11 main benefits of real jelly and how to consume

Royal jelly is the name given to the substance that worker bees produce to feed the queen bee throughout its life. The queen is genetically equal to its worker bee, but it lives for about 4 to 5 years while the worker bees have a life span of about 40 to 60 days on average and they usually feed on honey. The long life span of the queen bee is usually due to its feeding as it consumes the royal jelly throughout its life.

This substance has a gelatinous and pasty consistency, white or slightly yellowish in colour and it has an acidic flavour. Currently, this real jelly is considered a super food because it is concentrated with way water, sugar, protein and fat as well as a wide variety of vitamins, particularly A, B, C and E. It also contains minerals such as sulphur, magnesium, iron and zinc.

Benefits of Royal Jelly

The main health benefits of royal jelly are:

1. Stimulating and strengthening action, that aids in the development of children and improves the health of older people.
2. Increases the body’s natural defences, helping in fighting of diseases such as flu, cold and respiratory tract infections, and it also strengthens the immune system.
3. Moisturizes, rejuvenates and favors skin healing, as it contains vitamin C and E, and a gelatinous amino acid that is part of collagen.
4. It improves memory and concentration, as it has a fortifying action both physically and mentally, as it contains B vitamins, zinc and choline.
5. It exerts anticancer action, as it provides antioxidants to the body that prevent the damage caused by free radicals.
6. Combats depression and increases mood and energy.
7. It may aid treatment of infertility, as some studies show that it improves sperm count and its motility.
8. In people with cancer could improve fatigue and symptoms related to the oral mucosa that may arise as a consequence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
9. It can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) as it is rich in antioxidants and provides choline to the body, which is related to the synthesis of lipids.
10. Aphrodisiac action, as it helps to improve sexual desire and consequently intimate contact by improving blood circulation.
11. Complements the treatment indicated by the doctor, as it can be considered a natural antibiotic.

As as result of its benefits that are related to hydration, jelly can be found as an ingredient in various cosmetic products such as hair conditioner, massages creams, moisturizing creams and anti-wrinkles.

How to consume

Real jelly is a supplement and it can be found in the form of jams, capsules or powder in natural product stores, internet and in pharmacies.

There little scientific evidence that indicates the recommended dose of natural royal jelly. It is important therefore, that you follow the guidance of the manufacturer as indicated on the packaging. It normally indicates that small amounts should be placed under the tongue so that the body absorbs it more efficiently.

To consume the royal jelly in capsules, it is recommended that you take 1 capsule a day with very little water. Some studies show that when 50 to 300mg is consumed, or even 6000mg per day, it poses a lot of health benefits. Another recommended dosage is 100mg/kg per day of royal jelly.

For children between the age of 1 and 5, they should consume 0.5mg/day while children aged 5 and 12 should take 0.5 to 1g/day.

The royal jelly should be stored in temperatures below 10ºC, inside a refrigerator of frozen, for not more than 18 months.

Side effects

The consumption of jelly is considered safe and it does nit have any adverse side effects. However, people who are allergic to pollen or bees may have a higher risk of getting anaphylaxis, bronchospasm and asthma.

When should it not be taken?

Royal jelly should not be consumed by people who are allergic to bees and pollen, as they are sensitive. It is therefore ideal to perform an allergy test before taking the royal jelly. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before consuming it.