Royal jelly sounds regal and that's because it is. Young worker honey bees secrete this milky, rich nutritious substance from their hypopharyngeal glands. These tiny glands are located on either side of the bees head. Worker bees feed young larvae and the adult queen bee with royal jelly as it's secreted (it cannot be stored). Royal jelly is essential to the survival of the colony and the healthy development of their queen.
OK, so we know what royal jelly is. We also know where it comes from and how these pollinating insects use it. The good news is that it can benefit humans as well as bees. The video below gives you a clear overview into how Royal Jelly has been used by humans across the ages.
My Notes:
The nutritional value of royal jelly (RJ):
- Blood Pressure (hypertension): Research shows how some proteins found in RJ can have a direct effect on blood pressure levels. This is according to a 2009 study published in the Japanese journal Acta Medica Okayama.
- Cholesterol Levels: Adding royal jelly to the diet can see a notable drop in bad LDL cholesterol.
- Male Infertility: RJ is said to enhance the fertility of men and increase sperm motility.
- Breast Cancer Prevention: RJ has an ability to inhibit bisphenol A (BPA). This BPA is an environmental estrogen linked to increased levels of breast cancer.
- Osteoporosis: RJ may prevent osteoporosis. This is because it enhances intestinal calcium absorption.
- Premature Aging: RJ contains antioxidant compounds. These help to eliminate the free radicals responsible for cell damage and subsequent aging.
- Liver Protection: Scientists at the University of Erciyes in Turkey did some interesting research on this. They discovered that RJ acts as a liver protective agent, thus guarding it from harmful liver toxins.
- Metabolic Activity: Royal jelly contains all eight of the necessary amino acids that humans cannot produce themselves. These are what keep our metabolism functioning properly.
- Chronic Inflammation: This modern day curse cannot be taken lightly. RJ suppresses pro-inflammatory compounds and therefore has anti-inflammatory actions.
- Blood Sugar and Diabetes: Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine reports that RJ has the ability to help maintain blood sugar levels. RJ may well prove to be a natural alternative for not only preventing, but also reversing Type-2 diabetes.
Summary
Most scientists and nutritionist don't doubt the nutritional power of royal jelly. There are, and continue to be, studies into its health benefits. Some findings are conclusive, others need more research, but the benefits overall seem phenomenal.
A Word of Caution
Some people have quite severe allergic reactions to bee pollen, honey and royal jelly. Before you decide to add RJ to your diet, you might want to discuss it with your doctor or allergist.