What is royal jelly?
A hive product rich in nutrients
Royal jelly is a particularly valuable hive product. This whitish and pearly substance is produced by the hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees and plays an important role in the proper functioning of the hive.
Indeed, unlike honey which feeds the entire colony, royal jelly is the exclusive food of the queen.
She consumes it all her life, providing her with fertility and longevity much greater than other bees. She can live up to 40 times longer!
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Royal jelly is primarily known for its richness in nutrients. It contains:
- a large majority of water;
- Carbohydrates, mainly in the form of glucose and fructose;
- Proteins;
- Lipids including 10-HDA acid (10-hydroxy-2-decanoic acid), the best-known active principle of royal jelly, which researchers attribute antibacterial and immune-stimulating activity to;
- Many B-group vitamins, including vitamin B5 also known as pantothenic acid, contributing to the normal synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, and to memory and concentration functions;
- Trace elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, silicon).
Studied Properties
Royal jelly is credited with several distinct benefits which have made this hive product a renowned dietary supplement.
Among these, it is said to have immunomodulatory properties and to strengthen the body’s defense against external aggressions due to its richness in micronutrients and 10-HDA acid.
It is also suggested to promote good cardiovascular health by helping reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
It is also attributed with helping to relieve menopause symptoms, due to the estrogenic action of its compounds.
However, the majority of scientific studies on the subject have been conducted in vitro or in vivo on animals. New human studies are needed. This is also true for the benefits on hair that we list below.
The benefits of royal jelly for hair
Royal jelly to combat hair loss
Royal jelly is credited with benefits on hair loss. This action is thought to be due to its richness in vitamin B5. Indeed, panthenol (provitamin B5) is found in many hair care products.
This pantothenic acid would facilitate cell renewal and regeneration of hair follicles, strengthening the roots and limiting hair loss at its base.
Nevertheless, researchers have not yet scientifically proven its effectiveness and studies are necessary to confirm this benefit.
A product that would strengthen the hair fiber
Royal jelly is also thought to act on the hair fiber by strengthening and coating it, helping to protect it from external aggressions.
Indeed, a coated hair is less brittle, less limp, and more elastic. By resisting breakage, royal jelly is thought to allow for indirectly longer hair, as the ends no longer shorten.
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Again, studies are necessary.
Royal jelly for colored hair
Finally, many hair products add royal jelly for use on colored hair. It provides shine and revives color brilliance.
However, its effects regarding its ability to lighten hair are debated. For that purpose, honey is more suitable, as it contains hydrogen peroxide.
How to consume it?
Royal jelly is suitable for everyone. Children, adolescents, adults, or elderly people can consume it, as long as they are not allergic to honey, and avoiding its intake during pregnancy due to the lack of scientific studies.
It can be consumed in its initial fresh form, as a capsule, or in an ampoule. It is consumed as a course of treatment, generally ranging from 3 weeks to more than a month.
The ingested dose differs depending on the administered form. Commonly, it is said to take daily one to two measuring spoons for fresh royal jelly, about 1 to 2 g per day, while the dose in ampoule form, which is more concentrated, is generally lower (less than 1g).
To maximize its effects, taking it on an empty stomach upon waking is preferable. It is also necessary to properly preserve this fragile product, which is sensitive to air and light.
Keep the jelly in a dry place, at a temperature between 2 to 5°C, and avoid exposing it to the sun.
