Pine pollen is one of the most recent superfoods to come on the scene, and it can certainly deliver some serious health benefits.
What is Pine Pollen?
Pine pollen, as the name implies, is the pollen from pine trees, which is often a golden-yellow color one. While there are more than 170 different species of pine in the world, all of them produce pollen, but not in the pinecones that most people assume. Instead, there are smaller male pine shoots that release this yellow powder, seeking to pollinate the female cones, which often occur on the same tree. This pollen can also be harvested or collected, and in undisturbed areas with high concentrations of pine trees, the yellow powder will often coat the ground! [1]
While pine pollen can cause allergic reactions in some people, it is also packed with chemicals, compounds, hormones, androgenic elements, and antioxidants that can provide a number of health effects in those who regularly consume it. The two most common forms of pine pollen are its tinctured extracts or raw powder.
Pine Pollen Benefits
There are many notable benefits of pine pollen, including its effects on premature aging, sex drive, muscle growth, immunity, and inflammation, among others.
Pine pollen is one of the most potent herbs on the planet loaded with nutrients. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Delays Aging
This powdery pollen is known to possess quite a few antioxidants, which can seek out free radicals and slow down the aging process by limiting the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. [2]
Increases Sex Drive
With a dense supply of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, as well as antioxidants and hormones, it can give a major boost to your sex drive and libido, while increasing fertility. [3]
Balances Testosterone Levels
Maintaining a balanced hormone profile is essential for overall health. The androgenic and hormonal compounds found in this pollen can be an excellent way to balance your testosterone and estrogen levels. This pollen is particularly popular with middle-aged individuals, once their hormone levels begin to change. [4]
Improves Muscle Growth
Research has connected the consumption of pine pollen with increased muscle growth, primarily due to the incredible density and diversity of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and active ingredients in this pollen. [5]
Boosts Immune System
Antioxidants found in pine pollen are able to relieve strain on the immune system by seeking out dangerous toxins and potential pathogens, neutralizing them before they can cause damage or consume the energy of the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
This pollen has known anti-inflammatory effects, meaning that it can be both topically applied and consumed directly, and can relieve everything from stomach upset and headaches to arthritis and chronic pain. [6]
Pine Pollen Side Effects
There are a few side effects that must be considered before adding this traditional remedy to your health regimen, namely allergic reactions. While pine isn’t the most common tree variety for allergies, the nuts, leaves, pollen, and bark can cause allergic reactions. As mentioned earlier, start by using a small amount of pine pollen and pay attention to your body’s reaction before increasing your intake. As with any health remedy, moderation is always key. [7]
