GREEN ATTRACTION

Amazing Raw Brownie Bites with Golden Bee Pollen

• By thess
• 3 March, 2013
• 16 Comments

I have never been completely comfortable with the taste of bee pollen. It is not that I hate it, but to me, the taste is somewhat too floral, and I have usually mixed it with berries to cover the flavor. (You might question why I eat it in the first place if I am not crazy about the taste? Well, I will come back to that…).

Anyway, I have now found the perfect use for it! Combined with raw cacao, it is from another world! Honestly, I was not sure what to expect when eagerly blending all the ingredients, but after the first bite it was as if the world stopped for a second and it took me some time to actually believe my own taste buds. The dark chocolate complexity brings forth all the amazing flavors of the bee pollen, and at the same time calms down the floral aroma so the result ends up being a perfect symphony of flavors. If you like me have had trouble with the taste of bee pollen, or if you do not understand what on earth I am talking about because you simply love the small, yellow sprinkles, this recipe is just what you need!

Ok. Back to the reasons for eating bee pollen in the first place! This amazing food was first mentioned 2735 B.C., in a book about herbs written by the Chinese emperor at the time. In ancient Greece and Rome it was thought to give eternal youth and immortality, and was actually described as the food of Gods. Looking at the different shades of the golden color, it is easy to understand why. I must admit, beside the health benefits, the color itself almost makes it worth eating.

Bee pollen contains around 40 % proteins, including all 22 amino acids, as well as numerous enzymes and micronutrients. Claimed to be one of the most complete foods there is and containing almost all the nutrients needed by humans, it is said that you can survive on bee pollen alone (I would not recommend testing this theory, but it is good to know. If you for some reason are going out in the wilderness with just a tiny backpack, be sure to fill it with bee pollen…). Throughout the world, cultures use bee pollen for improving vitality, aiding recovery of chronic illness, reducing cravings and addictions, improving skin conditions like acne, regulating digestion, building new blood and preventing infectious diseases. Is that all? Not even close!

Even though you might not believe in the wonders of natural healing, it is hard to argue that bee products does not have amazing health benefits. The scientific circles show increasingly interest for this super food. For instance, a study from 2007 indicates that the steroid fraction of chloroform extract from bee pollen of Brassica campestris L. may be a promising candidate for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Another study concluded that pollen and propolis extracts inhibit respiratory burst within cancer cells, probably due to their antioxidant potentials. Bee pollen has also been found to have antimicrobial properties. Of course, everyone should try it themselves, and feel the effect (or lack thereof) on their own body. After all, we are all different, and what one person need might not be the same as what another needs. You should also buy high quality, organic bee pollen to be sure it has the wanted properties as the nutritional components varies, and depends a great deal upon the plant from which the pollen was taken.

I want to point out that some people can get severe allergic reactions when eating bee pollen, especially people who already have a lot of allergies. So please, take precautions, and consume with care. However, other people have experienced improvements of their hay fever when eating bee pollen on a regular basis. In any case, I would advice against the intake of bee pollen if you are allergic to bees or bee products. As for people who are not known to have any allergies, you should still start out with a small dose  (¼ tsp or less) and gradually increase to 1 tbsp daily at the most. Bee pollen is highly potent, so not much is needed for the wanted effect.

If you choose to skip the bee pollen, the brownie bites are extremely delicious (and healthy) on their own as well. Containing almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts, they are packed with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Not to mention the raw cacao powder, containing high amounts of magnesium, zinc and chrome. Magnesium is a vitally important mineral. It regulates the blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular diseases. It is also used when struggling with insomnia, stress and depression. If you are a woman, and from time to time experience menstrual cramps, you will probably be happy to hear that magnesium also has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the uterus, and can therefore relieve some of the pain. The only downside (well actually upside) is that you have to begin consuming magnesium at least three days before the menstrual period begins for it to have the wanted effect on your muscles (Yet another excellent reason for the intake of raw cacao. Personally, I will rather eat brownie bites than consuming artificial painkillers once a month. How about you?)

I really hope you find these brownie bites as perfect as I do. They are ridiculously easy to make, and to this day I have not met a single person who have not instantly loved them, and been impressed with how something so healthy can be so unbelievable good!