Royal jelly is a superfood, useful for combating inflammation and free radicals, it protects the liver and the brainRoyal jelly is the food, with a creamy consistency and yellowish white colour, produced by bees mainly to feed the queen bee. Royal jelly has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-aging properties, useful to slow down and counteract the aging processes (Cicek et al, Histochem Cell Biol, 2023). In short, a true elixir as well as a superfood, since it is a precious source of nutrients. So, let’s try to better understand the properties of royal jelly based on the most recent scientific research.Royal jelly, nutrientsRoyal jelly is made up mostly of water, between 60 and 80%, proteins, between 9 and 18%, sugars, between 7 and 18%, and fats, between 7 and 8%. In addition to this, royal jelly is characterized by the presence of minerals, such as copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and iron, vitamins, such as A, B, C and E, and amino acids (Okamoto et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2023).Royal jelly against Alzheimer’sRoyal jelly protects the brain and improves cognitive functionality, even if already compromised by Alzheimer’s. The research is very recent and still limited to animal studies, but it also gives hope for humans. What emerged with great clarity is that royal jelly, thanks to its antioxidant action, improves learning ability and memory, previously altered by a condition of accumulation of beta amyloid proteins, which are neurotoxic and characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. (Raoufi et al, Metab Brain Dis, 2023).Royal jelly and liver healthRecent scientific research has shown that some medium chain fatty acids contained in royal jelly are very useful for protecting the intestine and counteracting dysbiosis. Through this beneficial action on the gut microbiota, royal jelly allows you to combat fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis at the liver level (Kobayashi et al, Nutrients, 2023).Royal jelly against tirednessRoyal jelly has been shown to counteract tiredness and asthenia, even in cases of physical debilitation due to diseases (Karimi et al, BMC Nutr, 2023).Royal jelly, longevity and healthRoyal jelly intake is linked to greater longevity, thanks to the reduction of chronic inflammation and free radicals. Not only that, royal jelly improves the functionality of the endothelium, which is the internal lining of the blood vessels and the heart, and helps keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control (Okamoto et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2023). As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, royal jelly helps counteract inflammation and balances the microbiota, helping in case of colitis. Finally, royal jelly is anti-tumor, antiviral and capable of modulating the response of the immune system (Bagameri et al, Life, 2023).Royal jelly, warningsRoyal jelly is generally considered well tolerated. In very rare cases, in predisposed and allergic people, an allergic reaction can occur (LiverTox, NIH, 2022). Pay attention if you are taking medications, especially anticoagulants, antihypertensives and to control blood sugar, and ask your doctor for advice to avoid interactions (Lee et al, Pharmacotherapy, 2006).
