icon-account icon-glass

Popular Searches

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.

CATEGORIES

The Buzz On Bee Pollen: Benefits, Nutrition And More

21st March 2022

Health Nutrition

21st March 2022

By Shivraj Bassi

Bees aren't fun at a BBQ but these furry critters ain't all bad. Trust us.

Yes, they may have the ability to sting you, and that's never fun, but they make honey and also bee pollen, which has recently gained a lot of interest in health circles.

From bee pollen benefits and nutrition to everything in between, as always, we've got the facts. Here's the 4-1-1 on bee pollen. 

What is bee pollen?

Bee pollen is made by honeybees and fed to young bees. It’s made when the bee mixes the pollen together with the nectar collected as it buzzes around. Amazingly, one teaspoon of bee pollen takes a bee a month of eight hour shifts to create. Each bee pollen pellet contains over two million pollen grains – and each teaspoon contains over 2.5 billion grains.

As a result of its massive nutrient content, bee pollen is considered to be one of nature’s most complete foods as it contains almost all the nutrients we need.

What makes bee pollen so interesting?

Bee pollen is a mixture of proteins, lipids and sugars. It’s loaded with enzymes, which aids in the digestion of food. It also contains over 18 different vitamins and minerals. Bee pollen is high in protein and contains more amino acids than beef, eggs or cheese of equal weight. Also, over half of the amino acids in bee pollen are free which means our bodies can use them directly.

What are the benefits of bee pollen?

Many health-related claims, some of which include; enhancing energy, soothing skin, reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, supporting the cardiovascular system, strengthening the immune system and treating allergies. These effects are all said to be related to the high antioxidant and nutrient levels in bee pollen.

How do I incorporate bee pollen into my diet?

The grains are very effective when eaten with food during mealtimes, and in particular with fruit. Bee pollen is also great when eaten on its own, or used as a topping for yogurt, porridge, salads and soup. You can even put some in your Innermost protein blend following your next workout. 

Have the bee pollen benefits been studied? 

The short answer? Yes. For centuries, actually... with bee pollen use in cosmetics and wellness products dating back to ancient Chinese records.

A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science echoes the effectiveness of bee pollen for health and wellness, with 70% of the substances found in bee pollen being biologically active that include proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. And as we know, these are all pretty important when it comes to nutrition and wellness.

These natural features of bee pollen were found to positively enhance protective mechanisms by the study, and by positive mechanisms we mean action against skin aging, the reversal of oxidation damage and even anti-inflammatory properties, too. 

References

  • Xi, X., Li, J., Guo, S., Li, Y., Xu, F., Zheng, M., ... & Han, C. (2018). The potential of using bee pollen in cosmetics: a review. Journal of oleo science, ess18048. Click here. 
< Older post Newer post >

Product Spotlight

The front of The Health Protein packaging.

The Health Protein
Innermost's The Health Protein offers 31g of protein and only 149 calories per serving. Created to support optimal function of your immune system and health.
Vegan Protein

Need Expert Advice?

Take the quiz

Take the quiz

If you're not sure where to start, take our 5 minute health consultation to get product recommendations tailored to your goals.
Read more

Other Insights

Why Creatine is Having a Moment

Why Creatine is Having a Moment

If you said “creatine” ten years ago, most people would’ve pictured a guy at the gym, slamming a protein shake the size of a fire extinguisher. Fast forward to today, and creatine is gaining more traction than ever – but not for the reasons you'd expect. It’s not just about size or strength anymore. It’s about mental sharpness. Recovery. Longevity. Hormonal support. Healthy ageing. And while it’s long been the most studied supplement in sports nutrition, new research is changing how we think about it – and who it’s for. Let’s break it down. First: What actually is Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body produces (and you get in small amounts from red meat and fish). It’s stored mostly in your muscles and brain, where it helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body’s main energy currency. In plain English? It helps you produce energy faster and more efficiently. That’s why creatine’s been a staple for athletes and weightlifters for decades – because it enhances performance, power, and recovery. But that’s just scratching the surface. Reason 1: The science has evolved The benefits of creatine aren’t limited to physical performance anymore. In recent years, researchers have started to uncover its role in cognitive function, mental fatigue, and neuroprotection – especially under stress or during sleep deprivation. A 2021 systematic review published in Nutrients found that creatine supplementation “may improve short-term memory and intelligence/reasoning” – particularly in people who are sleep-deprived, stressed, or ageing . Another study in Psychopharmacology found that supplementing with creatine significantly improved working memory and information processing speed in healthy adults . We're also seeing promising links between creatine and age-related cognitive decline. There’s emerging evidence suggesting it may support brain health in older adults – acting as a protective buffer against neurological degeneration . In short: creatine is no longer just a “performance” supplement. It’s increasingly viewed as a daily health essential – especially for your brain. Reason 2: Women are in – and rightly so Historically, creatine marketing catered almost exclusively to men. The packaging was aggressive, the messaging all about muscle mass, and there was a persistent myth that creatine would cause bloating or bulkiness. It’s no surprise women stayed away. But now? That narrative is breaking down fast – and the science is doing the talking. Studies show that creatine may be especially important for women – particularly through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Research published in Nutrients highlights that creatine supplementation can support muscle strength, bone density, and mood regulation in women during and after menopause . It’s also been shown to help maintain lean muscle mass and support cognitive function during hormonal fluctuations – making it a powerful ally for long-term wellbeing. And no, it won’t make you puffy. The “bloating” myth comes from a misunderstanding: creatine draws water into your muscle cells (where it belongs), which actually supports performance, hydration, and cell integrity. This isn’t about bulking. It’s about feeling energised, strong, and supported in your body – no matter your life stage. Reason 3: It’s not just for the gym anymore The old creatine image was all about barbells and bench presses. But modern life demands more than just gym gains. We want to feel good, stay sharp, move well, and perform in life – not just during workouts. Creatine helps with all of it. Whether you're training hard, working late, chasing your kids around, or trying to keep brain fog at bay – creatine supports energy production, improves recovery, and sharpens your thinking. Even endurance athletes, office workers, and biohackers are getting in on the action. One study found that creatine enhanced oxygen consumption and reduced fatigue during long bouts of aerobic exercise . Put simply: creatine helps you show up as the best version of yourself, wherever life takes you. Reason 4: You’ve got options now Here’s the good news – the supplement industry is finally catching up. Gone are the days of industrial-sized tubs and confusing dosing instructions. At Innermost, we’ve reimagined creatine in a way that’s clean, purposeful, and fits into real life. At innermost, you’ve got two simple options: The Power Booster – our pure, pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate. Zero additives. Just high-quality creatine in its most effective form.The Strong Protein – our intelligent protein blend for strength and recovery, with creatine built-in alongside nootropics, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and functional adaptogens. One blend, multiple benefits. Both options are designed for people who care about their health, performance, and clarity – not just their biceps. FINAL THOUGHTS Creatine isn’t new. But the way we understand it - and who it’s for - absolutely is. It’s not just about muscle. It’s about mood. Memory. Mental sharpness. Movement. And supporting your body through every season of life. Whether you’re lifting, learning, leading, or just looking to feel a little more like yourself again - creatine could be one of the smartest additions to your daily routine.
Read more
The Dangers of Silica

The Dangers of Silica

Ever opened a sachet of hydration powder, only to have a puff of dust cloud waft up into your nostrils? You're not imagining it. Most electrolyte drinks on the market contain silica - a synthetic anti-caking agent added to keep powders dry, free-flowing, and easy to manufacture at scale. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes ingredients that doesn’t need to be there… unless your priority is speed and profit margins, not people. Let’s break this down. What is silica? Silica (aka silicon dioxide) is a compound found in sand, quartz, those little sachets that come with new shoes, and yes - in many processed foods and supplement powders. In this industry, it’s added to prevent clumping and help powders flow smoothly and zip through high-speed packaging machines. It’s not added for your health. It’s added for efficiency.  And here’s the thing: silica is not inherently dangerous when eaten in small quantities — it occurs naturally in some foods, after all. But when it’s inhaled, it’s a whole different story. Let’s talk about silicosis Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by breathing in fine particles of silica.  Many of these powders are so bone-dry and ultrafine that you can’t help but inhale a bit when you open a sachet. And while regulators have deemed it “safe” for consumption, they’re not telling you what happens when you’re breathing that dust in day after day. We think it matters. Why it’s used anyway (and why we don’t). Silica makes life easier for big manufacturers. When a powder is dry and ultra-fine, it runs like a dream through industrial machinery. That means more sachets filled per minute, fewer machine stoppages, and higher production yields. In other words: cheaper, faster, more profitable. It’s what most brands do - especially the ones backed by big investors who demand a return on their money. That’s just the way it works. Innermost is proudly independent. Something we don’t talk about often enough is that we’re 100% self-owned. No outside investors. No pressure to cut corners to meet someone else’s margin goals. That means we get to put your health - not shareholder value - first. We created The Hydrate Blend to be 100% natural, functional, and free from synthetic fillers. No nasties. No shortcuts. And absolutely no silica. Yes, it might cost a little more than the cheapest stuff on the market - but it’s better for your body, and your lungs. Let’s call it what it is. Most people will never think twice about inhaling the powder that wafts up out of their electrolyte powder. But we do. Because we know the supplement industry loves to hide behind shortcuts and call it innovation. Loves to throw in cheap ingredients because they’re easier - not because they’re better. Loves to race to the bottom on cost while pretending they’re leading on health. That’s not us. That’s never been us. We’re not here to cut corners. We’re here to raise standards. And sometimes that means doing things the hard way - like formulating a hydration product without any silica in it, knowing full well it’ll be way harder to do. But your health is worth the effort.
Read more