Various foods have been hailed as "perfect."  One that deserves this distinction but is rarely mentioned is bee pollen.  Studies from all over the world indicate that this dust gathered by bees from the stamen of flowers is worth its weight in gold.

Bee pollen contains 22 amino acids (and higher amounts of the eight essential ones than most high-protein foods), 27 mineral salts, the full range of vitamins, hormones, carbohydrates, and more than 5000 enzymes and coenzymes necessary for digestion and healing.  Bee pollen is composed of 10 to 15% protein.  It contains B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, carotene, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, plant sterols, and simple sugars.  Like other bee products, bee pollen has an antimicrobial effect.  In addition, it is useful for combating fatigue, depression, cancer, and colon disorders.  It is also helpful for people with allergies, since it strengthens the immune system.  An estimated .05% of the population may be allergic to bee pollen itself.

Pollen is the male element of the flowers and is necessary for the fertilization of the plant and continuation of the species.  The honeybee is directly responsible for over 80% of all vital pollinization.  The honey bee fills her pollen baskets, one on each rear leg, with these golden grains on every trip back and forth from the hive.  Pollen is a microscopically-fine dust and is mixed with honey by the bee for transport.  The bee passes thru a series of screens in the pollen trap as she enters the hive, resulting in approximately 60% of the pollen granules being brushed into the pollen-drawer for harvest by the beekeeper.  The overall taste of most pollens is slightly bitter.

A little-known fact is that bee pollen is also rich in the bioflavonoid rutin, important for capillary strength, and in vitamin B12.  It is, in fact, one of the few vegetable sources of this vitamin.

Bee pollen reportedly can keep the skin youthful looking.  Lars Erik Essen, M.D., a dermetologist in Halsingborg, Sweden, said that pollen exerts a powerful bilogical influence in preventing premature aging of cells and in stimulating growth of new skin tissue.  Dr. Essen said that bee pollen can help deliver more blood to the skin cells, guard against dehydration and smoothe away shallow wrinkles.

An all-around nutritional supplement, bee pollen is ideal for daily use.

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