The life-changing health benefits of Royal Jelly
The benefits of Royal Jelly for supporting wellness are many. Royal Jelly is largely marketed as a supplement which falls under the category of ‘Apitherapy’ – the practice of using alternative medicine utilising bee products.
It is comprised of
- Water (60-70%)
- Sugars (10-16%),
- MRJPS: Major Royal Jelly Proteins (12-15%)
- Fats (3-6%)
- Lipids
- Salts
- Essential amino acids
- B vitamins
- 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA)
- Royalisin
- Royalactin
The Major Royal Jelly Proteins, 10-HDA, Royalisin and Royalactin are ingredients only found in Royal Jelly and tests have shown that they have significant antibacterial and antifungal properties as well. Royal Jelly also contains 8 of the 9 essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce and must ingest daily to support healthy, optimal functioning. This ‘supreme superfood’ is widely regarded as a ‘health tonic’ because of the multivitamins and considerable nutrition it provides. (1)
So: how can Royal Jelly potentially support your health?
Royal Jelly and Stamina
Royal Jelly may boost endurance, fight fatigue and stress. A Japanese study conducted in 2001 also reinforced these claims when they found that the endurance of mice increased after they were fed pure Royal Jelly. (2)
Royal Jelly and Cholesterol
Several studies have suggested that Royal Jelly is, in fact, cardio protective which lowers blood pressure and reduces the kind of cholesterol that can harm your body. A study conducted in 1995 found that regular daily consumption of 1 gram of Royal Jelly (dry weight) reduced cholesterol by 14%. This doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you like however……Following a proper diet is still essential for optimal health. (2)
Royal Jelly and immunity
A USDA researcher, Leigh Broadhurst, Ph.D. contested that Royal Jelly immunises the honey bee colony in a similar way to how mother’s milk boosts immunity in newborns. It has also shown to have antimicrobial properties, which makes it very effective against bacteria and yeast. A study conducted in Egypt in 1995 found that Royal Jelly may fight against and kill various kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. (2)
Royal Jelly and fertility
Some years ago, children’s book author, Roald Dahl, authored a story called ‘Royal Jelly’ highlighting how a beekeeper boosted his fertility, as well as the health of his baby, by secretly feeding him and the family Royal Jelly. Although there have been no human studies to back this claim, many believe that Royal Jelly does affect fertility with studies showing that daily consumption of Royal Jelly may balance hormones as well as boost overall wellness and nutrition. (2)
Royal Jelly and skin care
Royal Jelly has long been used cosmetically because it contains the protein ‘collagen’ which is required for youthful looking skin. Lack of collagen leads to the formation of wrinkles so Royal Jelly is used in cosmetics worldwide to support skin elasticity and rejuvenation. Even shampoo companies incorporate Royal Jelly into their shampoos and conditioners because, protein is great for repairing damaged hair too! (3)
There are many testimonials and personal experiences online about how Royal Jelly may also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping reduce the symptoms of menopause, supporting the healing of bone fractures, reducing inflammation associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In some cultures, it is also speculated that Royal Jelly also helps in the prevention of cancer and curing liver diseases and skin disorders. (3)
