Royal honey

Royal Jelly is the food of the queen bees (in English: Royal Jelly), or also known as the royal food or royal honey, it is a creamy milky secretion produced by worker bees to feed the queen bees, and it is manufactured and designated only to feed the queen bee and her small larvae. The health benefits of royal honey are numerous, which are due to its containing many nutrients and other effective compounds beneficial for body health and the functions of its various organs. Below, we mention these benefits in detail: Nutritional benefits of royal jelly Royal jelly has a 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 containing nine types of glycoproteins, collectively known as main royal honey proteins, as well as 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 Potential health benefits of royal jelly, commonly sought in alternative medicine, include: Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases The benefits of royal jelly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular 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 bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol levels, including: A small study published in the Journal of Female Endocrinology indicated that consuming 150 mg daily of royal jelly by 36 women led to a 4.1% decrease in bad 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 involved 40 adults with mild hypercholesterolemia, and it suggested that taking 350 mg of royal jelly daily for 3 months could contribute to lowering bad cholesterol and total cholesterol, but it did not affect levels of 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 bad cholesterol by 23%. Despite the benefits of royal jelly and its positive effect on hypercholesterolemia treatment, the mechanism of its contribution is still not fully clear. 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 diabetics. 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 who took 1000 mg of royal jelly daily for 8 weeks showed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels at the end of the study. However, another study conducted in 2019 and published in the Global Journal of Diabetes, which reviewed 18 clinical studies, indicated that the benefits of royal jelly for diabetics are very limited. Another review published in 2019 in the Journal of Complementary Medicine indicated that consuming royal honey does not significantly affect fasting blood sugar levels or glycated hemoglobin. Therefore, there is still some controversy about the effect of royal jelly on blood sugar, and more 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, thereby reducing blood pressure. A 2019 study also 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 is still not fully understood. More research is needed on this matter. Maintaining brain health The benefits of royal jelly also include maintaining brain health and preventing various issues affecting it, 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 a group of mice, which revealed that consuming royal jelly can reduce stress hormone levels and make the central nervous system stronger compared to not consuming it. The possibility that royal jelly contributes to improving memory and reducing depression symptoms. Preventing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2018 animal model study, which suggests this benefit may be due to its role in reducing some risk factors, including high cholesterol levels, amyloid beta peptide deposition, and its accumulation in brain cells. Supporting immune 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 help boost the body's ability to fight bacteria, which can reduce infections and support immune function. Royal jelly may also have antiviral properties, including against the herpes simplex virus. Benefits of royal jelly for cancer Royal jelly may have properties that reduce the risk of 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 cell types. It may also contribute to reducing 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 studies and research. Benefits of royal jelly for the skin Royal jelly can help heal wounds and skin ulcers, 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 may also increase collagen and important tissue proteins production, significantly enhancing fibroblast movement toward the wound area, which are cells responsible for coordinating wound healing. However, research results on the benefits of royal jelly for diabetic foot ulcers or wound healing are conflicting, and more supporting 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. Benefits of royal jelly for women Royal jelly or royal jelly supplements may offer some specific benefits for women, including: Reducing premenstrual syndrome symptoms A 2014 study published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine reported a clinical trial involving 110 women, some of whom took 1000 mg of royal jelly daily over two menstrual cycles, while others took a placebo. It was observed that premenstrual symptoms decreased by more than 50% in women who took royal jelly compared to the placebo group. Relieving menopause symptoms A 2018 study involving 42 postmenopausal women showed that taking 800 mg of royal jelly daily for 12 weeks was effective in alleviating menopause symptoms such as anxiety and lower back pain. A 2019 study with 200 postmenopausal women found that taking 1000 mg of royal jelly daily could reduce menopause symptoms. Another benefit of royal honey for women is its potential role in reducing depression symptoms related to menopause and improving memory.