While nursing their young larvae, worker bees secrete a thick and sticky fluid from glands that are located in their heads. This fluid is called royal jelly. When a queen bee is developed by the worker bees, royal jelly is fed to her continuously to differentiate herself into a queen bee. She will then grow twice the size of the worker bees and live twice as long as them. Royal jelly is also sometimes called queen bee jelly, gelee royal and apilak. It has become a popular dietary supplement for people.

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The Complex Structure of Royal Jelly

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Royal jelly is loaded with minerals, vitamins, protein and pheromones. Pheromones are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in all animals and insects, and including humans. A pheromone is secreted by organisms that elicit particular responses from the opposite sex within the exact same species. It also contains amino acids, fats and lipids to aid metabolism, as well as monounsaturated fatty acids to help in lowering cholesterol. Royal jelly has a complex protein content and can assume various forms. These repair body tissue and boost immunity.

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Different Products Containing Royal Jelly

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Royal jelly can be taken every day in supplemental form such as in a powder form, capsules or even in a frozen form. To disguise the bitter taste of royal jelly, the powdered or frozen form can be blended into fruit smoothies. Many products are marketed with royal jelly as an added ingredient. Conditioners, shampoos and cosmetic creams add in royal jelly as their moisturizing agent. The jelly can also be obtained fresh and raw, freeze dried into a soft gel capsule, mixed into honey, and as an extract. As soon as harvesting of the jelly has taken place, it will start to lose its nutrient qualities after already 48 hours. The best way to take royal jelly and to preserve the nutritional value is when it is put into honey or in a freeze dried state.

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There are many Royal jelly benefits to consider:

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• Boosting the Immune System Positive results could be obtained when treating certain conditions such as skin irritations, allergies, ulcers, and kidney, liver and pancreatic disorders. The jelly could also fight off viral infections and benefit patients who are receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy who often experience compromised immune systems.

• Inhibiting Yeast Production The jelly can inhibit normal yeast function and help in fighting off various yeast infections such as thrush or athlete’s foot.

• Lowering Cholesterol High cholesterol levels could be a cause of heart disease. Royal jelly seems to help in dilating blood vessels, and could possibly limit the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from the diet. This will increase the excretion of the cholesterol through the intestines or suppress the production of the cholesterol by the liver. By reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, royal jelly could help in promoting the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system.

• Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms Plant hormones are found in royal jelly which could stimulate weak estrogenic actions within the body. Royal jelly benefits menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, vaginal dryness, inability to contain urine, and headaches. The jelly could also help in stimulating the activity of osteoblasts that aid in bone development. This can be particularly helpful if suffering from osteoporosis, which is common in menopausal women. However, royal jelly should not be taken if suffering from estrogen receptor breast cancer as it can interact with the estrogen metabolism within the body.​

 

• Healing Properties

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Proponents of royal jelly benefits claim that it can increase general vigor and appetite, boost longevity, retard the aging process, accelerate healing, and exhibit antiviral and antibiotic properties. Claims have also been made with regard nervous disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and sexual and reproductive functioning. It is also recommended for the treatment of depressed immune systems, asthma, skin and digestive disorders, ulcers and insomnia. Herbalists claim that the jelly is extremely effectual in erasing wrinkles and facial blemishes and nourishing a person’s skin. The jelly has also treated depression, adolescent growing pains, convalescence from illnesses, and been used to prevent premature senility.

Royal jelly is mostly used in cosmetics as a moisturizing agent. It is usually included in some beauty products promoting skin regeneration or rejuvenation. It is also found in ointments and cream that help in healing burns and wounds. However, if you have dermatitis I would suggest it is best to avoid this product as it can cause a severe skin allergic reaction.

A common use for Royal jelly in food is when it is mixed in honey. This offers a pleasant tasting product that utilizes the beneficial effects from both the honey and the jelly. Some countries in Europe mix the jelly with yoghurt, and Asian countries use the jelly in juice products, jellies and supplements.