Plants produce grains of various sizes: large, small, visible, microscopic. And though the shapes we see are mostly round, that’s varied too. Grains are not just messy irritants that send our histamine levels into an inflammatory mode of defense (creating havoc with our sinuses, eyes, throat, respiration, etc.) (x). They are the pollen or, if I may, sperm of male plants which is needed to fertilize the female of the species. In this article we discuss seven amazing benefits of pine pollen.
Since they’re unable to stroll over, introduce themselves to the females and get the party started, the male plants must depend on wind, birds, insects and other animals, including humans, to help them with fertilization and the creation of more of their species. We transport their sperm, that is, their powdery pollen or grains. The process is known as cross-pollination (x).
What is Pine Pollen?
Research tell us that it is one of the least causes of allergic reactions (x). Instead evidence dictate that they may offer a number of health benefits. There are at least 175 species of pines. They are the largest of the conifers. Their scientific name is Pinus, and they are members of the Pinaceae family. This nonflowering group is also called gymnosperms, and labeled monoecious because the same tree bears both male and female cones. To prevent self-pollination, the thin, soft, male, petal-less spikes called catkins grow in clusters on the lower sections of the tree. The microscopic pine pollen are winged, which helps them to sail on the wind (x).
Asian countries have used it in traditional medical modalities and cuisine for centuries (x). The Chinese believed it to be a longevity elixir. The Koreans used it as baking powder (x). Both countries are still heavy-duty suppliers of pine pollen products. Indigenous Americans considered the entire tree sacred because nearly every part of it provided sustenance (x).
Types of Pine Pollen
Today you can find it in a variety of supplemental forms: pills or capsules, tinctures, extracts and powders (x). Each offers its own efficacy. Individuals should always consult their healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support pine pollen supplement curing, treating or preventing disease.
- Pine Pollen Capsules. These are encapsulated powders, which are the easiest to consume, as you simply swallow them. However, digestion may be difficult for some folks. They are loaded with micronutrients that may provide energy, support brain health and boost the libidos of both men and women. Capsules are also easy to carry (x), (x).
- Tinctures. Powder combined with alcohol in a highly concentrated mix. They are a rich source of antioxidant and inflammatory components and hormones, which among other benefits, may stimulate the libidos of both women and men. Tinctures absorb directly into the bloodstream. As a matter of fact, they reach the blood quicker than any other form of it. You can mix them in a variety of beverages (x), (x).
- Extracts. This form tends to be the most expensive because it is the purest and most potent. The focus is on boosting the endocrine system. Extracts are purported to have great apoptogenic and anti-aging properties (x), (x).
- Powders. According to research, pine pollen powders offer a myriad of vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, omega fatty acids, protein and more. Benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Pine pollen powder is so versatile, you can use it as an ingredient in baked goods, beverages and other recipes (x).
How to Take Pine Pollen
What is the most effective dose of pine pollen? Generally, it depends on your needs, age, gender, tolerance and the form of pine pollen supplement you wish to consume. However, more research on human subjects is needed for a definitive answer. Again always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements (x), (x).
What are the Benefits of Taking it?
As mentioned, pine pollen may be quite beneficial to humans because of its rich and varied nutritional profile.
Nutrients in Pine Pollen
Pine pollen’s nutritional profile include proteins, amino acids, omega fatty acids, carbohydrates, polyphenols such as flavonoids, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and iron, B-vitamins including choline, vitamins A, C and E, other macro and micronutrients (x), (x).
Pine Pollen Benefits
How can pine pollen supplements benefit us? Research reveal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, immune- and libido-boosting properties that could promote the health of both women and men. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements. There’s no medical evidence to support pine pollen supplement curing, treating or preventing disease.
Antioxidant Activity
Scientists discovered that the antioxidant activities of supplemental pine pollen may protect us from the harmful free radical toxins that can wreak havoc, causing oxidative stress in our cells, diseases like cancer as well as wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging (x), (x), (x).
Anti-inflammatory Activity and Boosting Immunity
Pine pollen anti-inflammatory compounds may have the potential to boost our immune system so it can effectively combat pathogenic microbes and chronic inflammatory conditions and diseases such as arthritis (x), (x).
Antinociceptive Activity
Researchers found that ethanol and certain polyphenols in pine pollen increased pain tolerance in mice. They are hopeful it can do the same in humans (x).
Hepatoprotective Activity
A polysaccharide or carbohydrate molecule in pine pollen was discovered to have properties that suppressed cancer cell division in the liver, while boosting antioxidant activity (x), (x), (x).
Boosting Libido
Can pine pollen supplements help erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ER) occurs in men, especially as they age. Thankfully, studies indicate that pine pollen may have sufficient testosterone, epitestosterone and other hormones to provide a natural herbal treatment in lieu of pharmaceutically-produced substances. The hormones show potential to boost libido and fertility (x), (x).
Studies indicate that pine pollen supplements may also offer aid to menopausal women (x), (x).
Help for Bodybuilders
The discovery of testosterone in pine pollen was a coup for athletes and individuals who want to build muscle mass. It provided them a natural adaptogenic with the possibility of few to no side effects. So unlike inorganic steroids! Additionally, pine pollen’s other nutrients showed potential to provide cellular energy, boost endurance and strengthen the entire body (x), (x).
Pine Pollen Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Pine pollen may be known to be the least cause of allergic reactions (x), but some individuals may still be allergic (x), (x). Symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, hives, difficulty breathing and even life-threatening anaphylaxis (low blood pressure, tongue and throat swelling, breathing difficulties, nausea, etc.) (x), (x).
Beware of excess testosterone in the body, which could cause liver disease, heart damage, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, among other issues (x).
Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnoses, accurate medical information and permission before taking any supplements.
Where to Buy Pine Pollen
You can purchase pine pollen at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. Bulksupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying pine pollen as a dietary supplement for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, libido-boosting and muscle-building properties? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Pine pollen is usually part of the allergen collective, though it may be the least of the offenders (except for those with specific pine allergy). It has longstanding use in the traditional medicine and cuisines of Asia, Europe and indigenous America. Studies, though ongoing, suggest that pine pollen may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, immune- and libido-boosting properties beneficial to both women and men.
Supplements are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, extracts and powders, each with its own set of health benefits. Choose the best for you, but always with the help of your healthcare provider.
