What Is Pine Pollen?

Pine pollen refers to the male spores which are produced by pine trees. It’s a fine golden dust that is typically collected from the pinus sylvestris and pinus nigra species of tree. Pine pollen is actually classified as a food, but the cell-walls of the pollen first need to be cracked so that the nutrients can be readily absorbed by the body. Once used by Chinese royalty, pine pollen’s health-enhancing benefits have now earned it superfood status in the West.

A Brief History On Pine Pollen

The first recorded use of pine pollen dates back to around 250 AD when it was listed in Shen Nong’s classic herbalist text, The Pandects of Materia Medica. Pine pollen was celebrated throughout the Han Dynasty and harvested to mark the start of Spring.

Pine trees and pine cones have long had symbolic connotations throughout Celtic, Sumerian and Hindu cultures. In Ancient Egypt, pine cones were represented in murals, staffs, ornaments and sculptures, and they were associated with spiritual enlightenment and the opening the pineal gland.

Pine Pollen's Nutritional Profile

Pine Pollen contains 250 different vitamins, minerals and health compounds; it’s rich in a bioactive mix of vitamins A, B complex, C, D2, D3, E, zinc, magnesium, folic acid, copper, ormus, selenium, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. It also has over 20 amino acids including glutamic acid, glycine, arginine and valine, as well as all of the eight essential amino acids. Amino acids play a crucial role in healthy cellular development and enzyme production, as they are used in a huge range of biological processes.

Pine pollen is approximately 30% protein, which makes it a particularly beneficial supplement for vegetarians and vegan

Pine Pollen Health Benefits

• Energy Enhancing: Helps to provide a natural energy boost
• Hormone Balancing: Balances estrogen-to-testosterone levels for men and women
• Anti-Aging: Naturally increases SOD which fights free radicals
• Beautifying: MSM in pine pollen can improve skin elasticity and appearance
• Adaptogen: Helps the body to better deal with stress
• Digestible:The nutrients in cracked-cell wall pine pollen are 99% absorbable by the body
• Nutrient-Rich: Full of vitamins, minerals and health compounds
• Anti-Inflammatory: MSM can reduce inflammation in the body
• Safe: No reported side-effects, but it should only be consumed by those aged 20+
• Liver Tonic: Supports the healthy functioning of the liver
• Libido Enhancing: Helps to promote a healthy sex drive
• Healthy Weight Loss: Anabolic compounds naturally speed up metabolism

Pine Pollen - Hormonal Balancing

Pine pollen’s claim to nutritional fame is its ability to stimulate and balance hormone levels in both men and women. The pollen is one of the only natural sources to contain testosterone, androsterone, and DHEA in bio-available forms. These androgenic compounds are vital for optimizing prostate health in men, breast tissue health for women, balancing moods and helping to maintain a healthy metabolism.

Pine Pollen’s adaptogenic and androgenic properties have helped to make it a natural popular supplement for bodybuilders and athletes. Its nutritional content provides the body with vital nutrients required to work-out effectively, while it can also help to maintain healthy muscle mass.

Anti-Ageing And Beautifying Potential

Androgens are also known for their youth-enhancing benefits, as they support the healthy production of elastin and collagen which both smooth and tighten the skin, improve skin tone and help to prevent wrinkles.

Along with aloe vera and alfalfa sprouts, pine pollen contains very high levels of sulfur-rich methylsulfonylmethane, also known as MSM. MSM is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound which can alleviate allergies, improve circulation and joint health, and strengthen nails and hair. Unsustainable farming practices have led to a natural depletion of soil-based sulfur, which is why it’s so important to consume MSM and sulfur-rich foods and supplements.

Because of the presence of MSM, pine pollen is becoming a popular addition to natural skincare products. You can add a small amount to your normal moisturizer, or even mix it with a dash of water to make a nourishing face mask to brighten the complexion, and treat skin conditions such as acne, pimples and psoriasis.

How To Choose High Quality Pine Pollen Powder

It’s important to choose a pine pollen powder which has a cracked cell wall. Much like chlorella, pine pollen has a thick cellular wall which cannot be broken down naturally by the body. Raw pine pollen can be processed with low temperatures to break the cell wall, and to make all of the powder’s nutrients 99% absorbable by the body.

Avoid purchasing pine pollen which has undergone high temperatures or chemical processing, as this can harm phytochemical constituents and reduce its overall nutritional content. Ensure that the pine pollen is totally pure with no added fillers or preservatives.

How To Use Pine Pollen

Pine pollen is a versatile superfood which can be mixed into juices, blended into smoothies, and added to dips, sauces, soups and dressings. Just a small sprinkling of the golden spores will add a nutritional kick to any culinary creations. A quick and simple way to enjoy pine pollen is to stir 1/2 a teaspoon in warm water for a tonic tea. Pine pollen’s energy-boosting effects make it a popular replacement for a morning cup of tea or coffee, and a pine tonic will provide a gentle pick-me-up without the jitteriness commonly associated with caffeine intake.

The famous plant medicine specialist, Stephen Harrod Buhner, said that pine pollen is an “excellent general tonic for the human body which is useful for preventing or alleviating a number of conditions common to aging”. So whether you want glowing skin, increased energy levels or balanced hormones, pine pollen’s broad spectrum of healing properties make it an ideal daily addition to any diet.

Our wild-sourced, vegan pine pollen has been carefully processed using low temperature to crack the cells walls to enable all of the golden goodness to be absorbed by the body. No chemicals are used during the process, so you’ll receive a natural, pure and potent powder, just as nature intended. Head over to the shop to browse our range of natural tonics, superfoods and medicinal mushrooms.

Sources

http://www.secrets-of-longevity-in-humans.com/pine-pollen-powder.html

http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/what-is-msm.html

http://www.foodmatters.com/article/5-important-ways-msm-could-benefit-your-health

Stephen Harrod Buhner: Pine Pollen: Ancient Medicine for a Modern World

Shen Nong: Shennong Bencaojing (The Pandects of Materia Medica)