Bee pollen as a hive product and potentials of its use in human diet

Pollen is the source of protein to honey bees and it affects growth, longevity, and ability to rear brood as well as the development of ovaries and hypo-pharyngeal glands. It is also considered as a biological stimulator and increases fitness to work in man. It can be harvested from bees by forcing the returning foragers to walk through some type of barrier to dislodge the pollen pellets for which pollen traps have been designed. Bee pollen is rich in proteins, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin complexes, lipids, trace elements, phenols and even polyphenols which are responsible for its antioxidant property, various enzymes, carotenoids, natural chelated minerals and as such pollen has great potentials for use in human diet. Available information on benefits of pollen in human diet has been reviewed but it still needs further scientific investigation. Information on negative effects of pollen consumption is also given.