Fresh pollen from willow (Salix)


Description

Plant specifications

White Willow: The pollen is collected by bees from willow trees in general: of the genus Salix, family Salicaceae.

Willows bloom in a very short time: bees have little time to harvest their bounty.

This makes willow pollen a rare and precious commodity.

Composition

The composition of willow pollen depends on the variety, the time of harvest and the geographical location.

However, there is a guideline in its properties:

  • Rich in carbohydrates, including fibre
  • High in protein, up to 20 grams per 100 grams of pollen
  • Lipids, half of which are polyunsaturated, including the essential fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linolenic.
  • Essential amino acids: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, histidine, methionine, tryptophan.
  • Minerals and trace elements: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium
  • An exceptional wealth of polyphenols: kaempferol, rutin, isorhamnetin
  • Two carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin
  • Vitamins: C, E, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin).
  • Phytosterols: beta-sitosterol and delta-5-avenosterol1

When freshly frozen, it also contains lactic ferments, which are necessary for the proper renewal of the intestinal flora and the functioning of the immune system.

Above all, willow pollen is remarkable for its richness in polyphenols, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins C, B1 and, above all, vitamin B9, or folic acid.

Properties

Good eye health for life

  • Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments. Their main role is to protect parts of the retina: the lens and the macula. They protect the retina from UV rays, but also from other oxidative attacks. In fact, they are excellent antioxidants: they trap the free radicals that can lead to various eye diseases.
  • These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These diseases are more likely to occur with age. Lutein and zeaxanthin are not synthesised by the body, so they must be obtained from food. Willow pollen is therefore a valuable source of carotenoids, essential pigments for healthy eyes.

A natural prostate protector

Many men face prostate problems as they get older. In particular, benign prostatic hypertrophy affects more than 80% of men over the age of 70. This condition is characterised by excessive proliferation of prostate cells, resulting in abnormal enlargement and dysfunction of the prostate.

If this hypertrophy is benign, it can cause bothersome symptoms: difficulty urinating, pain, nightly awakenings, etc.

Willow pollen contains several components that influence benign prostate hyperplasia:

  • Many antioxidants: oxidative stress and its free radicals are in fact one of the causes of this pathology.
  • Sterols: a study showed that beta-sitosterol significantly improved urinary comfort in men.
  • Zinc: researchers have observed that zinc deficiency is associated with a higher risk of benign prostate hypertrophy. In fact, this mineral is one of the main constituents of prostate tissue and is one of those that prevent abnormal cell proliferation at the heart of this tissue.

Its richness in folic acid

Willow pollen contains rare amounts of vitamin B9, or folic acid.

In fact, 100 grams of pollen would provide more than 400% of the recommended daily intake.

Potential role in fighting cancer

Researchers are also following some leads in the case of cancer. The researchers were particularly interested in willow bee bread. Bee bread is a mixture of pellets of pollen, honey and other compounds that normally serve as food for bees. Willow bee bread has the ability to kill human brain tumour cancer cells in vitro.

In addition, the antioxidant capacity of willow pollen gives it the ability to protect the DNA of cells undergoing chemotherapy.

The different forms

Willow pollen is available in the form of dried pellets or freshly frozen.

The latter form is recommended as it preserves the qualities of the pollen as it is easier to store.

For whom?

Willow pollen is particularly suitable for older people and women who are trying to get pregnant.

Dosage

There is no recommended dose. However, we recommend one large spoonful each morning.

Precautionary measures

People with allergies should take precautions when eating willow pollen.

This caution also applies to pregnant women: there is a risk of allergy.

The elderly are the perfect target for willow pollen to improve vision and prostate function.