Pollen is an extremely useful product of beekeeping. Its consumption has a beneficial effect on the human body. In this article, we will discuss how to eat pollen correctly.
The basis of pollen is pollen grains
In general, pollen is the male reproductive cells of plants. Bees are attracted by sweet nectar and, flying from flower to flower, spread it around, resulting in fertilization.
Pollen consists of pollen grains, or, scientifically speaking, microgametophytes.
Once on the stigma of a flower, the pollen grain germinates. A pollen tube is formed. And male spermatozoa enter the ovule for fertilization. The average size of the grains is several tens of microns.
The pollen grain is protected by two layers. The outer layer (exine) is armor. It is a complex biopolymer that is resistant to enzymes and reagents. Nature made it out of several layers of different compositions. Its mechanical strength is incredible. And all this is to preserve the life inside.
The inner wall is thinner. It contains cellulose and polysaccharide, which we use for thickening. For example, in marmalade (pectin).
There is a hole in the outer layer of the exine called the germ pore.
The most valuable stuff is inside
Bees are interested in the inner contents of pollen. To get it, insects imitate the germination process. Until the moment when the filling appears. Then enzymes come into play. And only the empty shell is sent to the gut.
But bees’ organs are specifically designed for pollen and nectar. For example, the enzyme amylase breaks down the starch in pollen into malt sugar in the stomach. This is so that it can then be broken down and enrich the blood with carbohydrates.
How to eat pollen the right way
How can we ensure that the magical contents of pollen are also absorbed into the human bloodstream and are not destroyed by gastric juices?
The fact is that we also have amylase. It manages to hydrolyze starch before the acidic environment of the stomach deactivates the enzyme.
As you may have guessed, we are talking about the salivary glands. Therefore, pollen must be dissolved in the mouth.
