Royal jelly and health benefits
Royal jelly is a natural product that serves as a food supplement and herbal remedy.
It is generally found in pharmacies and herbalist’s shops, but it is often also available at large retail stores.
It is a natural secretion of young worker bees and is an important food for the queen bee.
The quantities of royal jelly produced within a colony are minimal, compared to honey; in a well cared for beehive and with adequate surrounding environmental resources, it is possible, during an average production season of six months, to collect approximately only half a kilo of royal jelly.
Royal jelly is a jelly with a dense consistency and a yellowish white color.
Good properties of royal jelly
Royal jelly contains over 60% water and then mainly proteins and sugars. It has few fats and few vitamins. It is therefore a supplement that can make an important protein and energy contribution to the body.
Royal jelly is widely used especially in situations that require a tonic aid to fight fatigue and increase the efficiency of the immune system.
Who should use royal jelly
The use of royal jelly is indicated above all for the dietary integration of children, elderly people and adults with symptoms of hyper fatigue and stress.
It is also strongly recommended for athletes and students under scrutiny, who can find the charge to concentrate.
A treatment based on royal jelly can also help people who are lacking appetite to regain their appetite and get back on their feet.
The appropriate dose of royal jelly depends on several factors, such as the patient’s age, health and several other conditions. As with any health intervention, it is always advisable to consult a doctor in order to be sure that the remedy is suitable and the correct methods of use are prescribed.
Storage of royal jelly at temperature
Royal jelly is quickly perishable, so immediately after collection it must be stored in refrigerators or freezers until they are sold or distributed to processing companies. In order to be able to fully bring its beneficial properties, royal jelly must be consumed fresh: this is why it is important that the cold chain relative to the product is not interrupted.
In its pure state, royal jelly is therefore always kept in the refrigerator, where the appropriate temperature is that of vegetables. Outside the refrigerator the royal jelly does not change but loses, after at least 8-10 days, a substantial part of its nutritional qualities.
Royal jelly with all its components is therefore an effective remedy but requires attention to temperature conservation because it degrades easily.
Air, light and temperatures above 4 degrees can alter the composition and therefore the integrity of royal jelly.
For this reason most producers pack the royal jelly in dark and well sealed jars. Some manufacturers sell the royal jelly jar in another polystyrene container or insulation material to maintain the correct temperature.
Fresh royal jelly is produced, distributed and sold respecting the cold chain.
Thanks to the cold chain the preservation of royal jelly always remains below 4 degrees up to the consumer’s home.
Pharmacies and herbalists must comply with the principles of the cold chain: the product must therefore remain in the refrigerators before being sold.
It is important that the consumer is also informed about the correct storage methods of the product.
The royal jelly will in fact be kept in the refrigerator at home. In this way, royal jelly can remain intact and effective even for 12 months, although it is better to consume it in a shorter time.
Sometimes, after harvesting, honey or beeswax is added to the royal jelly so as to prolong its shelf life.
An alternative solution to refrigeration is the freeze-drying process of royal jelly. Thanks to this process, eliminating the humidity contained in the product, a good shelf life is obtained even at room temperature and the nutritional properties remain unchanged.
Royal jelly, where to buy it
Quality royal jelly is available in pharmacies and herbalists.
In these shops the patient can consult a specialist (the pharmacist or herbalist) for more information on this natural remedy and how to take it. Alternatively you can buy it online, although it is preferable to first hear the opinion of an expert who highlights any contraindications, for example in patients suffering from severe allergies.
Cosmetic uses of royal jelly
Royal jelly is used not only as a food supplement, but also in the cosmetic field: in fact, there are various types of beauty products on the market containing royal jelly.
Among the many effects, royal jelly improves skin elasticity and hydration by slowing down the phenomena of skin aging and reducing wrinkles.
Royal jelly also acts by improving the healing processes of the skin, for example in cases of acne, burns, sunburn.
Also available with royal jelly are detergent products such as soaps or bubble bath, also suitable for the most delicate skin and leaving the skin soft and hydrated.