Who isn’t interested in staying energetic, sexy and powerful? The attention we have on maintaining our 'youthful energy' and strength is nothing new. The search for and use of special supplements as aids in this quest is definitely not unique to our current culture, and various tonics and superfoods have stood the test of time.

One of them is bee pollen. Historically, bee pollen has been used in cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, bee pollen was placed with the pharaohs in their tombs to nourish them in the afterlife. The Chinese have used bee pollen medicinally for thousands of years. Records of its use show up in ancient Greece as much as 2500 years ago Hippocrates, often regarded as the 'father of modern medicine', prescribed bee pollen for healing. It shows up in Indian folklore as well both North and South America.

Fast forward to present time and you’ll find bee pollen used by almost every Olympic athlete in the world according to the American Apitherapy Society (apitherapy is the medicinal use of honeybee products). Athletes use it to increase endurance, speed, energy and mental stamina, and some folks believe it increases libido and improves sexual performance.

What’s in bee pollen that makes it such a superfood?

Bee pollen is rich in vitamins -- especially B vitamins. It also contains beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, selenium, and flavonoids. Then there are the trace minerals, and a rich mix of amino acids and enzymes. The basic composition of bee pollen is 55% carbohydrate (the energy-giving nutrient), 35% protein, 2% fatty acids and 3% vitamins and minerals.

Most bee pollen supplements also contain related bee pollen components propolis, royal jelly, and globulinic acid. Each has its own healing and rejuvenating effects:

• Propolis is the resinous material found on the inside of the bee hive, formed by plant material. Interestingly, the inside of a beehive is one of the most sterile environments in all of the animal kingdom. Propolis has strong antibiotic properties and acts as immune support.

• Royal jelly is the milky glandular secretion made by the worker bees for the sole purpose of feeding the queen bee. It contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, and an important immune stimulation and infection fighting factor. Royal jelly also has many different B vitamins, including pantothenic acid (B5), and potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. It stimulates the adrenal glands and metabolism, which helps you to recover from fatigue by replenishing your energy.

• Globulinic acid, found in royal jelly, increases resistance to bacteria and viruses. It contains an amino acid that is a basic ingredient in collagen. Collagen is important for connective tissue and for youthful, healthy-looking skin. Yes, bee pollen is even good for your skin!

With all of this to offer, it’s no wonder that bee pollen has come down through the ages as an overall aid to physical health. Women’s health can be benefited in particular through increased energy, immune support, anti-aging properties, and sexual rejuvenation.