Royal jelly has been consumed in all civilizations since ancient times. But it was not until 1788 that its properties were identified thanks to the naturalist François Huber. It is said that in 1954, on the advice of Dr Paul Niehans, Pope Pius XII recovered his health thanks to the consumption of royal jelly.
Slightly gelatinous, royal jelly also called “bee milk” is secreted by the cephalic glands of worker bees. It is intended for the queen, for whom it is the exclusive food. This one benefits from a life expectancy 40 times higher than that of its “subjects” and an impressive fertility. For humans, royal jelly is a tremendous boost to vitality.
Where does royal jelly come from?
The only hive product that does not use plant material, royal jelly is made using secretions from the hypopharyngeal gland of young nurse bees to feed the larvae and the queen. Undoubtedly one of the reasons for its longevity since it lives 3 to 4 years against 5 to 6 weeks for workers.
It is also the rarest product of the hive which produces only 300 g to 1 kg. As a result, a large quantity is imported from Asia where the quality standards are not the same, which explains the prices three times lower than in France.
To be of good quality, it must be harvested during the honey flow period (period of production of nectar foraged by bees), while respecting the hive. It must also be packaged within hours of harvest. We recommend the royal jelly from France or Italy (it is of excellent quality).
What do we find there?
Very rich in water, royal jelly contains quality carbohydrates and proteins since they contain all the essential amino acids, in particular apalbumin, a glycoprotein that activates the production of white blood cells, guardians of our immune system. Royal jelly also contains some lipids including 10-HDA, with immunomodulatory properties.
Finally, it is a source of minerals (calcium, iron, silicon, phosphorus, etc.) and vitamins, particularly of group B, including B5 which plays an important role in cell metabolism. Without it, the body would not be able to assimilate the products of digestion, with the risk of skin lesions, stunting of growth in children, digestive disorders, severe fatigue … However, royal jelly is there.food that contains the most vitamin B5, far ahead of brewer’s yeast, calf’s liver, egg yolk …
What are its benefits ?
Several experiences have proven the benefits, especially in seniors, with tonic and anti-fatigue effects but also slightly euphoric.
Excellent stimulant, royal jelly can be used against physical and intellectual fatigue, overwork or to improve resistance to stress. Scientists have shown that 1500 mg of royal jelly per day, for 3 months, reduces the feeling of fatigue by 24% from the 20th day of supplementation. Finally, it is an excellent skin protector that stimulates the synthesis of collagen.
The naturopath’s opinion
According to Odile Chabrillac, naturopath and director of the Humanist Naturopathic Institute, unlike ginseng (yang), its energy is more yin, therefore more feminine than masculine. Royal jelly acts on the physical form thanks to its tonic properties. But it is also a real mood regulator which improves nervous balance. Ideal for overcoming bouts of fatigue with low morale, difficult times and times of stress.
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