Bee Pollen for Diabetes?

by Pam
(Sacramento)

I read somewhere that Bee Pollen will help control blood sugar levels. Do you know if this is true or if there is research showing this? How much Bee Pollen should I take daily?

Angela's Comments:

Hi Pam,
Yes, bee pollen does seem to help with controlling blood sugar for some people. I have not come across any research backing this as there are very few studies done on bee pollen but this has been my experience. My theory is that the high mineral and vitamin levels help, especially if you consume a bee pollen that is high in chromium, B-vitamins, protein and essential fats - all of which help control blood sugar. A quality bee pollen should contain all of these substances.

Angela

Diabetes?

by Russell Bowser
(16066)

The bee pollen, is it ok to use if you are a diabetic?

Angela's Comments:

Hi Russell,
Are you Type I or Type II diabetic? If you are Type II, bee pollen is quite safe and will very likely help balance out your sugars and improve your insulin sensitivity.

Type I diabetics have consumed bee pollen safely but one would need to be very cautious and monitory your sugars and insulin very closely to see how you react to it.

In both cases, start out with very small amounts of bee pollen ( the tip of a teaspoon) and very, very slowly increase your dose once you are comfortable with your sugars and insulin levels. And I always recommend working with a health care professional in cases like this - Naturopathic Doctors are best suited in this case.

Angela


Angela

Is bee pollen & raw honey safe for diabetics?

by Michael
(trinidad /west indies)

Can diabetic people consume bee pollen and raw honey without there blood sugar rising?

First of all, I am not a doctor and this should not be taken as medical advice.

We have had diabetics take bee pollen and report no problems or interactions. However, it is always best to discuss any new food or supplement with your doctor or pharmacist before starting consumption. Diabetics sometimes have to reduce the amount of medication (insulin or metformin) when taking bee pollen as it can have a blood sugar balancing effect so it is important that you monitor your blood sugar very carefully if your doctor ok's you taking it. Bee pollen is high in protein and healthy fats which don't spike blood sugar like a sugar will. So, bee pollen should be safe for most diabetics to take but your sugars should be monitored carefully until you fully understand how it effects you.

Raw honey is still a sugar, albeit a different sugar than the refined sugar you find in so many processed foods out there today. While it is much healthier than refined sugar, I would caution you to still be careful in eating raw honey as you will be prone to blood sugar fluctuations. Raw honey will enter the blood stream slower than most sugars (it is lower on the glycemic index) so you likely won't experience as rapid a blood sugar change as if you had consumed plain sugar. I would suggest if consuming raw honey, eat it with some fiber, healthy fats and protein. This will lower the rate at which it is absorbed into the blood stream and in turn be better for your blood sugar.

So yes, diabetics can consume raw honey provided they continue to monitor their blood sugar very carefully and don't eat it on it's own. Try to consume it as part of a balanced meal with some fiber, healthy fats and protein.

Can diabetic's take bee pollen?

Is it ok for a diabetic to take bee pollen powder?

Angela's Response:

We have had diabetics take bee pollen and report no problems or interactions. However, it is always best to discuss any new food or supplement with your doctor or pharmacist before starting consumption. Diabetics sometimes have to reduce the amount of medication (insulin or metformin) when taking bee pollen as it can have a blood sugar balancing effect so it is important that you monitor your blood sugar very carefully if your doctor ok's you taking it.