You probably know of bee pollen—it's the soft, tender granules brushed from the legs of the bees that carried them off of flowers—but you might be confused about bee pollen uses or benefits. In this article, we'll answer questions like "what is bee pollen good for?" and "where you can buy bee pollen?" with help from Chicago Honey Co-op director Michael Thompson.

Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

The list of claims related to the health bee pollen benefits is long. While more scientific evidence is needed to back up these claims, many people who take bee pollen swear to improvement in their health. These include:

• Increased athletic performance
• Increased energy
• Weight loss
• Aids digestion
• Help with addiction treatment
• Aids cardiovascular system
• Aids immune system
• Allergy relief
• Stomach relief

(As always, consult with your doctor if you wish to incorporate bee pollen as a treatment or remedy. Bee pollen should not be taken by pregnant women or anyone with bee allergies.)

It's also true that bee pollen is packed with nutrients. It's been called "one of nature's most completely nourishing foods" and health nuts have labeled it a "superfood."

• High in protein
• High in B-vitamins
• High in antioxidants
• High in rutin, a compound that may reduce risk of stroke or heart attack.

Thompson, who eats bee pollen himself, had a hard time putting his finger on the exact effects. He said he felt stronger and that it boosted his appetite. He collects pollen straight from the hive and eats it fresh—and he also knows where it comes from, ensuring it isn't laced with potentially harmful pesticides.

Where can you buy bee pollen?

The easiest way to buy bee pollen is to click here to find deals on our site. While some companies sell bee pollen as granules or in side capsules, others add bee pollen as a complement to dietary supplements.

• To eat it straight: $19.50 for 7 ounces of bee pollen granules from Apihaus ($23 value)
• To take in capsule form: $14.40 for 90 Vegicaps of bee pollen from Apihaus ($18.40 value)
• To take a weight-loss supplement: $24 for 4 bottles of Hoodia Dietary Supplement with Bee Pollen Detox ($39.95 value)
• To take with green-tea supplement: $4.95 for 60 green tea capsules with bee pollen from Lyfetrition ($14.95 value)

What are other bee pollen uses?

In addition to its consumption for health benefits, bee pollen is often used as part of topical ointments or lotions, as it's believed to promote skin smoothness.

Additionally, some people like to add it to their food. What is bee pollen good for, with regards to food? Plenty! Try these common methods for adding bee-pollen granules to your diet:

• Taken with a piece of fruit
• Sprinkled over yogurt
• As a topping on a salad
• Mixed into applesauce
• Blended into your favorite smoothie
• Taken with (or as a substitute for) granola

What does bee pollen taste like?

When we first opened a jar given to us by Thompson, we thought, "Smells like artichoke hearts."

To be honest, any description of bee pollen is going to seem incomplete. All we kept thinking was it tastes like the earth. Thompson had a different take on it: "It tastes very rich to me, sort of like … how an egg yolk would make a drink taste rich."

Is eating bee pollen dangerous?

Zero scientific evidence exists as to the efficacy or potentially dangerous side effects of eating bee pollen. However, those with severe seasonal allergies or allergies to bees are cautioned against trying it—or at least starting out very, very slow.

Many bee-pollen experts recommend trying one granule first, then giving it some time to make sure there are no allergic reactions. If there's not, you're probably in the clear, but you should gradually eat just a little more day.

This article was original written by staff writer Lisa Ladehoff and has been edited from its original version. Bee-pollen photos by Russ Augustine, staff photographer. Bee and comb photos courtesy of Jana Kinsman.