Have you ever heard of royal jelly and the benefits it offers? If not, take a moment to learn about it in this blog. In simple terms, royal jelly is a milky substance secreted by nursing bees, serving as nourishment for the queen bee and her offspring. Did you know that royal jelly ranks among the most nutrient-rich substances on Earth, boasting numerous health benefits? For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for addressing a wide array of health conditions. Recently, scientists have delved deeper into its potential health benefits. If you’re interested in exploring the advantages of this nutrient-rich substance, this blog is for you. Today, we will explore nine well-established royal jelly benefits. Let’s dive in!
How Is Royal Jelly Made?
Before exploring the royal jelly benefits, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of its production process. Royal jelly is exclusively crafted by specialized beekeepers.
There are two primary methods for procuring royal jelly:
Firstly, the Queen Bee Absence Method involves initially removing the queen bee from the hive. This action prompts the worker bees to begin the process of creating queen cells for a new queen. Subsequently, beekeepers place bee larvae in these cells and harvest royal jelly from them every three days, resulting in a rapid harvest.
On the other hand, the Queen Bee Presence Method entails the collection of royal jelly over the course of the beekeeping season. A specialized frame containing queen cell cups is inserted into the hive. Worker bees lay eggs in these cups, and after hatching, they are nourished with royal jelly. Royal jelly is collected from the queen cells after five to six days. However, this method requires more time and effort.
On the third day after setting up the frame series in the colony, royal jelly is collected. It’s crucial to avoid contact or storage of royal jelly near metal objects, as this can lead to spoilage. Beekeepers employ a special machine for efficient jelly extraction. Maintaining cleanliness during royal jelly handling is paramount, as any contamination with germs or foreign particles shortens its shelf life.
To preserve its freshness, store fresh royal jelly in a fridge at a temperature ranging from 3 to 5 °C, ensuring it is not excessively cold. Under these conditions, royal jelly can remain good for approximately six months. If an extended shelf life of up to two years is desired, freezing it at temperatures between -15 to -20 °C is recommended.
Royal jelly can be acquired in three forms: as it is (frozen or chilled), mixed with honey, or in a dried state. While some companies incorporate it into cosmetics and various products, the majority of consumers prefer consuming it as is or blending it with their food.
1. Royal Jelly Is Rich in Nutrients
Although royal jelly is an expensive product, people continue to purchase it due to its high nutrient content. Royal jelly comprises the following nutrients:
- Water (50-60%)
- Protein (18%)
- Carbohydrates (15%)
- Lipids (3-6%)
- Mineral salts (1.5%)
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K
- Minerals, including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, and zinc
Furthermore, royal jelly contains unique compounds known as royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) and trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA). These compounds are believed to underlie many of the potential health benefits associated with royal jelly.
2. Provides Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Inflammation is a natural process that aids the body in healing from injuries or infections. However, prolonged or chronic inflammation can play a role in several illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Royal jelly comprises several compounds known for their anti-inflammatory attributes. For instance, MRJPs and 10-HDA have demonstrated the ability to diminish inflammation in animal research studies.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that safeguard cells from harm inflicted by free radicals, which are unstable molecules capable of damaging cells and promoting both aging and disease.
Royal jelly serves as a rich source of antioxidants, encompassing vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidants play a pivotal role in shielding cells from free radical damage.
Reduced Heart Disease Risks
Research on both humans and animals suggests that royal jelly may positively influence cholesterol levels and potentially decrease the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, royal jelly may support heart and circulatory health by reducing blood pressure. In laboratory tests, certain proteins found in royal jelly have shown their capacity to relax blood vessel muscles, thereby aiding in blood pressure reduction.
In addition, royal jelly may reduce the risk of heart disease by:
- Enhancing blood vessel function.
- Decreasing inflammation.
- Preventing thrombosis.
3. Royal Jelly Can Help in Wound Healing and Skin Repairing
This is one of the significant royal jelly benefits. Royal jelly offers numerous advantages that aid in skin rejuvenation and wound healing. It safeguards wounds by eliminating viruses and bacteria that could lead to infections.
Moreover, royal jelly possesses anti-inflammatory properties that expedite the healing process through inflammation reduction. It also contains antioxidants that protect cells from harm and bolster the healing process.
In addition, royal jelly promotes cell growth and mobility, both critical components in wound healing.
Furthermore, royal jelly is abundant in essential minerals like protein, zinc, and vitamin C, all of which play a crucial role in the wound healing process.
4. Improved Immune System
Royal jelly can enhance the immune system through multiple mechanisms.
First, it stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are essential for combating infections.
Second, it amplifies the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in targeting infected and tumor cells.
Third, royal jelly also augments antibody production, aiding in the neutralization of invaders like bacteria and viruses. Lastly, it reduces inflammation, thus preventing the weakening of the immune system.
Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of royal jelly benefits in protecting against infections. Additionally, it is considered beneficial for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
5. Reduce Symptoms of Menopause
Royal jelly boasts a rich history in traditional medicine, spanning centuries, and finds use in addressing diverse health conditions, including menopausal symptoms.
It is believed that royal jelly can alleviate discomfort during menopause through the following mechanisms:
Balancing Hormone Levels: By effectively regulating estrogen and other hormones, it can reduce occurrences of hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
Enhancing Blood Circulation: This improvement in circulation subsequently leads to a reduction in hot flashes and other associated menopausal symptoms.
6. Improved Cognitive Function and Memory
One of the most recognized benefits of royal jelly is its ability to enhance memory and cognitive function. It achieves this through several mechanisms:
First, royal jelly contains antioxidants that protect the brain from harmful free radicals, which can damage brain tissue and impair cognitive function.
Second, the anti-inflammatory properties of royal jelly can help reduce brain inflammation, potentially alleviating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and improving cognitive function.
Furthermore, royal jelly may stimulate the growth of new brain cells, facilitating the formation of new neural connections and the retention of fresh information, which is vital for cognitive function and memory.
Lastly, royal jelly can enhance blood flow to the brain, ensuring the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen necessary for optimal cognitive function.
7. Improved Energy and Vitality
Royal jelly is a popular remedy for enhancing energy levels and combating fatigue due to its rich nutrient composition and potential health advantages. Let’s delve into how it bolsters stamina and vitality:
Royal jelly benefits are apparent in its abundant essential elements such as B vitamins (particularly B5 and B6), iron, zinc, amino acids, and carbohydrates. These nutrients play pivotal roles in numerous metabolic processes within the body, thereby facilitating the generation of energy.
Furthermore, royal jelly is recognized as an adaptogen, enabling the body to adapt to stressors and mitigate both mental and physical fatigue.
Moreover, royal jelly fortifies the immune system, which, in turn, diminishes the enervating consequences of illnesses and infections.
In situations where persistent fatigue is a concern, the adaptogenic properties of royal jelly come to the rescue, potentially alleviating the associated weariness.
It is important to note that individual responses to royal jelly may vary, with some individuals experiencing heightened energy and vitality, while others may not perceive the same benefits.
There are numerous royal jelly benefits, positioning it as a promising natural product. Nonetheless, additional research is essential to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness in addressing specific health conditions. If you are considering the use of royal jelly, it is crucial to consult your doctor, especially if you have allergies or are currently taking medications.
