Before getting into royal jelly uses, we should know that queen bees live 40 times longer than worker bees. Is this due to its royal jelly-based diet? Well, while worker bees and queens are genetically identical, it is their diet which determines which one lives longer, grows larger and has the possibility to reproduce.
If there is an irrefutable argument to royal jelly uses, it is the fact that nutrition sets the basis for our wellbeing, health and immune system. So today we bring you this whitish nutrient-rich liquid that offers fascinating opportunities for a natural and healthy way of life.
Origin and main characteristics of royal jelly
How is royal jelly produced?
Royal jelly is produced by the secretion of the two pharynx glands in nurse bees aged 5 to 14 days old, as these feed on pollen, water and honey. It constitutes the larva’s food during its three first days of life and is the exclusive nutrition menu for the queen bee during its whole existence.
Royal jelly is a natural and non-processed substance with viscous and semi-liquid appearance, a white-yellowish color and an acid whilst phenolic odor smell. Due to its nutritional facts, its importance in early bee feeding and its thick, white aspect, it is commonly known as bee milk.
Bioactive compounds of royal jelly
The composition of royal jelly is largely dependent on several factors, including the age of the bees producing it and the quality of the diet received at the time. Royal Jelly is largely composed of water (60%-70%), and also an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, organic acids, enzymes and amino acids amongst others.
Read through our BeeConsulting Royal Jelly market study to understand how royal jelly uses boost immunity as well as practical applications in European products.
Royal jelly uses and opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry
Royal jelly contributes to improving the functioning of the immune system and increases resistance against infections. After long research, it has been largely demonstrated how royal jelly has change-making therapeutic properties, reasons for which royal jelly uses have been extended to health-related fields.
Numerous studies are currently being conducted and are highlighting royal jelly uses to develop new medicines for battling and preventing diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer, heart failure, infertility and many more.
From antioxidant to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing activity associated with royal jelly uses makes it a crucial asset in improving memory (remember it is a rich source of acetylcholine), regulating blood sugar, and lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Moreover, royal jelly is also a rich source of phenolic compounds that help in the regulation of the system and foster the prevention of chronic diseases. With such a boosting effect on the human’s immune system, it is of no surprise that this rich element experiences a rather sharp upturn.
Royal Jelly uses and benefits for the food supplements industry
The use of royal jelly as an ingredient for human food supplements dates back a long way, and was used by royals and high-ranking members in society due to the small quantities it is produced in making it scarce for the mainstream public in the past.
However, today, innovation and modern techniques have created mainstream royal jelly-rich supplements that can be consumed in a daily dose for an extra health pump, making royal jelly uses easier.
Many of the royal jelly supplements sold today exploit its ability to boost endurance, combat fatigue and stress and maintain a strong immune system; keeping one’s body ready for fighting any kind of bacteria or free-radicals wandering around.
Royal jelly uses include treating common trouble-causing conditions such as asthma, hay fever, liver disease, pancreatitis, insomnia, stomach ulcers, menopausal symptoms, skin disorders, high cholesterol and many more.
Still not enough reasons to fill up your food supplements with such a pure and natural ingredient? Check out our latest article about royal jelly as a star ingredient in food supplements!
In which formats can royal jelly be used?
Being sold widely as a nutritional supplement and/or a wellness boost, royal jelly has gained huge popularity in the nutraceutical and food supplements market; accounting for a natural alternative to positively impact consumer nutrition and health.
While it is currently printing its solid foothold into the pharma industry, it is popularly blended with honey or on its own. Royal jelly uses include the format of pills (caps) and tablets, syrups, healing candies, energy sachets, food supplement powder mixed with other ingredients, sprays and vials.
Alternatively, royal jelly can be presented in the form of powder. Under its official term, lyophilized royal jelly, this format is obtained through a freeze-drying process which allows to preserve the nutritional and organoleptic qualities of the product and also biological properties of active ingredients.
Willing to know more about royal jelly uses in different products and formats? Take a look at our royal jelly catalogue.