Royal jelly: The multivitamin of nature!

Royal jelly! Queen’s bee food that makes it stand out from the rest of the hive, both in size and longevity! But in addition to bees, it also benefits humans in many notable cases. Royal jelly became famous in 1954, when Pope Pius XII consumed it shortly before his death from old age and suddenly recovered! Since then, many have tried this valuable substance and a wealth of testimonials point to its miraculous properties.

However, there are reports from antiquity, with the ancient Egyptians believing that royal jelly keeps Pharaoh’s body young and beautiful even after death, Cleopatra using it in her cosmetics, while the ancient Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac !

Royal jelly: what is it?

 We have all heard of royal jelly, but what exactly is it? It is a creamy whitish substance produced by worker bees. It is intended only for the queen and the larvae that will become queens, which feed exclusively on it. Thus, they are healthier, more fertile and live 40-50 times longer!

 Its color is a sign of its freshness. Fresh royal jelly has a color that varies between white and light yellow. The fresher it is, the lighter and brighter the color. On the contrary, the color black indicates its exposure to oxygen for a long time, either during collection or during filtration. Its texture is gelatinous and thick, but over time it becomes solid. Its taste is sour, which is due to the low pH, while its aroma is light.

Nutritional value

Its composition, although it may vary depending on the region and the climate, is basically as follows (1):

• Water: 60-70%
• Carbohydrates: 11-23%
• Proteins: 9-18%
• Fat: 3-8%
• Vitamins, minerals, trace elements: 1.5-3%

In fact, it contains 17 different amino acids, including 8 essential ones that the human body does not produce on its own, but must receive from food. (2)

Its unique properties are due to its rich content of vitamins, mainly of the B complex, while the antioxidant vitamins C, E, A, as well as the valuable vitamin D are also found in it.

Minerals and trace elements are not missing, with calcium and potassium being extracted, followed by magnesium, zinc, iron and copper. (1)

10 Important properties of royal jelly

1. Stimulation and strengthening of the immune system

Royal jelly gives energy, improves mood and strengthens the immune system. Many use it for better physical and mental performance. It is ideal for those who suffer from chronic exhaustion, negative mood and dizziness, while it has beneficial effects on people with anorexia nervosa.

Royal jelly promotes the formation of T-lymphocytes, responsible for the immune response to viruses, but also extremely important in inflammatory conditions (1). The effect on the immune system seems to be due to its basic protein Apalbumin1. (3)

 2. Strengthening the children’s body

Royal jelly is ideal for children in many cases. There are studies in premature infants, but also in children with a sensitive body from infections, anemia, pneumonia, etc., where taking it improved appetite, resulting in increased weight. In children with anemia, red blood cells increased, while in all of them there was a strengthening of the body’s defenses and an increase in endurance (1). It is no coincidence that many kids syrups, both for increasing appetite and strengthening the immune system, contain royal jelly as their main ingredient!

However, talk to your pediatrician first to get approval, but also to determine the dose. As beekeeping products cause allergies in some people, experts often avoid them at a young, sensitive age.

3. Strong Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties

Royal jelly, both orally and topically, seems to help wounds and ulcers heal faster and improve various skin problems, such as eczema, redness, diabetic foot, etc. That is why it is often used as an ingredient in cosmetics and care products.

In a 2010 study, it was found that it significantly accelerated the migration of fibroblasts within 24 hours, thus enhancing connective tissue healing by increasing collagen production. It also appears to alter the levels of various lipids involved in the wound healing process. (4)

However, it is recommended that you consult a specialist before using it ιn case of swelling, dermatitis or severe skin irritation.

4. Improves mood and memory

In other words it is an important aid to brain function! Taking it helps to reduce stress hormones and strengthen the central nervous system. In fact, research shows that it improves mood and memory postmenopause. All this is associated with the strong antioxidant properties of royal jelly. (5)

5. Lowering blood pressure

Many authors report that royal jelly has anti-hypertensive properties. Studies have shown that certain peptides in royal jelly relax smooth muscle cells in the arteries and veins, thereby lowering blood pressure. (1,5)

6. Help for the elderly

It seems to be a valuable aid to the elderly, as it improves their general physical condition and reduces weakness (1), increases appetite, but also euphoria, something that helps the aging body.

7. Improves symptoms in menopause and PMS

Royal jelly seems to help better treat menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, low mood and back pain (5). Especially the combination with evening primrose, ginseng and damiana, seems to reduce mood swings and fatigue (2).

In addition, in a study on its effect on PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), taking it in capsule form for 2 menstrual cycles seemed to reduce the severe symptoms during those 2 months. (6)

8. Male Fertility

Although most of the available scientific data is related to research in male mice, the effect of royal jelly on fertility and libido seems to be impressive. Significant improvement was observed in testosterone levels and parameters for sperm (quantity, motility, viability, DNA integrity). (7).

9. Anti-aging

Many studies have shown that royal jelly increases life expectancy and promotes longevity in older animals. In addition, it has a protective effect on human skin against photoaging caused by ultraviolet B radiation, as it promotes collagen production. (8)

10. Sugar regulation

Royal jelly can help better manage blood sugar. In a 6-month study in healthy adults taking royal jelly supplement, a 20% reduction in fasting sugar with better glucose tolerance was observed (9). By taking it, there is an improvement in glycaemic status, lipid profile, but also oxidative stress. (10)

How much royal jelly should we eat?

A recommended daily dose has not yet been set, as it depends on many factors such as age, state of health, whether one is an athlete or not, etc.

In supplement form the content ranges from 150-2000mg. In its natural form, depending on the individual, the dosage ranges from ¼ to 2 teaspoons of fresh royal jelly per day. The special teaspoon usually accompanies the jar, while you will also find instructions inside the package. Usually, the dosage varies as follows:

• Adults: 0.5-1 teaspoon of royal jelly per day.
• Athletes: 1-2 teaspoons of royal jelly per day
• Children*: Start with traces to observe any allergic reactions. Then, after approval by a pediatrician, continue with half the dosage compared to adults, ie ¼ -½ teaspoon of royal jelly (special teaspoon).

How is royal jelly consumed?

Both adults, but especially children, should start with very small doses of fresh royal jelly, as they may be allergic but unaware! Place the royal jelly sublingually so that it is absorbed immediately.

It is good to be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. To many, its taste seems quite sour, so they can mix it with a little honey. Avoid the metal spoon, as it deteriorates. Instead, use the special plastic spoon that comes with it.

How can we maintain it?

The royal jelly in its natural form must be kept in the refrigerator, as it is damaged by air, heating and light. It is important to consume it directly and not let it heat up or “get room temperature”, as its valuable properties are destroyed.

Does it have side effects?

It should be avoided by people with asthma or a history of allergies in bees or bee paroducts. In addition, consult your doctor if you have low blood pressure, and do not combine it with medications, herbs or other supplements that lower blood pressure. (11)

In case of skin irritation or swelling, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding, consult your doctor.

*Especially in children, most research concerns ages after 5 years. Therefore, at a younger age, consult your pediatrician first.

In any case, whether in an adult or a child, start with a very small amount, as, although safe for most, serious reactions are likely to occur, such as (11):

• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Contact dermatitis

If you have dermatitis, taking it or using it topically can make it worse. Do not consume it while using warfarin, as it may increase its action! (11)

Royal jelly is therefore a unique food that is difficult to find similar in nature, able to strengthen even the most weakened organism at any age. It is a substance that once again proves the wisdom of nature!

At Vita4you.gr you will find a great variety of royal jelly, both in its natural pure form and in the practical form of supplement!

References

1. Royal Jelly, Bee Broad: Composition, Nutrition, Health
2. Royal Jelly Health Benefits
3. The immunostimulatory effect of the recombinant apalbumin 1-major honeybee royal jelly protein-on TNFalpha release
4. Royal jelly enhances migration of human dermal fibroblasts and alters the levels of cholesterol and sphinganine in an in vitro wound healing model
5. 12 Potential Health Benefits of Royal Jelly
6. What are the benefits of royal jelly?
7. Protective effect of royal jelly on the sperm parameters and testosterone level and lipid peroxidation in adult mice treated with oxymetholone
8. Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits
9. Effect of royal jelly ingestion for six months on healthy volunteers
10. Royal Jelly: Is It Good For You?
11. Royal Jelly: Special Precautions and Warnings