Bee Pollen And Pregnancy – Trying To Decide What Is Best For Your Baby
There is an awful lot of controversy now about whether bee pollen and pregnancy is a safe and valid option to take at this crucial time in a mother to be’s life.
The Arguments AGAINST The Use Of Bee Pollen In Pregnancy
There was a health scare some thirty or forty years ago which arose because honey does contain spores which could cause a very rare disease known as infant botulism. We find the same spores in unwashed fruit and vegetables so pregnant mothers are exposed to these spores all the time and they do not seem to cause any damage or health risks.
The question about giving honey to very small babies who are less than one year old seems quite clear cut, though. These botulism spores are present in about 10% of honey samples and there is a risk unless the honey is certified that it is completely free of spores. The chances of finding that sort of pure honey which has been thoroughly pasteurized seems to be more trouble than it is worth.
The danger is that babies’ intestines are an ideal breeding ground for these spores and therefore they become a real threat as the spores can multiply and cause the infant botulism. The age of greatest risk is from two to four months old although they are really at risk in the whole first year of their lives.
The reason why this is not nearly so dangerous for adults or pregnant mothers is that the spores cannot develop into bacteria in the mature intestines because of all the benign bacterial flora there which we have accumulated over the years. A baby does not have that protection at all.
There is also some concern that bee pollen and pregnancy do not go together in that there might be uterine stimulant effects.
The Reasons FOR Bee Pollen During Pregnancy
There are thousands of mothers who insist on taking the substance because they know it is full of nutritious benefits and it is full of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes and minerals. It is in a way, a super food. The body is composed of twenty two elements and honey is probably the only food on this planet that contains all twenty two!
Those pregnant mothers who take this ingredient during their pregnancy have to take some precautions however in making sure that the quality of the honey is the absolute best and is free of contaminants such as heavy metals.
Many of the popular brands in the USA such as Forever Living Bee Pollen are pretty vague about the source of the pollen saying that it is from ‘high dcsert regions’. It is always worthwhile doing research to make sure that we are getting the best quality on the market.
Each pregnant mother should seek medical advice about whether they should consider bee pollen and pregnancy as an aid during their gestation.
