What is Royal Jelly?
Royal Jelly is one of the most important things for bees! Bees use royal jelly as nutrients for the queen bee and their larva. It is used in the first 2-3 days of larvae being born. This substance is essentially the lifeblood of the bees and is what gives the queen bees more longevity than worker bees. Royal jelly is mostly water, then carbs, proteins, fats and vitamins/ minerals. We have observed over 180 different organic compounds in royal jelly. Like propolis, some of these compounds can be identified as flavonoids.
With all of these organic compounds in royal jelly you might wonder what is it good for? While there is research that has been done most of it has been on animal and cell cultures, and not as many on humans. However the studies on rats seem to give us more insight to how royal jelly is good for reproductive health, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, blood pressure and inflammation.
Royal jelly helps with reproductive health by helping rebalance hormones during the menstrual cycle and helps to increase estrogen (Healthline) . It can also help in males, “Royal jelly has protective effects against Oxymetholone-induced reproductive toxin (OXM), which is an active steroid derived from testosterone as a defense mechanism. Recent studies have reported that royal jelly protects against the oxidative injuries in the mouse testes and that it contains spermatogenesis-stimulating compounds, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [107]” (NIH).
Royal Jelly is also linked to some anti-aging potentially. Some potential benefits are the support of collagen production, and the ability to help women lower the Follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone which can age ovaries. It has also been noted that there is cognitive benefit in helping with aging diseases.
When rats were given royal jelly they were more able to remove chemical deposits that lead to Alzheimer's, boost brain function and memory. In another study there was a note that royal jelly also boosted mental health in humans “ Another study has also reported the improved mental health in humans upon ingestion of royal jelly for six months [112]” (NIH).
Blood pressure can potentially be lowered by royal jelly as well. In an article by Healthline they say “ Several test-tube studies indicate that specific proteins in royal jelly relax smooth muscle cells in your veins and arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure (15). A recent animal study examined a supplement combining royal jelly with other bee-derived substances and found a significant reduction in blood pressure. However, the exact role royal jelly played in this supplement is unclear (16).”
A note from Web MD when taking royal jelly with other blood pressure medications says “Royal jelly seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking royal jelly along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.” If you are on blood pressure medications please check with your doctor before consuming royal jelly frequently.
Finally the royal jelly since it is filled with phenols and flavonoids, which are great antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, people believe that it is an immune boosting compound.
While there is a lot of promise from this natural product, a lot more human research needs to be done. We do not yet know exact doses that are beneficial. If you are allergic to bee products, be cautious when consuming royal jelly.
Disclaimer!
**We are not medical professionals, nor should this information be used as medical consultation. This information is for educational purposes. You should consult a doctor before making any serious medical decisions. In no way do we claim that our product will diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.**
SOURCES
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549483/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/royal-jelly#TOC_TITLE_HDR_16
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-503/royal-jelly