Description Bee pollen is often called the "complete food" and has a fine flavour many people enjoy. It is derived from the collection of heavier, stickier, pollen by worker honeybees in special "baskets" on their legs as they travel from trees, plants, and flower to flower, collecting nectar. The pollen is gathered from the male reproductive part of flowers, herbs, plants, and trees and is a very concentrated source of nutrients. And while gathering nectar, the bees also serve to pollinate the various plants they come into contact with. These mutually beneficial actions result in one of the most elegant, symbiotic relationships known to non-human nature.
The energy potential of the blended pollen grains is quite impressive and is considered one of the richest natural foods, in relation to its small volume. One gram of pollen is able to energize and develop fruit in approximately 100,000 flowers. Back at the hive, bee pollen is transformed into Royal Jelly which allows the queen bee to lay over 1,000 eggs daily and helps the eggs develop into full grown bees in only three weeks.
Bee pollen contains vitamins A & carotenoids, B-Complex and C, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and sodium. It contains 25 trace elements in total, compromising 3.8% of its weight. Bee pollen also contains active enzymes and coenzymes, beta-sitosterol, bioflavonoids, lycopene, phytosterols, quercetin, rutin, simple sugars, and up to 40% protein with complete amino acids.
Pollen also naturally occurs in honey and pollen-rich honey has been valued by Greek and Egyptian cultures for thousands of years. In Greece it is called "Ambrosia", or "Food of the Gods". Ancient Egyptians gave honey and pollen to their kings after death as food for eternal life. Thousands of years later, these foods have been found in tombs in perfect condition.
