The Truth About Bee Pollen

Archives for March 2016

by

Bee pollen is touted to be a super food.

Did you know it's been shown to improve energy levels and prevent allergies? No wonder bee pollen is all the buzz…

So, what is Bee pollen?

Bee pollen is what bees use to produce bee bread. Bees mix pollen with bee saliva to make it.

Research shows that there are about 250 substances in bee pollen.

belly-fat-300x225Venus

Fresh bee pollens are high in proteins, amino acids, lipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins. All of those nutrients help improve energy levels.

Benefits of bee pollen

  • Better energy levels
  • Reduces seasonal allergies
  • Relieves inflammation
  • Boosts immune health
  • Acts as a natural antibiotic

Does Bee pollen help with weight loss?

It's low in calories and dense in nutrients. Bee pollen can indeed be a tool to improve your body weight.

Yet, there are no studies on bee pollen's effect on weight loss.

A 2014 study on rats is the closest link that we have with bee pollen's effect on body weight. This study found that bee pollen improved muscle mass along with increased body metabolism.

For effective and sustained weight loss, it is necessary to improve your muscle mass. The higher the muscle mass, the better your ability to burn more calories even at a resting state.

More muscle mass helps in keeping a healthy weight in the long run.

So yes, bee pollen can help you as a tool for weight loss.

How to get more bee pollen in your system?

If you're allergic to honey or bee products, bee pollen is not for you. Always start with a small amount of bee pollen to see if you develop allergy or reactions.

If you don't develop any reactions within 24 hours, it's safe to increase the quantity.

A quarter teaspoon is a good starting point, but don't take any more than 2 teaspoons per day.

Tips for choosing bee pollen

1. Choose raw bee pollen: While choosing bee pollens always look for raw ones. They're more valuable than the commercialized ones. Most bee pollen on the market is either capsules or tablets. The processing involves a lot of heat and light, which destroy its nutritional qualities.

2. Know your source: Always find out the source of your bee pollen. Some manufacturers combine imported low grade varieties with high quality local bee pollen. With such products you'll end up paying a premium price for poor quality. Look for the product label to get this information.

3. Buy Local: Your local bee keeper can be your best bet for getting high quality bee pollen. You can find one at a farmer's market and they'll be happy to tell you how they collect the bee pollen.

Storing and Use of Bee Pollen

Always refrigerate immediately after you buy the bee pollen. Exposure to sunlight and heat can destroy valuable nutrients. Bee pollen is good in a lot of raw foods and cooked recipes.

Here are 4 delicious ways to enjoy it:

1. As a topping for breakfast cereal or yogurt

2. In salad dressing

3. Sprinkle on toast smeared with spread

4. In smoothies

Danette

P.S. Please share this info. with your friends and I love hearing from you in the comments below.

by

Growing more concerned as the clock ticks on?

Aging is an inevitable part of life. While you can’t prevent it, there are definitely things that you can do to slow it down.

The smart people know this and use key strategies to their advantage. Let’s look at 5 habits that those who seem to defy aging have in common.

1. They Don’t Tan 

The verdict is in and while tanning may temporarily cause you to gain that amber glow, over the long term, it’ll wreak havoc on your skin. Not only does it set you up for wrinkles and dark spots, but it also increases your risk of skin melanoma.

Whether you soak up the sun’s rays or make use of the UV light from a tanning bed, you’re accelerating the aging process.

Be Smart Tip: If you must tan, try a spray tan or a gradual self-tanning lotion.

2. They Don’t Exfoliate 

Now, this one might come as a surprise to some as it’s often thought exfoliating will help renew the skin by removing the old skin cells that lack radiance.

Not so. While gentle exfoliating once in a while is fine, if this has become a near daily habit, you are constantly removing the protective barrier of your skin. Plus, it can lead to itchiness and rash.

Be Smart Tip: Limit exfoliation to once per week and make sure you are using a good moisturizer.

3. They Practice Stress Reduction Strategies

Stress. It’s named the silent killer for a reason. Too much stress in your life will definitely set you up for an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke but it also speeds up the aging process.

High-stress people have a weakened immune system and a lot of oxidative damage taking place. Since it’s your immune system that helps deal with all the daily wear and tear on your body, when it’s down, you simply aren’t recovering as quickly. Hence, aging happens.

Be Smart Tip: Take a hot bath, spend 15 minutes reading your favorite book, and turn into bed earlier. All are great stress reduction strategies that will pay off.

4. They Get Busy In The Bedroom 

Okay, don’t get me wrong – physical activity in the gym or out is important. But right now, we’re talking about bedroom activity. Sex is one of the great joys in life that will not only combat stress (see above!) but also help reduce the signs of aging.

Sex can actually cause your body to release human growth hormone, which is a hormone that can help you look and feel younger.

Not to mention, it’s fun and will make you feel young at heart.

Be Smart Tip: If life is busy, plan time for sex. Light a few candles, cook a dinner in, and have a date night with your significant other. While it may not be as steamy and spontaneous as it was back in your 20’s, for some adults with kids, planning is a must or it just won’t happen.

5. They Skip the Cocktails 

Is the Friday night cocktail you have planned the only thing getting you through the last part of your work week? If so, it’s time to find a new way to relax. Alcohol will speed up the aging process.

Not only can it cause wrinkles thanks to the fact it dehydrates the body, but it’s also a toxin that you’re putting in your system. As you get older, your body becomes less and less equipped to deal with these toxins.

Be Smart Tip: Sip some Kombucha. It’ll still be a special bubbly beverage that you can indulge in.

We can't completely pause the hands of time but these tips will help.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this info. with your friends and I love to hear from you in the comments below.

by

My chia pudding recipe is so quick and easy to make! Mix it up and let it “cook” in the fridge overnight.

The best part is that it's so good for you that you could literally eat this pudding for breakfast!

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 Cup Chia Seeds

1/2 Cup Almond Milk

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Cardamom

1 tsp. Raw Coconut Flakes

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients

Store overnight in the fridge to let it “cook.”

Enjoy!

Yours in Health,
Danette

P.S. I hope you will share this with your friends and let me hear from you in the comments below. Have you tried chia pudding yet?

by

Do you ever get a craving for something sweet and gooey? I have just the recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It tastes just like cookie dough but it's SO much better for you! Hope you like it as much as I do!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Almond Butter

1/4 Cup Raw Honey

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/3 Cup Almond Flour

1/3 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients until doughy consistency.

Roll into 1/2 inch balls.

Store in freezer.

Yours in Health,
Danette

P.S. Share this with your friends and I love reading your comments below.

by

Let's talk about protein bars for a minute.

There are so many misconceptions around protein bars. People always ask me:

  • Do protein bars help you lose weight?
  • Should I eat them to be healthy?
  • Which ones are healthy?

You can walk into a grocery store and you get so overwhelmed with all the different protein bars that you see. Watch the video for the full scoop on protein bars.

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I want to hear from you in the comments below! Do you have a go-to protein bar?

by

As much as we all want peace and calm in our lives, we’re still surrounded by chaos.

We’re pushed and pulled in a hundred different directions by our families, our careers, and our personal goals.

Finding balance is key, and so is having energy!

Exercise, sleep and nutrition are all important for making sure that you have the get-up-and-go you need, but when you need an extra boost, herbal teas are just the ticket.

EXCLUSIVE >> 5 Odd Veggies That Boost Female Metabolism and Kill Belly Fat

Some people count on coffee to get them up and moving, but it has some drawbacks.

  • It can keep you from sleeping if you drink it too late in the day.
  • It can cause anxiety and jitters.
  • And when you try to cut back, you can go through withdrawal.

We turn to herbal teas for soothing, but some offer the same kind of energy boost that coffee does, without the negative effects. Some have caffeine but deliver it in smaller, more effective doses. Some increase focus. Some promote weight loss or lower cholesterol.

The teas shown here will give you a lift.  Try them all and see which one works best for you!

1. Green Tea

Green tea contains about 24 to 40 milligrams of caffeine, which is much less than coffee’s 95 to 200 milligrams. It’s just enough to give you a buzz without making you bounce off the walls. It also contains L-theanine, which helps your brain focus.

2. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a South American drink that’s high in caffeine, yet produces no buzz. Yerba lovers say it ups energy levels and makes them more alert.

It’s filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

How can a tea that’s high in caffeine get rid of anxiety and jitters?

Yerba contains theobromine, which relaxes smooth muscles. It can lower blood pressure and may even improve insulin sensitivity. Its grassy flavor is much like green tea.

3. Ginseng

Chinese medicine has used ginseng as an energy booster for centuries. It’s said to reduce stress while improving vitality. It’s even supposed to help the immune system!

Recent research has shown that ginseng boosts energy because its chemical structure is similar to that of the hormones that drive our metabolism. One study showed it helped cancer patients get over their fatigue.

4. Astragalus

This is another tea used in Chinese medicine. Astragalus tea is actually made from a root. It boosts the health of the adrenal glands, from which we get our energy. It’s also been touted as an immune system booster that helps us feel stronger and more vital.

5. Gingko Biloba

Gingko is a gentle tea that increases blood flow to the brain and body. It’s a great natural pick-me up that clears your mind when you’re feeling foggy. Studies have even shown it helps with the early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Most teas are available in single-use tea bags, and these are the easiest way to make tea. But many people believe that the best way is to steep loose leaves or roots yourself.

Whichever method you choose, drinking one of these teas will put more spring in your step and help you meet each day feeling more alive.

 

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I love reading your comments below. What's your favorite energy boosting tea?

by

It's nice to think that you have control over everything that happens in your body, but much of what’s taking place can be entirely beyond your control.

What do I mean by that?

I mean that all the reactions taking place in your body right now are controlled by hormones. These substances flow through the body, dictating what does – or does not – take place.

When your body is hormonally optimized, you’ll feel great. You’ll have plenty of energy, your hunger will be controlled, your brain will be sharp, and you’ll naturally maintain a lean physique.

When you aren’t hormonally optimized however, the same cannot be said. Unfortunately, many people today are not living in a state of optimization.

Key hormones in the body are fluctuating at levels outside a healthy range. Hormones such as:

  • insulin
  • cortisol
  • leptin
  • ghrelin
  • testosterone, and estrogen

The good news is that all hope is not lost. While you can’t control how these hormones make you feel, you can control – at least to some degree – what their levels are in your body.

Here are 5 signs you may have a hormonal imbalance and what you can do about it.

1. Persistent Weight Gain 

Does it seem like you only have to look at food to gain weight? This could indicate insulin resistance.

Basically, your body may not be as responsive to the hormone insulin, making it more likely that you store calories as excess body fat.

The solution?

Cut out added sugar and start an exercise program. Both of these factors enhance insulin sensitivity and can get you on tract.

2. Weight Gain In The Abdominal Region

What if your weight gain is localized? You tend to have thin arms and legs, but your midsection – that’s a whole other story!

If you tend to store fat readily in the abdominal core, this could indicate high levels of the hormone cortisol, as was found in a study published in the Obesity Research journal.

The solution?

Manage that stress. To avoid this, you need to use whatever stress management techniques you can. Try taking a hot bath, performing meditation or deep breathing, or writing in a stress management journal.

3. Low Libido 

If lack of interest in gym exercise isn’t the only thing you’re suffering from, this could also indicate a hormone imbalance. If your sex hormones – namely testosterone and estrogen are not at optimal levels for your gender, your libido may begin to fall.

The solution?

Note that excess weight, stress, and insufficient sleep can all heavily influence these hormones. Take steps to lose any of that weight, minimize your stress and get good quality sleep. See if that doesn’t help get you back on track.

4. Trouble Falling Asleep

Speaking of sleep, that is another symptom that can occur when you have a hormonal imbalance. If you struggle to fall asleep – or stay asleep – at night, this could show you have high levels of cortisol.

Stress, even if you don’t realize you’re stressed, can keep you awake.

The solution?

Start taking the time to create a bedtime routine. Dim the lights, turn off all electronics, and deal with any stressful thoughts you are experiencing. This should help you fall asleep faster.

5. Extreme Fatigue Paired With Food Cravings 

Finally, another classic sign of hormonal imbalance is if you suffer from extreme fatigue that’s paired with food cravings.

If you’ve also been on a reduced calorie diet, this could indicate that leptin, one of the hormones involved in energy regulation is starting to shift.

The solution?

The best way to manage leptin is to have ‘cheat days', as was noted by a study published in the Diabetologia journal. This can trick your body into thinking it’s no longer dieting, keeping leptin levels in check.

While it may feel like you’re going backwards, these higher calorie days can help you move forward. Just don’t do them too often – once every two weeks or so is plenty.

So there you have a few of the signs that you could be experiencing a hormone imbalance. Are you suffering from any of these?

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. I hope you will share this info. with your friends and I welcome your comments below.

by

If you love light but flavorful soup, this creamy carrot soup recipe is just the thing.

Super healthy too! Carrots are loaded with great nutrients like Vitamins A, C, K, B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They have a ton of antioxidants too!

 

Here's all it takes to make this yummy, filling soup.

 

CREAMY

CARROT SOUP

 

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
  • 1/3 cup sliced shallots
  • 1 pound organic carrots, peeled and cut into 2” pieces
  • 2 cups fat-free, low-sodium organic chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 8 fresh mint sprigs

 

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add shallots to pan; cook 2 minutes or until almost tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Add carrots; cook 4 minutes.

4. Add broth; bring to a boil.

5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 22 minutes or until tender.

6. Add ginger; cook 8 minutes or until carrots are very tender.

7. Cover and let stand 5 minutes at room temperature.

8. Pour half of the carrot mixture in a blender.

9. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape).

10. Secure blender lid on blender.

11. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters).

12. Blend until smooth.

13. Pour into a large bowl.

14. Repeat procedure with remaining carrot mixture.

15. Return pureed soup to the pan; heat over medium heat 2 minutes or until heated.

16. Spoon soup into small bowls, and top with plain yogurt and fresh mint sprigs.

This soup is ideal for brunch and I even like it as a chilled soup in the Summer months. Enjoy!

 

Yours in Health,

Danette

P.S. Please share this recipe with your friends and I welcome you to leave a comment below.

 

You may also be interested in:

5 Healthy Soups to Warm Your Soul

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

An Acorn Squash Recipe That’s Stuffed with Flavor

 
 

by

What do successful people do every single morning that makes them successful? I've been studying this for the last 7 years.

Here's the deal, successful people actually have a morning ritual. You'll want to start one too after you watch this.

Yours in Health.

Danette

P.S. Please share this with your friends and I love to read your comments below. Do you have a morning ritual?

Embrace Abundance Book

Conquer Fear, Find Hope and Manifest Your Dream Life

with World-Renowned Lifestyle Expert
and Bestselling Author Danette May.

Special offer when you order today!

FREE Manifesting Journal
Order Now
White Logo

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.