Bee pollen is collected on the legs of honey bees as they pollinate flowers. They then combine this with their own secretions that they use as a major food source. The bee pollen granules are extremely high in protein, vitamins and minerals. In fact, bee pollen is so rich in nutrients that it has been found to be a great dietary supplement that has been shown to boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and in some cases fight allergies. Bee Pollen Nutrition 15-25% Amino Acids, Up to 40% Carbohydrates, 5% Fatty Oils, Up to 35% protein Contains Vitamins like: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 B12, C, D, E, Folic Acid & Ruitn Contains Minerals like: Calcium, Copper, Iron, Phosphorous, Potassium 28 Micronutrients 14 beneficial fatty acids 18 protein/amino acids Nutritional Studies The content of nutritional elements in bee pollen varies according to the type of pollen and the soil in which the plant is grown. The chemical composition of pollen has been studied in depth. The website www.sci.fi/~apither/bibbase/polcomp.html contains over 70 studies. Pollens generally contain approximately: Vitamins and Minerals (1-7%), amino acids (15-25%), fats and oils (5%), protein (up to 35%), water (2%-18%), and carbohydrates (up to 40%). Bee Pollen contains at least 16 vitamins (including A, B1,2,3,5,6 & 12,C,D,E Folic Acid and Ruitn), 28 minerals (including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, maganese and selenium), 18 enzymes/coenzymes (such as amylase, diastase, saccharase, pectase, phosphatase, catalase, disphorase, cozymase, cyochrome systems, lactic dehydrogenase, and pepsin), 18 protein/amino acids (including arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine,phenylaline and glutamic acid), 11 carbohydrates, 14 beneficial fatty acids (Caproic, Caprylic, Capric, Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Uncowa, Stearic, Oleic, Linoleic), and 28 other micronutrients ( including flavonoids, nucleic acids and human growth hormone factor). Justin O. Schmidt completed an extensive study at the USDA-Agricultural Research Center which showed the impressive nutrition that bee pollen can contain. The study found that the pollen had more protein then beef, per serving. The pollen also had more potassium, calcium, iron Vitamin A, niacin, thaimin, and riboflavin then beef, chicken, beans, cabbage, bread or apples. Mr. Schmidt states "(t)he overall conclusion is that pollen is a food source par excellence that is probably not exceeded by any other food." He concluded bee pollen is "an excellent food supplement which can enhance the health and well-being of individuals, especially those who otherwise might have an unbalanced diet." References: "The Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Pollens Collected by Bees" by Ea~ Vivino and L.S.Palmer of University of Minnesota (Division of Agricultural Biochemistry.); Bee Pollen, Nature's Miracle Health Food. Bee Products, Plenum Press: New York. 1996,Justin O. Schmidt,Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, www.gears.tucson. ars.ag.gov/home/schmidt/jsbprod2.htm; Linda Lyngheim and Jack Scagnetti, Bee Pollen- Nature's Miracle Health Food; Dr. Hero Gali, Curese con Miel de Abeja, Jalea Real y Polen (Cure Yourself with Bee Honey, Royal Jelly and Pollen), (Gomez Gomez, Hnos. Editores, S. de R.L.); Dr. Walter F. Morales, (Argentina PROAPI Medical Assesor, in Spanish) Scientific Evidence of the Propolis from the Punto de Vista Dr., www.inta.gov.ar/apinet/congreso/c03.pdf. Therapeutic Studies In 1992, Dr. R. Chandra from the John Hopkins University tested the supplementation of moderate amounts of Bee Pollen for the elderly and noted an increase in their immunity and a decrease in the risk of infections. He also demonstrated a direct link between the level of Iron, Zinc, B6 and Beta Carotene with a strong immune system (components commonly found in bee pollen). Dr. Waler F. Morales reports that pollen contains fitoesterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids that stimulate the metabolism of cholesterol which reduces the level of LDL cholesterol and benefits those who do not have a balanced diet. The USDA Agricultural Research Center study by Justin O. Schmidt noted that bee pollen has "many beneficial applications for human use. Bee pollen has been successfully used for treatment of some cases of benign prostatitis and for oral desensitization of children who have pollen allergy." It is no secret that balanced nutrition can be a significant force to protect humans from various diseases. The American Dietetic Association reiterates this fact in their publication Journal American Diet Assoc. 1998, titled, "The role of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention programs -- Position of ADA", J.F. Guthrie, B.M. Derby, and A.S. Levy ( Consumer Sudies Branch, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,FDA) study "What People Know and Do Not Know About Nutrition" makes it abundantly clear there is a connection between diet and the prevention of disease". Considering various bee pollens that are properly harvested, processed and stored contain many nutiritive components, bee pollen could be a viable dietary supplement that fills the gaps of an individual's diet. This possibly could enable one to have a balance in their diet and be more resistant to disease. References: C. Leigh Broadhurst Phd., Health and Healing with Bee Products; Linda Lyngheim & Jack Scagnetti, Bee Pollen, Nature's Miracle Health Food; BeeProducts, Plenum Press: New York. 1996,Justin O. Schmidt,Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS (see above for website); www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib750/aib750m.pdf ; Dr. Walter F. orales,(Argentina PROAPI Medical Assesor, in Spanish) Scientific Evidence of the Propolis from the Punto de Vista Dr. Quality Measured Dried at low temperature (90 to 95 F). Moisture content less then 8% Storing & Care Dried pollen can be kept at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Undried pollen needs to be kept refrigerated or frozen. This information is not approved by the FDA nor is it intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional. Bee products can cause allergic reactions.