a key component in healing your gut. Leaky gut increases your inflammatory response, therefore causing an increased chance of an anxiety attack. The collagen in this drink help to strengthen and repair your gut lining, improving the bodies response to anxiety in the future. Added bonus: it leads to beautiful skin and hair!

 

 

 

Relaxing Reishi Hot Chocolate

Option 1:

8-12 oz hot water or nut milk of choice

1/2 tsp reishi (I get mine from Sun Potion)

1.5 Tbsp coconut milk powder

1 Tbsp cocoa

2.5 tsp coconut sugar (or sweetener of choice)

A pinch of sea salt

A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

1 scoop Primal Kitchen Chocolate Collagen Fuel (optional)

***note: I make a large batch of this and then just take a scoop from the jar so that I am not having to get out so many ingredients every time I want to make hot cocoa.

 

Options 2:

8-12 oz hot water or nut milk of choice

1 packet Four Sigmatic Hot Cocoa with Reishi

1 scoop Primal Kitchen Chocolate Collagen Fuel (optional)

 

Why it works:

Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-stress properties. It can assist in lowering blood pressure, which rises during anxiety and also increases circulation, helping to get more blood flow to your brain, lowering the inflammatory response caused by anxiety and stress.

 

 

 

Rejuvenating CBD Match Latte

8-12 oz hot nut milk of choice

1 dropper full CBD drops (The brand I currently have is CBDfx, but I am still haven’t found a favorite so if you have any suggestions please let me know)

1 Tbsp Lakanto Matcha Latte Powder (or 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha powder + sweetener of choice)

 

Why it works:

To be honest, there is not much solid scientific research on how CBD reduces anxiety. What we do know is that it binds to endocannabinoids in the brain. These are neurotransmitters that are expressed throughout the central nervous system. “The endocannabinoid system has been recently recognized as an important modulatory system in the function of the brain, endocrine, and immune tissues. It appears to play a very important regulatory role in the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and response to stress” (Komorowski, 2007). Other things we know is that it is pretty safe and has minimal side effects. It’s difficult to overdose on CBD, allowing you to take it multiple times throughout the day, instead of just once or twice like most pharmaceuticals for anxiety. However, exact dosing remains to be a large question, as some people need to take up to 600mg to see an effect. This large amount cannot always be cost-effective, as CBD is already relatively expensive, especially since it is not covered by insurance. Everyone also seems to have an opinion on which brand is the most effective. Personally, this has been somewhat of an issue for me since I feel like I am constantly searching for a brand that is more effective than the last (if anyone has any recommendations please comment below…thanks!). In conclusion, CBD seems like a safe, natural alternative for controlling anxiety.

 

 

I hope these elixirs help you manage your anxiety as much as they help me. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @wholesomemorgan with your pictures of you trying out these recipes.

 

 

 

 

Citations:

 

Komorowski, J., & Stepień, H. (2007). The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of endocrine function and in the control of energy balance in humans. Retrieved April 10, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17369778/

 

MCNEW, A (2018). How Anxiety can Trigger Your Inflammation. [online] Blog.paleohacks.com. Available at https://blog.paleohacks.com/anxiety-inflammation/#

Protein Packed Chocolate Pudding (with Keto and Paleo options)

This chocolate pudding is super easy to make, and bonus: it’s packed with protein and refined sugar-free. I have even included a low-carb option that doesn’t take away from the flavor at all!

Ingredients

(serves 2, or 1…)

1 whole avocado

1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk

1 scoop Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Chocolate

1 scoop Vital Proteins Dark Chocolate and Blackberry Collagen

1 handful macadamia nuts

1 Tbsp sweetener of choice

For paleo: maple syrup or honey

For Keto: I like to use Lakanto’s Maple Flavored Monkfruit Syrup

1 tsp cinnamon (or more to taste)

1 Tbsp vanilla

A pinch of sea salt

Directions

Add everything to a blender or food processor and blend until combined and desired consistency is reached. (Add more coconut milk if needed).

Top with all the berries in the world, and maybe some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Or just leave plain, it tastes great either way!

Grab a spoon and enjoy!

You can also refrigerate to be enjoyed later. This pudding should last 2-3 days in the fridge, however, I have yet to even put mine in the fridge as I tend to inhale it upon pouring out of the blender.