There is historical evidence of the use of bee pollen by humans from as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Modern medical sources claim that the fruits of the hive (pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and honey) can contribute to better health in a variety of ways.

Studies on Russian beekeepers, who were living to be around 125 years old, concluded that their diet of almost nothing but bee products was most likely the cause of their longevity.

Here is a brief overview of bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis
-- all available from Pollen Power.

BEE POLLEN:
This substance contains a wide spectrum of vitamins, hormones, carbohydrates, 22 amino acids, 27 mineral salts, thousands of enzymes and coenzymes, and more. It is also one of the few vegetable sources rich in vitamin B12. Bee pollen is the dust gathered by bees from the stamens of flowers, and it is collected from the hive as small pellets which can be ingested by people. It's good for your skin, increasing blood supply to stimulate cell growth, preventing dehydration and smoothing wrinkles. Bee pollen also contains the bioflavonoid rutin, which increases capillary strength. It's been linked to increased energy levels, and some boxers and other endurance-dependent athletes swear by it. The sugars in bee pollen are predigested, and they convert easily to glycogen in the bloodstream, providing the necessary sugar to feed the muscles quickly. For men, 50-percent of those with impotence have shown improvement in tests with bee pollen, and women may use it to alleviate menstrual pain and restore regularity. For those with hayfever, bee pollen helps build immunity to windborne allergens and can even help control asthma. In the digestive system, bee pollen has a soothing effect and improves peristalsis and relieves constipation. The endocrine system will also benefit from bee pollen intake, as it stimulates sluggish glands, a problem which is linked to premature aging and decreased immune response.

ROYAL JELLY:
This is the famed substance produced by worker bees that when fed to a female in the larval stage will transform her into a queen. The queen lives up to five years while other bees are only around for a few weeks. Royal jelly is known as a rejuvenator and it contains B5 and other B vitamins, plus amino acids, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and manganese. This substance is also a powerful energy supplement for humans and its stimulating effect has been compared to caffeine, without the negative side effects.

BEE PROPOLIS:
You've probably seen the resinous sap that forms on a broken tree branch. Bees collect this and use it to seal and protect their hive. It acts as protection from bacteria and viruses for the bees, and it is collected for humans for use as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiotic. Unlike penicillin, propolis is all-natural, and will not produce bad reactions. Propolis also contains bioflavonoids, which mend and strengthen the blood vessels and capillaries.