Royal jelly: 5 benefits for your body

Βασιλικός πολτός: 5 οφέλη για τον οργανισμό σου
Royal jelly is a creamy white substance with very high nutritional value produced by worker bees to feed the larvae and the queen. Its color can range from white to light yellow and can indicate its freshness because over time it oxidizes and its color gradually darkens. It has a low pH and for this reason its taste is slightly acidic. Its texture is both thick and gelatinous, but over time it becomes more solid.

Royal jelly is extremely nutritious and is believed to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Various studies have shown that its unique nutrients are beneficial for health. It is often sold as a dietary supplement to boost the body and for the treatment of various physical and chronic conditions. It is used by athletes, young children, adults, and elderly people, mainly for its tonic properties. Let's discover some benefits it has for our health.
 

  1. It has very high nutritional value. Royal jelly consists mainly of water (50-60%), carbohydrates (15%), proteins (18%), and fats (3-6%) (1). We do not yet know its full chemical composition with certainty, but it is believed that its beneficial properties are due to the unique proteins and fatty acids it contains. Also, royal jelly contains B-complex vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.

  2. It has benefits for diabetics. A  study with 50 female participants with type 2 diabetes showed that consumption of royal jelly may have a positive effect on people with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, participants in this study received either a one-gram dose of royal jelly in jelly form or a placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The results showed that consuming royal jelly may help reduce blood glucose levels, which is desirable for people with diabetes.

  3. It heals wounds. The results of a laboratory study published in the journal  Nutrition Research and Practice showed that royal jelly can significantly increase the migration of  fibroblasts in a wound, which accelerates the wound healing process. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that coordinates wound healing by producing the extracellular matrix and collagen.

  4. It has anti-aging effects. Royal jelly is included as an ingredient in topical skincare products aimed at maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Two separate studies showed that royal jelly contributes to increased  collagen production as well as protecting the skin from damage related to  ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

  5. It boosts the immune system. Royal jelly can  strengthen your body's natural defense against foreign bacteria and viruses. Specific groups of proteins and fatty acids found in royal jelly have antibacterial action, which may reduce infection frequency and strengthen the immune system.

 

In conclusion, it should be mentioned that royal jelly is available in many forms such as dietary supplements (capsules, syrup, effervescent tablets and  single doses) but it is also used as an ingredient in various cosmetics (face masks and  creams). You should also be aware that although royal jelly is generally a safe product, it may cause some allergic reactions in certain consumers and in very extreme cases asthma, dermatitis, or even allergic shock. However, these cases are quite rare and have been observed in people allergic to bee stings and pollen. If you have any questions about royal jelly, you can consult your  pharmacist .