Between your runny nose, scratchy throat and red, itchy eyes, it may seem hard to appreciate the perks of pollen. (Man's battle with pollen is only exacerbated by the "yellow curse" — Atlanta's annual coating in pine pollen, typically in early April.)

But this magical spring dust isn't out just to wreak sinus havoc; rather, it's a plant's way of reproducing and plays a crucial role in the way we live.

For a healthy dose of pollen praise, we checked in with a few local experts, such as beekeeper P.N. Williams and Amanda Campbell, manager of display gardens for the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

1. It's what keeps food on the table. Williams explained that without bees (or wind) transporting pollen from one flowering plant to the next, we wouldn't have many vegetables, seeds or nuts. The Ecological Society of America states that pollinators (such as honeybees) help produce more than 150 U.S. food crops, such as melons and squash.

2. Food for bees. While bees prefer the pollen from flowers, they'll dip into pine pollen for protein if necessary, Williams said. Without this food source, bees can't carry out their pollination duties.

3. Stronger plants. Campbell explained that cross-pollination of plants leads to genetic diversity and stronger plants.

4. Shade and shelter. Without pollen, trees can't reproduce. Without trees, we're without lumber for shelter and furniture, as well as shade and countless tree benefits.

5. "CSI: Nature." Plant scientists use pollen to identify living plants and those in the fossil record, Campbell said.