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Royal jelly is the name given to the substance that worker bees produce to feed the queen bee throughout its life. The queen bee, although genetically equal to the workers, lives between 4 and 5 years, while the worker bees have a life cycle of 45 to 60 days on average and feed on honey. The queen bee's longevity is attributed to the benefit of its feeding, since the queen bee feeds exclusively on royal jelly throughout its life.
This substance has a gelatinous or pasty consistency, white or slightly yellowish color and acid flavor. Currently royal jelly is considered a super food, because it presents in a very concentrated way water, sugar, protein, fat and a wide variety of vitamins, especially A, B, C and E, in addition to minerals such as sulfur, magnesium, iron and zinc .
Benefits of royal jelly
The main health benefits related to royal jelly include:
- Stimulating and strengthening action, which helps in the development of children and improves the health of older people;
- It increases the body's natural defenses, helping to fight diseases such as flu, cold and respiratory tract infections, since it strengthens the immune system;
- Moisturizes, rejuvenates and promotes skin healing, as it has vitamin C and E, in addition to having a gelatinous amino acid that is part of collagen;
- It improves memory and concentration, as it has a strengthening action both physically and mentally, as it contains B vitamins, zinc and choline;
- It can exert anti-cancer action, since it provides antioxidants to the body that prevent damage caused by free radicals;
- It fights depression and increases mood and energy;
- It can help the treatment for infertility, because some studies indicate that it improves the sperm count and its motility;
- In people with cancer it could improve fatigue and symptoms related to the oral mucosa that may have arisen as a result of radiotherapy and chemotherapy;
- It can help to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), as it is rich in antioxidants and provides choline to the body, which is related to the synthesis of lipids;
- An aphrodisiac action, as it helps to improve sexual desire and consequently intimate contact by improving blood circulation;
- It complements the treatment indicated by the doctor, as it can be considered a natural antibiotic.
Due to its hydration benefit, it is common to find royal jelly as an ingredient in several cosmetics, such as hair conditioner, massage cream, moisturizing cream and anti-wrinkle cream.
How to consume
Royal jelly as a supplement can be found in the form of jelly, capsules or powder in health food stores, on the internet or in pharmacies.
There is little scientific evidence on the recommended dose that should be consumed of natural royal jelly, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions that are indicated on the supplement packaging, which usually indicates that a small amount is placed under the tongue to be absorbed. by the body more effectively.
To consume royal jelly in capsule, it is recommended to take 1 capsule a day with a little water. Some studies have found benefits when 50 to 300 mg and, in some cases, up to 6000 mg per day of royal jelly are ingested. Another suggested indication is 100 mg / kg per day of royal jelly.
For children between 1 and 5 years old, 0.5 g / day is recommended, while for children between 5 and 12 years old, 0.5 to 1 g / day is recommended.
Royal jelly must be kept at temperatures below 10º C, inside the refrigerator or frozen, for a maximum of 18 months.
Secundary effects
The consumption of royal jelly is considered safe, however it has been found in some people, especially those who have allergies to bees or pollen, greater risk of anaphylaxis, bronchospasm and asthma.
When not indicated
Royal jelly should not be consumed by people with allergies to bees and pollen, in the case of sensitive people, and, therefore, the ideal is to perform an allergy test before consuming royal jelly. In the case of pregnancy or breastfeeding period, it is recommended that the doctor is consulted before consuming it.