Royal jelly

Royal Jelly, or what is also known as the royal food or royal honey, is a milky, gel-like secretion produced by worker bees to feed the queen bees, and it is manufactured and designated solely for feeding the queen bee and her young larvae. The health benefits of royal honey are numerous and attributed to its content of many nutrients and other active compounds beneficial for body health and the functions of its various organs. Below are these benefits in detail: Nutritional Benefits of Royal Jelly Royal jelly has high nutritional value, as it is a rich source of many nutrients. The nutritional content of royal jelly is divided as follows: Water: 50 - 60% Carbohydrates: 15% Proteins: 18% Fats: 3 - 6% Mineral salts: 1.5% Royal jelly also contains a group of vitamins and minerals, most notably B vitamins, including: Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3, known as niacin Vitamin B5, known as pantothenic acid Vitamin B6 Vitamin B7, known as biotin Vitamin B8, known as inositol Vitamin B9, known as folic acid Additionally, the nutritional benefits of royal jelly include its content of nine types of glycoproteins, collectively known as main royal honey proteins, along with fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, most notably polyphenol compounds. It should be noted that the nutritional content of royal jelly can vary depending on its source. Health Benefits of Royal Jelly The potential health benefits of royal honey, commonly used in alternative medicine, include: Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases The benefits of royal jelly in reducing the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases, including arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, are due to its potential ability to improve blood cholesterol levels. Some animal and human studies have indicated its role in reducing harmful cholesterol and increasing beneficial cholesterol. These studies include: A small study published in the Journal of Female Endocrinology, which showed that consuming 150 mg daily of royal jelly by 36 women led to a 4.1% decrease in harmful cholesterol, a 3.1% decrease in total cholesterol, and a 7.7% increase in good cholesterol. A clinical study published in 2017 in the Journal of Pharmacological Biology, involving 40 adults with mild hypercholesterolemia, indicated that taking 350 mg of royal jelly daily for three months could contribute to lowering harmful and total cholesterol levels, but it did not affect good cholesterol, triglycerides, or body weight and waist circumference. An animal study conducted over 12 weeks on a group of rabbits found that royal jelly significantly reduced total cholesterol levels by 28% and harmful cholesterol by 23%. Despite the benefits of royal jelly and its positive effect on hypercholesterolemia, the mechanism of its contribution remains unclear. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels Royal jelly may play a positive role in controlling blood sugar levels and increasing cellular sensitivity to insulin by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This could explain the potential benefits of royal honey for type 2 diabetes patients. According to a 2014 study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, royal jelly may help control blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, as 50 patients took 1000 mg of royal jelly daily for 8 weeks, and a significant decrease in blood glucose levels was observed at the end of the study. However, another study conducted in 2019 and published in the World Journal of Diabetes, which reviewed 18 clinical studies, indicated that the benefits of royal jelly for diabetics are very minimal. Another review published in 2019 in the Journal of Complementary Medicine Treatments noted that consuming royal honey does not significantly affect fasting blood sugar or HbA1c levels. Therefore, there is still some controversy regarding the effect of royal jelly on blood sugar, and further studies are needed. Lowering Blood Pressure Royal jelly or royal jelly supplements may help lower high blood pressure, possibly due to its content of proteins that help relax smooth muscles in veins and arteries, thus reducing blood pressure. A 2019 study indicated that royal jelly contributes to lowering blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production, which is a vasodilator. However, the exact mechanism explaining the benefits of royal jelly in preventing hypertension and improving circulation remains unclear. More research is needed on this matter. Maintaining Brain Health The benefits of royal jelly also include maintaining brain health and preventing various brain problems, possibly due to its antioxidant properties that protect the brain and nervous tissues. Potential benefits of royal honey for the brain include: Reducing stress and increasing the strength of the central nervous system, according to a 2017 animal study on mice, which found that consuming royal jelly could reduce stress hormone levels and make the central nervous system stronger compared to not consuming it. The possibility of royal jelly contributing to improved memory and reducing symptoms of depression. Preventing Alzheimer’s disease, based on a 2018 animal model study, which suggests this benefit may be due to its role in reducing some risk factors such as high cholesterol levels, beta-amyloid deposits, and accumulation in brain cells. Supporting Immune System Health One of the well-known benefits of royal honey is its ability to enhance immune system strength. The main proteins and fatty acids in royal jelly may boost the body's ability to fight bacteria, potentially reducing infections and supporting immune function. Royal jelly may also possess antiviral properties, including activity against the herpes simplex virus. Benefits of Royal Jelly for Cancer Royal jelly may have properties that reduce the risk of developing cancer. A 2018 study observed that components of royal jelly play a role in preventing the growth and invasion of cancer cells, as well as stimulating programmed cell death in various malignant cells. It may also help reduce side effects caused by some cancer treatments and chemotherapy, such as heart failure and gastrointestinal problems. However, all clinical trials on the benefits of royal jelly for cancer patients or cancer prevention have been conducted on relatively small groups, so these benefits cannot be confirmed without further research. Benefits of Royal Jelly for Skin Royal jelly can aid in wound and skin ulcer healing, as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can support its topical or oral use to promote healing of inflammatory skin conditions and wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers. It can also increase collagen and important tissue-repairing proteins production. It can significantly enhance fibroblast movement toward the wound area, which are cells responsible for coordinating the healing process. However, research results on the benefits of royal jelly for diabetic foot ulcers or wound healing are conflicting, and more evidence is needed. Royal jelly is also a common ingredient in skin creams, due to its ability to boost collagen production and protect the skin from UV rays, which can reduce the appearance of various aging signs.