Does Pine Pollen Help You to Keep Fit and Healthy?

Posted by Eliza Hedley on

Does Pine Pollen Help You to Keep Fit and Healthy?

An Overview of Pine Pollen

Did you know Pine Pollen can help you to keep fit and healthy? It’s true. The fact is, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can put in your body.

Pine Pollen powder is a unique and powerful adaptogenic herb that’s been used for thousands of years within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other Eastern health modalities to treat several common conditions, including hormone imbalances and inflammatory diseases, like arthritis (5).

Pine Pollen is referred to as a “natural micronutrient storeroom” as it boasts over 200 bioactive nutrients including amino acids, minerals, vitamins B & E, enzymes and flavonoids, and antioxidants.

Pine Pollen benefits are broad and profound offering an array of therapeutic enhancements from boosting performance, supporting hormones and improving skin health.

Pine Pollen powder, also known as pine tree pollen, has been shown to improve energy, increase vitality and stamina, boost low testosterone levels in men, improve libido and fertility, balance sex hormone levels, support the liver and kidneys, boost metabolism and muscle growth, and increase collagen production for healthy skin (3, 4).

These amazing Pine Pollen benefits will help keep you fit and healthy. Other bioactive compounds include gibberellins, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and polysaccharides as well as naturally occurring testosterone and DHEA.

In this article, we’ll review the health benefits of raw Pine Pollen powder and other Pine Pollen supplements including how you can use them to keep fit and healthy.


What is Pine Pollen?

What is Pine Pollen?

Pines are trees in the genus Pinus in the family Pinaceae. There are over 100 different species of pine.

Organic Pine Pollen comes from a variety of pine tree species. The most popular species used in Pine Pollen supplements include;

  • Masson’s pine (Pinus massoniana)
  • Chinese red pine (Pinus tabulaeformis)
  • Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Pine Pollen is produced by male pine cones. Yes, pine trees have male and female pine cones.

Pine Pollen is the equivalent of a male’s sperm. In other words, pine tree pollen is the male reproductive gamete of the pine tree, also known as pine tree pollen.

Pine tree pollen travels through the wind and lands on a female pine cone, fertilizing them. If the pollen is potent enough to fertilize the female pine cones, they germinate and grow into new pine trees.

The cycle of nature begins again.

When we understand this natural process, we can see how in-sync our own biology is with that of nature.

It gives us a greater understanding of why Pine Pollen supplements can improve hormone levels, boost energy and promote longevity. This nutrient-dense superfood and powerful antioxidant contains all the necessary nutrients to create and protect a new life (or tree).

Pine Pollen is a light yellow colour and is mildly sweet and bitter. Its grainy and powdery texture can easily be added to your favourite juice, workout shake, salad dressings and baking recipes.

You can find Pine Pollen in a variety of dietary and healthy organic Pine Pollen supplements. It’s available in various forms including raw Pine Pollen powder, Pine Pollen extract and Pine Pollen supplement tincture.

According to laboratory studies, Pine Pollen supplements may contain:

  • Amino Acids
  • DHEA
  • Brassinosteroids
  • Gibberellins
  • Phenylalanine
  • Polysaccharides
  • Testosterone
  • Tyrosine
  • Vitamins B & E
  • Protein

Keep reading to learn more about Pine Pollen benefits for your health!

History of Pine Pollen

The history of Pine Pollen powder is just as rich as its extraordinary nutrient status.

Pine Pollen is one of the oldest adaptogens. Its use dates back over 1500 years in China where it was first recorded in the Materia Medica of China - the Xin Xiu Ben Cao (Tang Materia Medica) (3, 4).

Pine Pollen was listed as having medicinal value and properties. It's a potent tonic herb and adaptogen that was traditionally used as a Lung tonic, Kidney tonic, Liver tonic, Heart tonic and Spleen tonic - a true adaptogenic herb.

In TCM, Pine Pollen powder was used to moisten the lungs, support asthma and viral infections, and support youthfulness, longevity and reproductive health. It helps reduce fatigue and promote Jing energy, improves gut health and digestion and nourishes the Shen–spirit.

In more modern times, Pine Pollen powder, Pine pollen extract and other Pine Pollen supplements have been kept as a well-known fertility and performance-enhancing tonic.

Pine Pollen supplements are now used to support reproductive health, weight loss, longevity, detoxification, immune support, stress and within prostate cancer (3-5).

Potential Health Benefits of Pine Pollen

Potential Health Benefits of Pine Pollen

Raw Pine Pollen (pine tree pollen) has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of different health conditions.

Pine Pollen supplements are very appealing because they contain such a high concentration of nutrients, in particular, protein. That’s right, organic Pine Pollen supplements are rich in proteins and amino acids, including histidine and arginine.

Pine Pollen powder is also a good source of calcium (an important mineral to regulate bone growth and muscle contraction) as well as phosphorus and magnesium.

With that said, Pine Tree Pollen is loaded with enzymes that play a part in the digestive process, helping the body break down toxins and fight free radicals.

Some of the scientifically verified Pine Pollen benefits include:

  • Improves vitality, physical performance and stamina
  • Increases low testosterone levels in men and menopausal women
  • Increases sperm count and fertility
  • Supports menopause
  • Prevents prostate cancer
  • Supports liver detoxification and elimination of toxins
  • Boosts Antioxidants
  • Regulates metabolism and aids weight loss
  • Increases energy and is anti-fatigue
  • Improves muscle synthesis
  • Supports immune function
  • Improves skin and prevents accelerated aging (3, 4, 5)

From this impressive list, we can see how many of us would benefit from organic Pine Pollen powder. It helps to support a healthy metabolism, boosts energy, improves fertility, and acts as an anti-aging superfood and beauty tonic.

Pine Pollen Nutritional Value

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of Pine Pollen powder and Pine Pollen extract is astonishing due to it containing all the nutrients required to start a new life.

Organic Pine Pollen is made up of over 200 bio-active nutrients–vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and amino acids and is a complete protein made up of 30% protein!

Raw Pine Pollen powder specifically contains key amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine.

Phenylalanine is involved in the production of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which help support our energy levels and seek out rewards.

Tyrosine is required for the creation of thyroid hormones which regulate our metabolism and energy levels (3, 5).

Pine pollen supplements also contain vitamins B and E - both of which are required for healthy hormones and energy production.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Aging is classified as the reduction of a cell's ability to divide or repair.

Pine Pollen benefits provide anti-aging qualities due to its high antioxidant status.

Antioxidants donate an electron to free radical molecules that damage DNA and cell function, and thus are able to decrease accelerated aging due to oxidative stress.

A 2012 study showed the anti-aging effects of Pine Pollen in a mouse study in which it was shown that Pine Pollen extract delayed cell senescence and enhanced cell proliferation.

Cell senescence is the permanent stopping of cell growth. Pine Pollen helps delay and halt this process by enabling cells to continue to divide. This means organic Pine Pollen supports overall cellular health and promotes longevity (6).

Hormone Support

When your hormones are out of balance, it can affect your mood, libido, energy levels, and more. If you're looking for a natural way to support hormone balance, organic Pine Pollen might be the answer.

Hormonal balance is crucial for both women and men. A healthy ratio of testosterone and estrogen in the body is essential for peak health, and Pine Pollen supplements may help you achieve hormonal balance.

There can be many causes for hormonal imbalances, including environmental toxins, excess dietary estrogen, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise.

Raw Pine Pollen powder has been shown to help with these issues because it contains DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is a precursor to all sex hormones in the body; testosterone; and the androgen stimulants androsterone and epitestosterone.

DHEA is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands that helps the body create other hormones. It can help reduce symptoms of menopause and increase energy levels in both men and women.

Pine Pollen helps balance hormonal health for men and women, boosts libido, and enhances fertility.

Pine Pollen powder also acts as a potent Kidney tonic that helps rejuvenate the endocrine system which is linked to the Kidneys in TCM. This also supports the body’s natural estrogen-detoxifying pathways.

Pine Pollen Elevates Testosterone Levels

Elevates Testosterone

Organic Pine Pollen is a known androgenic superfood. It’s a potent source of phyto-androgens and a naturally derived source of testosterone.

These rare-to-be-found-in-nature plant-based compounds include androgens, DHEA, androsterone, gibberellins and more, which can be used to naturally boost testosterone levels.

Testosterone is a hormone that helps regulate the development of male characteristics and secondary sex characteristics in both men and women. In other words, it's a sex hormone. It's also vital to the production of sperm in men.

People often think of testosterone as a "male hormone," but women need it too. Women's ovaries produce testosterone, and women need testosterone to create new blood cells.

Menstruating women must make new blood cells every month which is why healthy testosterone levels are important.

If you feel lethargic, irritable, or anxious, it could be because of low testosterone. If you have a hard time sleeping, lost interest in sex, and are gaining weight around your middle—it could be because of high estrogen.

Pine Pollen supplements may help balance depleted testosterone or excess estrogen by providing DHEA (a precursor to testosterone), testosterone, and the androgen stimulants androsterone and epitestosterone (7, 8).

A healthy ratio of testosterone and estrogen is crucial for both women and men.

The best Pine Pollen supplements for raising low testosterone in men are organic Pine Pollen extracts that have been extracted in alcohol to increase hormone levels. Pine Pollen extract or Pine Pollen tinctures are only suitable for male use.

It’s completely safe and beneficial for women to enjoy the hormone-balancing benefits of raw Pine Pollen powder. Pine Pollen powder balances the estrogen-to-testosterone ratio in women and men.

Try Teelixir Pine Pollen Powder.

Increases Energy

Organic Pine Pollen powder acts as a natural pre-workout that naturally boosts energy levels and promotes fast recovery.

Organic Pine Pollen supplements are popular among athletes, bodybuilders, yogis and other fitness enthusiasts.

The naturally occurring testosterone and DHEA and 30% protein content in Pine Pollen powder help support muscle synthesis and growth - improving energy production and mitochondrial function.

The amino acid and mineral content of Pine Pollen supplements leans into its ability to support thyroid health and boost metabolism thereby supporting lean muscle growth and weight loss.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is characterized by the increased presence of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, TNFa and IL-6.

Pine Pollen powder is a potent antioxidant that donates that electron and neutralizes free radicals that cause inflammation and the activation of an inflammatory cascade.

Reducing inflammation is key to promoting longevity, anti-ageing and fertility.

Chronic inflammation underpins all dis-ease states as it disrupts proper DNA replication and cellular function, which we then see on an organ and organism level with symptoms.

Elevates Mood and Brain Function

Pine Pollen powder have been known to help elevate mood and enhance brain function due to it being a natural source of phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine is required for the creation of key neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine and noradrenaline.

Phenylalanine stimulates dopamine levels in the brain and is a precursor to l-dopa.

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter of motivation, movement, pleasure and reward and is what gets us to do difficult things for the reward and we get that release of feel-good endorphins when we achieve that goal.

Boosts Antioxidants

Pine Pollen is a potent antioxidant food. Organic Pine Pollen contains glutathione transferases and has been shown to significantly increase superoxide dismutase (SOD).

SOD is an antioxidant enzyme found in all living cells. It’s so important for health and longevity that its manufacture is ensured by the body by being encoded into our DNA.

SOD catalyses the dismutation reaction and without it, our body would be damaged by rampant superoxide free radicals. The higher levels of SOD in your system, the healthier you are.

Many scientists consider SOD to be the most important antioxidant directly linked to longevity, alongside Glutathione and Catalase.

Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the human body, one of its many roles is to detox hormones that are dangerous, or simply ones that have done their job and need to be recycled. These are also involved in the synthesis of testosterone and progesterone.

Pine Pollen also helps maintain a healthy pH level and supports the liver by enhancing its ability to detoxify harmful xeno-estrogens, heavy metals and other toxins and pollutants.

The amino acids and antioxidants in organic Pine Pollen powder are essential for the creation of stress hormones, proper blood flow, and helping the body to recover from stress.

Enhances Immunity

All adaptogenic herbs, including organic Pine Pollen, help modulate and support a healthy balanced immune system through their active polysaccharide components.

Pine Pollen powder enhances immunity and it has been used for this purpose for over 1500 years due to its polysaccharides, brassinosteroids and gibberellin compounds (3, 5).

Raw Pine Pollen effectively increases NK cells (Natural Killer cells), neutralizes toxins from viral infections and supports the lungs during infection and post-infection (3,5).

Skin Health

Raw Pine Pollen powder has a long history as a beautifying superfood due to its rich nutrient profile and high antioxidant status.

Raw Pine pollen powder also contains Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)–a key compound that strengthens collagen, elastin and keratin– and helps support a robust and strong skin barrier improving overall skin health.

Being a powerful antioxidant, Pine Pollen benefits may also improve acne and eczema, support gut health, and skin and wound healing and help to modulate the skin and the gut microbiome.

Healthy Weight Management

Organic Pine Pollen supports healthy weight management since it contains amino acids that support thyroid hormone creation and conversion.

Organic Pine pollen also contains DHEA and testosterone.

These two hormones are essential in building lean muscle. This increases our metabolic rate and base calories because muscle is the most “expensive” tissue and needs more energy (food) to maintain.

This in turn helps to decrease adipose tissue or subcutaneous body fat and helps support a healthy metabolism.

Combined with the endocrine support and over 200 bioactive nutrients, many of which people are lacking, Pine Pollen supplements are ideal for managing healthy weight goals for women and men.

Best Hangover Cure is Pine Pollen

Best Hangover Cure

Pine Pollen contains an abundant source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, all of which are necessary for optimal health.

These ingredients help support the body's normal functions and foster general health, which might lessen the intensity of a hangover.

Pine Pollen contains a lot of antioxidants which aid in defending the body's cells from oxidative damage brought on by free radicals. The body's natural detoxification processes may be supported by these substances which may reduce the symptoms of a hangover.

Pine Pollen is abundant in polysaccharides–complex long-chain sugars that offer a number of health advantages. According to some research, polysaccharides may have anti inflammatory and immune-supportive qualities that could help a hangover.

Pine Pollen also includes a range of flavonoids–plant substances that have anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These ingredients can prevent cellular damage and bodily inflammation which could also lessen the intensity of a hangover.

Pine Pollen contains the unique compound, dihydromyricetin (DHM), which has been called by some scientists as the "antidote to alcohol." DHM is thought to effectively prevent feelings of intoxication, head banging hangovers and other unpleasant alcohol withdrawal symptoms.​​​​​​​​

According to some research, DHM may reduce the severity of a hangover by supporting the liver in dissolving and removing alcohol from the body, as well as by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. It's important to note that additional research is required to properly grasp the possible advantages of DHM in this regard as the research on it and its effects on hangovers is still in its early stages.

Pine Pollen powder has no side effects and is completely safe and ideal to consume either before or after you start drinking alcohol.

How to Choose the Best Pine Pollen

How to Choose the Best Pine Pollen

Pine Pollen supplements are available in a variety of different forms including raw Pine Pollen powder, Pine Pollen extracts, capsules and liquid tinctures.

When choosing a Pine Pollen supplement, we must select a wildcrafted source. The majority of organic Pine Pollen supplements on the market are not certified organic but this isn’t a bad thing. This is true of most wildcrafted foods.

All raw Pine Pollen is wild harvested from pine trees found in nature. There is no industry farming pine trees or spraying them with toxic pesticides, herbicides or anything else. This also means raw Pine Pollen is non-GMO.

However, it’s important that any Pine Pollen supplement you’re consuming has been independently tested for any heavy metal contamination.

Additionally, raw Pine Pollen granules have a tough cell wall that is difficult to digest.

Similar to the algae chlorella, raw Pine Pollen supplements must be minimally processed to crack open the cell walls which enables better absorption of its valuable nutrients.

The cell walls are cracked using a low-temperature but high-speed airflow technology to smash the raw Pine Pollen grains against each other. Investigations show that this should increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates.

Teelixir Pine Pollen powder is processed through low-temperature, high-speed airflow pulverization technology, leaving 98% of the Pine Pollen with the cell walls broken, with sizes of around 5μm which is less than human cells at 7μm.

This means Teelixir Pine Pollen powder can be absorbed directly into the cells of the body without going through the digestive system.

Pine Pollen for Women’s Health

Pine Pollen for Women’s Health

Raw Pine Pollen has garnered a great reputation as a male tonic, however, women can also enjoy the exceptional health benefits of Pine Pollen powder.

Raw Pine Pollen powder is the most suitable Pine Pollen supplement for women. This phyto-androgenic powder is great for effectively balancing and supporting hormones by increasing androgens and detoxifying xeno-estrogens from the body.

Pine Pollen extract and alcoholic tinctures are not suitable for women’s health (particularly reproductive females or women with PCOS) since they are typically higher in androgenic compounds.

Pine Pollen for Men's Health

Pine Pollen for Men's Health

Pine Pollen supplements are incredible for men’s health–for supporting male hormones, increasing energy, improving fertility and libido, elevating mood and promoting fast recovery.

If you’re a male over 20 years old you can do either a wildcrafted and raw Pine Pollen powder or a Pine Pollen liquid tincture. Alcoholic tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of phyto-androgens - and will greatly increase androgens unsuitable for reproductive females or women with PCOS.

Pine Pollen extract and alcoholic tinctures are not recommended for men under 20 years of age.

Try Teelixir Pine Pollen Powder.

Uses of Pine Pollen

Key uses of Pine Pollen benefits include improving energy, elevating performance, promoting fast recovery and enhancing mental training and physical composition.

Pine Pollen benefits add to this by improving low testosterone levels, boosting libido and fertility among males, as well as lowering blood pressure and enlarged prostates.

Organic Pine Pollen benefits are used for their anti-aging and antioxidant qualities. These benefits support the immune system, lungs, detoxification, weight loss, skin and metabolism.

Pine Pollen extracts are suitable for males over twenty years old to help further boost and enhance low testosterone levels.

Side-Effects of Pine Pollen

Teelixir Pine Pollen is an incredible superfood that is suitable for both men and women of all ages.

However, even though organic Pine Pollen is generally a safe food for everyone, there are some precautions you must consider.

The side effects of Pine Pollen supplements may include;

  • Allergic reaction and allergens: If you have an allergy to pollen or suffer from hay fever, you may experience aggravated hay fever symptoms including runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing.
  • Anaphylaxis: Do not consume Pine Pollen if you are allergic to pollen. This can result in anaphylaxis which in some cases can be life-threatening.
  • Men with elevated testosterone levels should avoid Pine Pollen because it can result in liver issues, increased blood pressure, acne, damage to heart tissue and an enlarged prostate.
  • For women with elevated androgens such as with PCOS or post-pill acne, Pine Pollen supplements may not be suitable.

Final Words

As we’ve explored in this article, raw Pine Pollen powder is a nutrient powerhouse that promotes overall health and wellbeing for both men and women.

Pine Pollen benefits help support lean muscle growth, balance hormones, boost metabolism, improve libido, fertility, and reproduction and help reverse accelerated aging.

Organic Pine Pollen is an ancient superfood tonic that has been utilized for thousands of years to support longevity, improve immunity and boost energy levels, and can provide so many more amazing health benefits to those who integrate Pine Pollen supplements into their daily lives.

Try Teelixir Pine Pollen Powder.

You may also be interested in our Korean Red Pine Needle Oil.

References

  1. What to Know About Pine Pollen: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects - https://www.healthline.com/health/pine-pollen
  2. Pine Pollen: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions - https://www.verywellhealth.com/heallth-benefits-of-pine-pollen-4066991
  3. Pine Pollen: A Historical Perspective - https://www.rawforestfoods.com/historical-and-chinese-medicine-perspective-of-pine-pollen/
  4. The Potential Effects and Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine Pine Pollen (Pinus pollen): A Bibliometric Analysis of Pharmacological and Clinical Studies - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8318335/
  5. The Top 5 Health Benefits of Pine Pollen Tincture - https://wildkingdomextracts.com/blogs/mushroom-education/the-top-5-health-benefits-of-pine-pollen-extract
  6. Anti-aging Effect of Pine Pollen in Human Diploid Fibroblasts and in a Mouse Model Induced by D-Galactose - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3345248/
  7. Pine Pollen Vitamin D3 and its metabolites in the pine tree pollen. Part 5: Steroid hormones in the pollen of pine species - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3671475/
  8. A study on the nutritive value of pollen from the Chinese Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) and its effect on fecal characteristics in rats - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9000331
  9. Effect of pine pollen on kidney mitochondria DNA deletion mutation in senile mice - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22994004
  10. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of pine pollen extract in vitro - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22994004
  11. Testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione in the pollen of scotch pine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5549221
  12. Effect of pine pollen extract on experimental chronic arthritis - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19148883
  13. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of pine pollen extract (Pinus densiflora) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17273982
  14. Immunomodulatory effects of sulfated polysaccharides of pine pollen on mouse macrophages - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17273982
  15. Effects of sulfated polysaccharide from Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) pollen on the proliferation and cell cycle of HepG2 cells - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23270833
  16. Pine pollen inhibits cell apoptosis-related protein expression in the cerebral cortex of mice with arsenic poisoning - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25722672

Written by Eliza Hedley

Eliza Hedley is an Australian-born health, mindset and abundance enthusiast obsessed with helping millennial's experience living at a higher level.

Eliza's relaxed new-age approach and understanding of nutrition and wellness see her empowering and coaching individuals to understand that their health is the ultimate asset. Upon experiencing first-hand the power and place of tonic herbalism and medicinal mushrooms in everyday life, Eliza’s become an adaptogen fangirl and feels their utilisation in today’s world is essential for abundance and wellbeing.

Website: https://theholisticsister.com
Instagram: @theholisticsister_

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