Royal jelly is a milky-white viscous substance secreted from the hypo pharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker bees. It is eaten by bee larvae for the first two to three days during their maturation. The queen bee eats royal jelly exclusively for her entire life. According to Drugs.com, this nutritious diet makes the queen bee approximately twice the size of worker bees. Royal jelly is high in protein, minerals and vitamins, making it a healthy, nutritional supplement.
Health Benefits
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, royal jelly can lower total serum cholesterol levels and total serum lipid levels in patients with moderately elevated cholesterol levels. Royal jelly may also improve the menopausal symptoms of night sweat, hot flashes, insomnia and skin flushing, as well as the post-menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness and joint aches.
Additional Health Benefits
Royal jelly acts as an anti-inflammatory and vasodilator, relaxing and widening blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. It may also help osteoporosis and male infertility due to poor sperm quality and motility. Royal jelly benefits liver and kidney problems, and enhances the immune system and sexual performance, according to PDRHealth.com.
Nutritional Components
Royal jelly is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals and pheromones, which are natural chemical compounds found in all insects and animals, including humans. A pheromone is a substance secreted by an organism that elicits a particular response from another individual of the same species, usually of the opposite sex. Royal jelly also contains lipids, or fats, and free amino acids which help with metabolism. It also contains trans-10-hydroxy-decanoic acid (HDA), a monounsaturated fatty acid responsible for royal jelly's cholesterol-lowering properties.
Protein Content
The protein content of royal jelly is complex. Royal jelly contains five major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs): MRJP1, MRJP2, MRJP3, MRJP4 and MRJP 5. The MRJP3 and MRJP5 are polymorphic, meaning that they can assume different forms. These proteins are important nutrients that make royal jelly beneficial for repairing body tissues and boosting the immune system.
Considerations
Royal jelly should not be taken by individuals who have an allergy to other bee products such as bee pollen. According to Drugs.com, royal jelly has been linked with asthma attacks and anaphylactic shocks because of its pollen content. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should have a discussion with their doctor before taking royal jelly. Royal jelly products are not recommended for women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, since they may stimulate the cancer.
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