What is Bee Bread?
Bee Bread is an extremely nourishing lacto-fermented dietary supplement made by bees from plant pollen, nectar and bee saliva that helps to support digestion and immunity. Traditionally known as “Ambrosia” or food of the Gods, it has been used since ancient times by a variety of cultures for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. It is enzymatically activated which inoculates the pollen with a wide range of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts that ferment and transform the bee pollen into bee bread.
Bee bread is a treasure trove of bioactive peptides, phytochemicals, essential amino acids and carbohydrates that contains natural antioxidants including polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, omega 3’s, prebiotics and probiotics that help support the intestinal flora. Research shows that bee bread has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties. [1]
The Unique Fermentation Process of Bee Bread
The creation of bee bread is nothing short of alchemy. Foraging bees visit a variety of flowers collecting pollen grains, then mix the pollen with saliva and regurgitated nectar from their honey stomachs which are rich in lactic acid bacteria such as lactobacillus species. This sticky pollen attached to their legs is transported to the hive and packed into honeycomb cells, covered in honey signalling the start of the lactic acid fermentation process. This breaks down the pollen making it more digestible (like the process of making yoghurt and other fermented milk products) and enables the bees to add naturally occurring enzymes, vitamins, antibacterial substances and organic acids, transforming the pollen into bee bread. This is the difference between bee pollen and bee bread, this fermentation process of the pollen by the bees which gives it a broad range of natural probiotic benefits. The fermentation process is what gives the bee bread that tangy slightly sour taste due to the lactic acid. The sheaths of bee pollen are degraded during the fermentation process making bee bread more absorbable. Proteins are degraded to peptides and amino acids, starches are metabolised into simple sugars and vitamins become more bioavailable. Bee bread therefore has a higher nutritional value than fresh pollen and is more easily digestible and biologically active due to its content of easily digestible sugars, fats, minerals and free amino acids. Due to the fermentation process bee bread also has a longer shelf life compared to dried or frozen pollen in which nutritional values can be lost more quickly.
Sustainable Harvesting
Rosita Wild Bee Bread is sustainably harvested by honey hunters in the lush green tropical forests and Himalayan foothills of India and created in the hive through an entirely raw and natural fermentation process by wild (not farmed) giant rock bees (Apis Dorsata). Apis Dorsata is the world’s largest honeybee, building its nest in the open on vertical cliffs and tall trees to avoid predators and for increased exposure to direct sunlight. The way that it is harvested is incredible, precious, ancient and sustainable. Honey hunters bravely climb up tall trees using hand-made ladders to reach the wild beehives whilst protecting the wild bee colonies. They use bee friendly sustainable collecting methods which actually stimulate the growth of wild beehives. Bees are responsible for pollinating one third of the food we eat so helping to protect and preserve them is key. Harvesting also supports the indigenous communities and helps protect the wild forests of India and their rich biodiversity. Then the bee bread is gently extracted from the honeycomb using a totally natural method that protects its rich nutrients and goes directly into the bottle with absolutely no processing or additives.
Raw, Unprocessed Bee Bread
Rosita Wild Bee Bread is never heated or dried and is completely raw and free from additives, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives which ensures biological efficacy. It is abundant in proteins, free amino acids and all the essential amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids and fatty acids including omega 6 and omega 3. It also contains fat soluble vitamins A beta carotene, D, E, K and water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Biotin, Folate, C, minerals and trace elements (magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, chromium, selenium, iodine to name a few). It also contains polyphenols such as quercetin, flavonoids, apigenin, naringin and rutin and even co-enzyme Q10. Xi Chen et al found that it even contains small RNA molecules that play an important role in gene regulation by regulating biological processes when absorbed by humans and other animals. [4] Overall it’s like taking a healthy natural multivitamin supporting the body on all levels.
How Bee Bread may help to support overall health
The microbial composition with probiotic properties of bee bread is what gives it its great health supporting benefits. The large amount of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (including 13 different types, 9 species of lactobacilli and 4 species of Bifidobacteria) present can help fight bacterial infections. Bee Bread contains a higher quantity and diversity of beneficial bacteria compared to commercial probiotics.
Khalifa et al. [2] in their review study suggested that bee bread exhibits a remarkable hypolipidemic effect through the cholesterol-lowering factors produced by this Lactobacillus bacteria. Another study tested for antibacterial activity against the following bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli and showed that all bee bread samples exhibited strong antimicrobial activities against the bacterial strains and against diverse pathogens. [3]
Rosita Wild Bee Bread stands as a remarkable superfood, offering a rich blend of naturally occurring probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Its unique lacto-fermentation process not only supports its bioavailability but helps to support healthy digestion, immunity, and overall vitality. Sustainably harvested from the wild, this ancient food connects us to nature’s most potent resources, making it a valuable addition to any wellness routine. A wonderful product to have in your nutrition tool kit.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or dietary regimen, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are pregnant or nursing.
References:
[1] Stingless Bee-Collected Pollen (Bee Bread): Chemical and Microbiology Properties and Health Benefits.
[2] Recent insights into chemical and pharmacological studies of bee bread.
[3] Bee Bread as a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Properties: An Up-To-Date Review.
[4] Plant microRNAs in larval food regulate honeybee caste development.