Anti-Inflammatory Bee Pollen Smoothie
Breakfast is the perfect opportunity to jumpstart your day with a nutritious meal, and this Anti-Inflammatory Bee Pollen Smoothie is an easy and delicious way to fuel your morning. Blending a mix of healthy ingredients into a sweet, creamy smoothie is a simple way to pack in essential nutrients right from the start.
This smoothie is especially great for reducing inflammation and delivers a powerful punch of antioxidants to keep you feeling your best. And if you know you’re in for an active day, toss in some protein powder or extra greens for an added boost.
Pro tip: A smoothie is the perfect way to “hide” your veggies!
Ingredients
1/4 cup tart cherry juice
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon bee pollen
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 cup spinach
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen organic cherries
1/2 - 1 cup almond milk to desired consistency
Optional
Scoop of protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Why Add Bee Pollen to Your Smoothie?
When you hear the term bee pollen, your first thought might not be to throw it in your blender — but it’s quickly becoming a favorite among holistic nutritionists for good reason.
Collected by honeybees as they gather nectar from flowers, bee pollen is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with:
B vitamins for energy and stress support
Amino acids for tissue repair and recovery
Antioxidants to fight inflammation and oxidative stress
Trace minerals and enzymes that support metabolism and immune function
One study found that bee pollen can contain over 200 biologically active compounds — earning it the nickname “nature’s multivitamin.”
Bee Pollen Benefits at a Glance:
Reduces inflammation
Boosts immunity
Supports hormone health
Improves skin and digestion
May enhance energy and endurance
Is Bee Pollen Safe? (Here’s What to Know)
While bee pollen is generally safe for most people, some have found that it can trigger allergic reactions. Here are a few quick notes:
Start small: If it’s your first time, begin with 1/4 teaspoon and slowly build up to 1 tablespoon.
Check for allergies: Avoid if you’re allergic to pollen, bees, or honey.
Avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding: There’s not enough safety data available.
Buy local when possible: Local bee pollen may help with seasonal allergies and tends to be fresher.
Why You Should Avoid the Dirty Dozen
Even if you’re rinsing your produce thoroughly, some fruits and veggies carry higher pesticide loads than others. That’s why it’s worth going 100% organic when it comes to the Dirty Dozen — a yearly list from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that ranks the produce with the highest pesticide residues.
2024 Dirty Dozen List:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale, collard & mustard greens
Grapes
Peaches
Pears
Nectarines
Apples
Bell and hot peppers
Cherries
Blue berries
Green Beans
Tip: Don’t get fooled by buzzwords like “natural” or “non-GMO.” If it’s on this list, look for the USDA Organic label. For more info, check out my blog on understanding food labels.
Instructions
It’s a smoothie — throw it in the blender and blend it, baby!
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Anti-Inflammatory Bee Pollen Smoothie
This anti-inflammatory bee pollen smoothie packs a punch of sweet flavors and health benefits. Jumpstart your day with a nutritions meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
- It’s a smoothie — throw it in the blender and blend it, baby!