Royal Jelly: The Miraculous Superfood

The world is full of inexhaustible natural wonders — plant and animal products that deliver enormous benefits to our health. These time-honored miracles, known since ancient times, have been growing increasingly popular in recent years. 

WHAT IS ROYAL JELLY?

Royal jelly is produced in the secretory glands of young honeybees. The queen bee feeds exclusively on this creamy, slightly sour substance throughout her entire life. While ordinary worker bees live for just a few months, the queen bee lives for 5–6 years. Because this striking difference between the queen bee and worker bees is believed to stem from royal jelly, interest in royal jelly and the research surrounding it continues to grow with each passing day. As a result, this miraculous product has recently become widely used in commercial medicinal products, health foods, and cosmetics in many countries around the world. 

WHAT DOES ROYAL JELLY CONTAIN?

Royal jelly is composed of 66% water, 14.5% carbohydrates, 4.5% lipids, and 13% amino acids. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12, biotin, inositol, acetylcholine, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as various minerals, enzymes, hormones, and antibacterial and antibiotic compounds.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ROYAL JELLY?

 As we mentioned at the outset, the benefits of this miraculous food are virtually endless. Here are those wonderful benefits that will renew you from head to toe:

• Thanks to the active compounds it contains, royal jelly has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. 
• Because it contains insulin-like peptides, it has a blood sugar-lowering effect.
• Due to its regulatory effect on appetite, it can be used as an appetite stimulant.
• Especially when used together with propolis, it provides excellent protection against the flu.
• The acetylcholine in royal jelly helps improve learning and cognitive functions in children, while its gamma globulin plays a role in strengthening the immune system and supporting their growth.
• According to a study published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in 2010, royal jelly may have positive effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as colitis.
  
  
   
• It is an energy source against both physical and mental fatigue. It revitalizes the body and is an excellent choice for athletes. 
• It has a cholesterol-lowering effect. A study conducted by the Department of Medicine at New York Medical College found that royal jelly achieved a 14% reduction in cholesterol levels.
• Studies have found that royal jelly has a bone tissue-enhancing and supportive effect.
• Royal jelly has vasodilating and blood pressure-lowering effects.
• It is reported to have positive effects on neurological conditions.
• Due to its cell-renewing effect and moisturizing properties, it is used in hair and skin care. It is effective against hair loss.
• Its nutritional content makes it important for healthy eating.
• The most recent studies indicate that royal jelly is also very promising in the fight against cancer.

There is no definitive daily dosage. However, it is suggested that pure royal jelly can be taken at 500 mg per day for adults, or up to 1 g per day if being used to address a specific condition. Those who do heavy physical labor and athletes who engage in intense physical activity may increase this dose slightly, while for children, the recommended intake is 1/4 of the adult dose, based on age and doctor's advice.

You can consume royal jelly in two different ways. The most preferred method is to place pure royal jelly under your tongue in the morning and/or evening, hold it there for approximately 30 seconds, and then optionally swallow it with a little water. If you have difficulty consuming it in its pure form, you can also mix it with a small amount of pure honey. You can further enrich it by adding optional supplements such as ground flaxseed or ground grape seed extract along with the honey.

WHAT SHOULD WE PAY ATTENTION TO DURING CONSUMPTION AND STORAGE?

 Of course, there are certain points we need to be careful about when consuming and storing such a beneficial food.

 Royal jelly can be stored frozen for up to 18 months without spoiling. In the refrigerator, it can keep for 1.5–2 months without deteriorating. Depending on the number of users and the dosage, you can also divide your royal jelly into weekly portions, transfer them into separate containers, and return the remaining amount to your freezer for better preservation. Also, make sure it is not exposed to light under any circumstances.

When using royal jelly, it must never come into contact with metal. We recommend using a wooden or plastic spoon.

Children under the age of two, people who are allergic to royal jelly or other bee products, and especially those with hay fever should not use this food. 

 Additionally, people who are overweight, those planning to diet, those with metabolic conditions, cancer patients, and anyone with any other health condition should definitely consult a qualified dietitian regarding the appropriate amount and method of consumption.