Royal Jelly is a honeybee product with unparalleled health benefits for humans, earning it the nickname “elixir of life.” It is a secretion produced by worker bees and serves as the exclusive food source for the queen bee. Many people may not have consumed Royal Jelly or even be aware of its remarkable properties. Join us as we delve into the world of royal jelly, exploring its benefits, nutritional value, consumption methods, and more.
What is royal jelly?
Royal Jelly is a gelatinous, milky substance produced by worker bees to feed the queen and larvae. It is also known as queen bee jelly, bee milk, or royal pap. This nutritious substance is rich in proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is why it has many health benefits for humans.
Benefits of Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly contains powerful natural antioxidants and has a nutritional value that is unmatched by any other substance. These include various B vitamins, minerals (potassium, sodium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, etc.), carbohydrates, hormones (testosterone, prolactin, progesterone), vitamins A, C, and E. Some of the most important benefits of Royal Jelly include:
- Strengthens the immune system and increases white blood cell levels
- Improves brain function, increases learning power and memory
- Reduces inflammation and improves diseases such as arthritis and asthma
- Promotes skin health and prevents wrinkles or premature aging
- Improves fertility in women and men
- Reduces fatigue and increases energy levels
- Strengthens heart health and lowers blood pressure
- Reduces menopausal symptoms in women
- Improves sleep quality and relieves insomnia
- Increases strength and physical strength during chemotherapy
- Beneficial for patients with diabetes
- Prevents osteoporosis in old age
- Prevents Alzheimer’s disease in old age
The main reason in order to emphasize the consumption of Royal Jelly in the diet is the presence of a rare fatty acid called decanoic acid in this nutrient. This fatty acid has strong antimicrobial properties, and it only meets the body’s need for fat and has brings no harm for human body.
How to consume and benefit from the benefits of royal jelly
Royal jelly, a nutritious and valuable substance with numerous health properties, can be combined as a dietary supplement with breakfast, lunch, dinner, before exercise, and more. However, it is best to consult with your doctor or nutritionist before starting to consume royal jelly, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any special health conditions, to ensure you are using it safely and effectively.
- Direct oral consumption: Royal Jelly can be consumed pure, for example under the tongue, or mixed with honey, yogurt, or smoothies.
- Dietary supplements: Royal Jelly is also available in capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid form, making it easier to consume and can be easily incorporated into your daily diet.
- Topical application: Royal Jelly can be applied topically to heal wounds, burns, and dry skin.
Tips for consuming royal jelly
The recommended dosage of Royal Jelly depends on various factors such as age, gender, health status, and health goals. In general, low doses of 300 to 600 milligrams per day are considered safe and effective for most people. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for you.
- Start with a low dose: Begin by taking a low dose of Royal Jelly (around 300 milligrams per day) and gradually increase it over time if you do not experience any side effects.
- Best time to consume: Mornings, before breakfast, is the best time to eat royal jelly.
- Methods of consumption: Royal Jelly can be consumed orally, as a dietary supplement, and topically.
How Royal Jelly is produced
Given the benefits of royal jelly, in addition to the natural method, this jelly is also produced artificially. Here we will introduce both methods.
- Natural method of Royal Jelly production:
Royal jelly, also known as queen’s food, is produced by worker bees in the hive. These bees consume a mixture of honey and pollen, and after processing the honey and pollen they have consumed, they prepare it for the larvae and the queen. Worker bees perform these processes using two glands located above their heads. These glands are also called pharyngeal glands. After this step (processing the honey and pollen), the worker bees pour the jelly they have produced into the brood cells. Of course, most of the produced jelly is consumed by the queen, and as mentioned, this jelly is the queen’s food. Larvae are only allowed to consume the jelly for the first 3 to 6 days. Royal Jelly that is produced by worker bees without human intervention is pure royal jelly.
- Artificial method of Royal Jelly production:
The artificial method of Royal Jelly production involves human intervention. In this method, beekeepers produce Royal Jelly by grafting larvae into special queen cups. In this method, there is no queen, and therefore, the worker bees feed the larvae with Royal Jelly as quickly as possible in order to raise a new queen. The jelly that the worker bees produce for the larvae is so much that the larvae are immersed in it. After this step, the beekeeper carefully separates the larvae from the jelly and extracts the produced royal jelly.
How to store pure royal jelly
Proper storage of Royal Jelly is very important, and if not stored properly, it will break down! The best way to store Royal Jelly for long periods is to keep it in the freezer. Therefore, it is best to store the amount of jelly that you do not intend to use for the time being in the freezer and the amount you consume outside the freezer. An important point about storing this jelly is that sunlight should never hit the jelly package.
- Freezing
Storing Royal Jelly in the freezer at -18 degrees Celsius is the best and most reliable method to preserve its quality and properties and prevent spoilage. This method increases the shelf life by to two years.
Method: As soon as possible after purchase, transfer the Royal Jelly to airtight containers such as special glass or plastic containers and place it in the freezer.
Note: Avoid defrosting and refreezing your royal jelly, as this will affect its quality.
- Refrigeration
If you do not have the possibility to store Royal Jelly in the freezer, you can keep it in the refrigerator at 4 degrees Celsius for one month.
Method: Transfer the Royal Jelly to airtight containers such as glass or plastic containers. Store it in the farthest part of the refrigerator from the door, away from heat and light sources such as lamps.
Note: Royal Jelly stored in the refrigerator should be consumed as soon as possible (maximum one month).
- Combine with honey
Royal jelly can be mixed with honey in a 1 to 4 ratio and stored in the refrigerator. This method can help to preserve the quality of royal jelly for a longer period of time. Honey acts as a natural preservative and can help to retain the properties of royal jelly.
- Lyophilization storage
Royal Jelly can be dried and powdered using a process called lyophilization. This method can increase the shelf life of Royal Jelly to several years.
What is lyophilization?
Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying or sublimation drying, is a process that is used to preserve perishable materials such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biological products. This process involves freezing the material and then removing water from it through sublimation (direct conversion from solid to gas) under a vacuum.
The place of Royal Jelly in international trade and export
Royal jelly, a nutritious and valuable substance with numerous health properties, has been recognized in recent years as a product with significant export potential in international trade. The growing demand for natural and healthy products, along with the increasing awareness of the health properties and benefits of royal jelly, has created new opportunities for exporting this product from producing countries to global markets.
Leading Royal Jelly Producing and Exporting Countries:
- China: The largest producer and exporter of Royal Jelly in the world.
- Taiwan: The second-largest exporter of Royal Jelly in the world.
- France: A major consumer of Royal Jelly worldwide, France also produces and exports the product.
- New Zealand: With favorable climatic conditions and high-quality royal jelly, New Zealand is emerging as a significant exporter of this product.
Export Opportunities for Royal Jelly from Iran
With a long history in beekeeping and honey production, Iran has a significant potential to produce and export high quality royal jelly. Access to natural resources and high-quality raw materials, a skilled and specialized workforce in beekeeping, competitive prices and government support for the export of agricultural products are among the important advantages of exporting Royal Jelly from Iran.
Target Export Markets for Royal Jelly from Iran
- European countries with a high demand for natural and organic products
- Asian countries with a growing population and an interest in consuming food supplements
- North American countries with high purchasing power and willingness to consume new products
Conclusion
Royal jelly, with its rich nutritional profile and diverse health benefits, can be a valuable addition to one’s diet as a natural health supplement. While the advantages of Royal Jelly are numerous, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before consumption, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions, due to potential contraindications and drug interactions.
Royal jelly, a highly valued and nutritious product, presents significant export opportunities for Iran. By harnessing its existing potential and adhering to export considerations, Iran can expand its share in the global Royal Jelly market and reap both economic and health benefits for the nation.
