Pollen (via _PaulS_)

Has the buzz on bee pollen and raw honey got you wondering if you too should be trying these sweet, energizing goodies? Or maybe adding them to just about everything like I do? The benefits of bee pollen and raw honey date way back. I've even heard from various sources that bee pollen is a 'perfect food' and contains all the nutrients you need to live. This may not work for all of us, yet it's made up of 40% protein and has a high concentration of the B vitamin complex, making it a powerful food. It's also great for the immune system with vitamins C, D, E, beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, and lecithin all at play.

Why raw honey you ask? Well cooked honey has lost all its juju. The high heat zaps the life out of it, plus raw is way tastier! Raw honey has been respected for centuries as a healing sweet medicine. It's a healthy way to boost your energy, is great for sore throats, and can help keep cholesterol levels in check.

Raw honey and bee pollen are excellent foods to travel with and are also great as a main kitchen staple. Local is always best, especially with bee products since they come from local flowers which can help your body better adapt to your environment. There's a slew of farmer markets and small shops that would agree, so it's easy to find.

Here's some of my favorite ways to use raw honey and/or bee pollen:

• grab your favorite spoon (I prefer small ones), dip it into the honey, and eat!
• grab a handful of bee pollen and eat!
• smear a glob of raw honey onto straight-up dark, raw, sugar free chocolate
• add a drop of honey to your tea
• add both to your favorite smoothies for an extra boost of nutrients and sweetness
• add raw honey, bee pollen, and vanilla to plain grass-fed yogurt
• sprinkle bee pollen on top of a delicious salad
• spread raw honey with soft raw goat cheese on sprouted grain bread such as Manna OR honey with almond butter for the vegans out there
• add a handful bee pollen to a gojij berry and nut/seed trail mix
• get creative and listen to your intuition; add raw honey and/or bee pollen to anything!

Yes, I admit it, I'm addicted to wellness. And too much of even a good thing has its downsides (e.g. if you're sensitve to sugar, downing exorbitant amounts of honey is less than ideal). HOWEVER we really must stand and applaud the hard work of busy bees and all the benefits they provide us in these powerful superfoods.