Q: Can I eat bee pollen if I'm allergic to bees?

A: I'm not sure. I've seen information stating that you can and information stating that you cannot. I would err on the side of caution and advise you not to consume bee pollen if you're allergic to bees. I've never had any feedback from anyone who has consumed my product stating that they have had an allergic reaction to Ambrosia. If you are not allergic to honey, I would assume you would not be allergic to pollen. The allergen is bee secretions, which both honey and pollen contain. This is just my personal opinion, I don't know for sure. It is best to consult your physician if you are in doubt.

Q: If I suffer from diabetes, should I eat Ambrosia?

A: Honey contains complex sugars, as opposed to sucrose. Sucrose enters the bloodstream through osmosis (very quickly). Complex sugars enter the bloodstream through a process known as "active transport" which is much slower, and therefore less likely to cause an overstimulation of insulin production. It is best to consult your physician to be sure.

Q: Will eating bee pollen and honey help me in fighting seasonal allergies?

A: Again, there are disputing views on this point. Some say that you must get your honey and bee pollen from your area in order to desensitize you from the pollens that you will come in contact with. Others disagree. Leo Conway, M.D. from Denver, Colorado, an early pioneer in the treatment of allergies, treated his patients with bee pollen for their allergies. He states "All patients who had taken the antigen [pollen] for three years remained free from all allergy symptoms, no matter where they lived and regardless of diet." Bee pollen also contains Rutin which has been shown to have antiallergy properties. My doctor, James Novack, M.D. of Pacific Beach, California, recommends my Ambrosia to all his patients who suffer from seasonal allergies. I personally feel that the pollen should be local for best results in treating allergies. Bee pollen should be consummed six weeks before the season begins in order to build up the antibodies that will negate the effects of the offending substance.

Q: Can Ambrosia be fed to babies?

A: NO!!!! Honey can contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the nervous sytem. After the first year, our immune systems can handle the routine exposure to botulism spores from dust, soil and uncooked foods, so don't worry about giving raw honey to older children. The danger is limited to infants.

Q: Can I expect to see amazing improvements in my health from eating Ambrosia?

A: It all depends on the individual. I've had people tell me that they have more energy; some people say that it helps curb their appetite. What you can expect is a great tasting food that is healthy to boot. Eat Ambrosia without guilt and know that you are supplementing your diet with essential nutrients from a natural source - so much better than vitamins.

Q: Will I gain weight eating Ambrosia?

A: Not unless you spread it on a really thick, delicious piece of cimmanon raisin bread or pour it over Haagen Daz ice cream. A teaspoon of Ambrosia contains approximately 110 Calories. If you're very weight conscious, I would recommend cutting up an apple and dipping it into Ambrosia. Mixing it with low fat plain yogurt is another option, as well as with oil and vinegar as a dressing on salad. Another low fat option is adding it to a fruit smoothy.

Q: Should I eat Ambrosia before going to bed?

A: I can't. Bee pollen is known for increasing energy and stamina. I've eaten it before going to bed and have had to get up and reorganize my closets in the middle of the night. First thing in the morning is great for me.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate Ambrosia?

A: No. Bacteria will not grow in honey. There are several factors in honey, including low pH, hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids, phenolics and terpenes that make honey antimicrobial or prevent microbial growth. So the bee pollen will stay fresh even when not refrigerated. Ambrosia does tastes great right out of the refrigerator - it has a different consistency.

Q: Is your organic Hawaiian honey certified organic?

A: Yes. Our honey is certified organic by the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association. A copy of the certificate will be faxed or e-mailed to you upon request.

Q: How many servings per day of bee pollen are recommended?

A: There are no official guidelines that I know of. I do know that too much straight bee pollen (in granule form) should be limited to about 1 tbsp. per day (built up gradually starting with 1 tsp). Any more than that and it can cause diarrehea due to its enzyme content. I've never experienced that problem with eating Ambrosia though. I eat Ambrosia several times a day.

Q: Are there any benefits to the hair and nails from eating bee pollen?

A: Hair, nails and skin are made up of mostly keratin which is an insoluble form of protein. According to scientific analysis of bee pollen, it ranks above beef in protein content. There are many other factors that can contribute to weak nails and dry and brittle hair - mostly nutritional. Short answer: It can't hurt and may help.

Q: Does Ambrosia have antioxidant properties?

A: Yes. When combined, honey and bee pollen contain Vitamins A, C and E, betacarotene, flavanoids and lycopene, all of which are proven antioxidants.

Q: Does bee pollen increase energy and stamina?

A: The British Sports Council recorded "increases in strength of as high as 40 to 50% in those atheletes taking bee pollen." According to Antii Lananaki, coach of the Finnish track team that swept the Olympics in 1972 "most of our atheletes take pollen food supplements. Our studies show it significantly improves their performance. There have been no negative results since we have been supplying pollen to our atheletes." German naturalist Francis Huber was a great proponent of bee pollen. He called bee pollen "the greatest body builder on earth."

Q: What are the nutritional benefits of eating Ambrosia?

A: When combined, honey and bee pollen contain all know nutrients, antioxidants and thousands of enzymes. It is high in protein and one of the few vegetarian sources of Vitamin B-12.

Q: Will bee pollen interfere with any vitamins or medications I am taking?

A: Not to my knowledge. I have seen no research to indicate that it would.