Royal jelly possesses numerous health benefits that positively impact the body. What is this royal substance, and how does it affect human health?
What is Royal Jelly?
Royal jelly is a special type of honey produced by young bees. It contains high levels of essential proteins vital for the body. This unique honey is produced for specific reasons different from regular honey, serving as the primary food source for the queen bee in the hive.
The queen bee’s consumption of royal jelly contributes to her increased size, ovarian development, and remarkably extended lifespan, around 20 times more than that of regular bees. Beekeepers harvest approximately 500 grams of royal jelly stored by bees over 5-6 months, an amount the queen bee cannot consume, making it available for human use due to its numerous benefits.
Benefits of Royal Jelly:
- Rich in Essential Nutrients:
Royal jelly is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, B-group vitamins, and folic acid. Additionally, it serves as a source for over 17 essential amino acids, including eight types that the body cannot produce on its own. - Blood Pressure Regulation:
Scientific studies reveal that the proteins present in royal jelly have a direct impact on human blood pressure levels. These proteins have a long-term effect on reducing blood pressure on the blood vessels and the heart, consequently lowering the risk of heart and arterial diseases. - Cholesterol Level Maintenance:
Contrary to the general belief associating sweet foods with high cholesterol, royal jelly has been shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol. Research indicates that incorporating royal jelly into the diet helps in lowering LDL cholesterol, thus protecting the heart and blood vessels. - Treatment of Fertility Issues:
Some researchers suggest that consuming royal jelly enhances sexual health and addresses fertility problems due to specific proteins present in it. Studies show that the queen’s intake of royal jelly enhances fertility chances and improves sperm quality in males.
A study published in the “Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine” found that royal jelly intake increases sperm count and quality, as well as testosterone levels, positively influencing fertility prospects.
- Anti-Cancer Properties:
Royal jelly is rich in antioxidants, which reduce the risk of various types of cancers. Antioxidants in royal jelly hinder the activity of phenol A, linked to breast cancer. - Additional Health Benefits:
Other health benefits associated with royal jelly include reducing inflammation, slowing the aging process for skin and hair, aiding in weight loss, boosting metabolism, enhancing the immune system, alleviating menstrual pain, and accelerating wound healing.
Precautions for Using Royal Jelly:
- Avoid royal jelly if you suffer from asthma or bee product allergies, as it may cause severe allergic reactions.
- It might exacerbate skin inflammation.
- If you have low blood pressure, be cautious, as royal jelly can further reduce it significantly.
Conclusion:
Royal jelly stands as a health treasure, offering a plethora of benefits for overall well-being. While it is essential to harness its advantages, individuals should be aware of potential risks and use it judiciously.
