Sarah EatonRoyal jelly is a substance full of nutritious benefits. For example, it contains proteins that are essential for cell growth and reproduction. Be sure to not confuse it with bee pollen or bee venom, however, as those substances are not exactly the same as royal jelly. In fact, neither is it the same as honey. Within the hive, the jelly and honey serve two different purposes. Honey is the food source for worker bees while royal jelly is made for the queen. Both these food sources, however, offer nutritional benefits. Learn more about royal jelly benefits by reading below.
Here are 10 royal jelly benefits:
1. Counters Allergic Reactions
Royal jelly benefits start with the ability to fight allergic reactions. The journal International Immunopharmacology published a study that examined these benefits. Researchers found that histamine response to allergens was immediately suppressed. More research is needed, however, to validate this ability. (1)
Furthermore, royal jelly has been used as a valid asthma natural remedy.
2. Helps Alzheimer’s Patients
Also on the list of royal jelly benefits is the ability to improve short-term memory. It has a positive impact, in fact, on neural functions. As such, it may be able to prevent and help cure neurodegenerative diseases. This includes potentially serving as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in Advanced Biomedical Research shows these findings. (2)
3. Contains Beneficial Probiotics
Royal jelly benefits include offering gut-healthy probiotics. For example, it appears to have a valuable effect as a source of bifidobacteria, which supports gastrointestinal tract health. Some studies show that bifidobacteria is anti-carcinogenic and also enhances the immune system.
4. Eases Menopausal and Postmenopausal Symptoms
Also on the list of royal jelly benefits is the ability to treat menopause. It increases feelings of well-being, for example, especially when combined with other treatments. These treatments include evening primrose oil, damiana and gingseng.
5. Improves Collagen Levels for Great Skin
Furthermore, it turns out that this substance may also help prevent signs of aging. A study out of Korea examined royal jelly benefits. They found that this substance can regulate skin photoaging after exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation. These findings suggest that the jelly may help protect against skin aging. (3)
6. Treats Osteoporosis
Royal jelly benefits extend to your bones, as well. A study out of Turkey found that this substance has the ability to increase bone tissue calcium and phosphate levels. This makes it a viable treatment for osteoporosis. (4)
7. Aids in Healing Wounds
Just like honey, royal jelly benefits include promoting wound healing. A 2010 study involved treating wounds with royal jelly at various concentrations for 48 hours. Researchers in the study found that the jelly was able to help facilitate the healing process. It did this by enhancing the migration of fibroblasts, which is a cell in the connective tissue that produces collagen. (5)
8. Improves Male Infertility
One study shows that royal jelly benefits may include improving male fertility. The study evaluated the effect of the jelly on sperm parameters, testosterone levels and malondialdehyde production in mice. Researchers analyzed sperm count, motility, viability, maturity and DNA integrity. Their findings suggest the jelly can improve male fertility. (6)
9. Treats Diabetes
This jelly may also be a viable treatment for diabetes. In a randomized clinical trial, researchers studied 40 patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects consumed either 10 grams of fresh jelly or a placebo, following overnight fasting. While effects were not immediate, some changes in glucose levels were noted. (7, 8)
10. Helps Decrease Mucositis Symptoms
Furthermore, this jelly may also improve symptoms of oral mucositis. This is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In a study, researchers combined the jelly with standard mouthwash. To be sure, the jelly exhibited a healing effect. This occurred due to the jelly’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. (9)