Organic bee pollen is something you might have heard about, but perhaps have never used before. This food gets a lot of publicity about the health benefits it offers. It has even been referred to as the most nutritious food in the world. Quite simply, if you are looking for a natural sweetener for your food, this is one of the best ones you can get.
It is known to be a natural energizer, and is far better for you than caffeine and other artificial sugars. Basically, pollen has tons of vitamins and minerals that boost the digestive system and help with mental clarity, in addition to giving you more energy. It certainly is one of the most nutritious energizers on the planet.
Organic bee pollen vs non-organic bee pollen
A lot of people prefer the processed, non-organic pollen due to its cheaper price and longer shelf life. However, there are many reasons to choose organic over pasturized pollen:
- Chemicals
- Antibiotics
- Unnatural flavoring
- Reduced nutritional content
Simple-pollen grains tend to take in everything around them, including the chemicals and pesticides. They are known for being highly absorbent, more so than other foods. Therefore, if you eat the non-organic food, harvesting chemicals can be passed on to you.
Some beekeepers feed the bees antibiotics to increase their lifespan. These are then transferred to the grains. Purchasing bee products from certified organic harvesters will ensure you are not exposed to harmful chemicals.
Processed pollen can have unnatural flavors or preserving additives contained in them, which can be harmful to your system.
The heating used for pasteurization of pollen destroys some of the chemical makeup of the natural pollen grains. As a result, the natural vitamins and minerals of the pollen are reduced.
The issue of shelf life
The question of how long organic pollen lasts compared to its processed counterparts is a concern if you do not use the pollen as a daily regimen. Obviously, processed and heated foods always tend to have longer shelf lives that is what makes them attractive purchases.
What shelf life is
How long an item will keep once you open container is what the shelf life date reflects. Everything goes bad at some point, but the rate of decline for organic bee pollen speeds up significantly after opening and exposure to air. It is not a secret that foods that have preservatives will last for a long time. For instance, fast food is known for staying fresh forever.
How long raw pollen lasts
Refrigeration will help to extend the shelf life for 12-24 months. This is ample time if you use the product on a daily basis. Purchasing smaller amounts to ensure the freshness of the product is best. It is lucrative to buy the jumbo sized products, that promote a better price, in this case more is not better.
Conclusion
The benefits of using organic vs. processed pollen are outweighed by the nutritional values. Storing in your refrigerator in an air tight container is the best way to extend the life while you are taking it. Using organic bee pollen is a good investment in your health.