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13 Benefits Of Royal Jelly, Nutritional Value, & Side Effects

This natural jelly is said to hold the power to boost your immunity and fertility!

Medically reviewed by Julie Freeman, RDN, LDN, RYT
Written by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health

Edited by Arshiya Syeda

Fact-checked by Aparna Mallampalli, BEd (Biological Sciences), MSc (Microbiology), Diploma In Nutrition • Nov 28, 2023

13 Benefits Of Royal Jelly, Nutritional Value, & Side Effects

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Young nurse bees secrete a nutritious jelly-like substance known as royal jelly, which is food for the queen bee. But the benefits of royal jelly in humans are also getting popular lately. The jelly is believed to have healing and anti-tumor properties. Its proteins are vital for the growth of cells and may also play a role in reproduction. Like honey, royal jelly also comes from beehives. It has a unique sweet and spicy-acidic taste and is produced by the bees. Learn more about the many benefits royal jelly can offer. Read on.

Know Your Ingredient: Royal-Jelly

What Is It?
A creamy, milky substance made by worker bees as food for their queen bee.

What Are Its Benefits?
It boosts the immune, digestive and nervous system, improves skin health, and reduces inflammation.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone with skin conditions, such as eczema, candida, and acne can use it topically. People struggling with fertility issues, and gut- and immunity-related problems can consume it.

How Often?
1 gram per day for adults, and 0.5 grams per day for children over 5 years of age.

Caution
Avoid it if you are allergic to bee products, under medication for blood pressure, and pregnant or lactating.

In This Article

How Is Royal Jelly Good For You?

Royal jelly typically contains 60% to 70% water, 15% proteins, and 2-3% vitamins and amino acids – all of these contribute to its benefits.

Trivia

Royal jelly is fed to all bee larvae, irrespective of whether they are male workers, female workers, or the queen. However, the larvae destined to become queen are fed copious amounts of it for longer than the other larvae. This allows for the differential physical developments (enlarged and functional ovaries) in the queen bee that creates the hierarchy.

Research shows that taking royal jelly on a regular basis can lower the bad or LDL cholesterol levels. It can also treat infertility and high blood pressure and can be a good aid in the treatment of various forms of cancer. Thus, it promotes healthy aging and longevity. That’s a brief about the goodness of royal jelly. Now, we get to more details.

What Are The Benefits Of Royal Jelly?

The antioxidants in royal jelly can boost immunity and fight cancer. It contains important neurotransmitters that improve brain health and prevent conditions like Alzheimer'sⁱXA neurologic disorder in aged individuals that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die, thereby obstructing everyday life. . The jelly also balances hormones and might improve sexual health.

1. Royal Jelly Boosts The Immune System

Studies have shown that histamine (a compound that is released in the body in response to injury or allergy) response to allergens was suppressed post royal jelly intake. One study states that royal jelly has a lot of flavonoids and organic compounds – all of which can enhance performance by building immunity (1). The jelly can counteract allergens and even accelerate wound healing.

However, more research is required in this aspect.

2. Improves Brain Health

Nutritional value, 4 side effect and 13 royal jelly benefits

Image: Shutterstock

Royal jelly contains antioxidants that can protect the fatty acids in the brain tissue from free radical attacks – which means it has the potential to aid Alzheimer'sⁱXA neurologic disorder in aged individuals that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die, thereby obstructing everyday life. treatment (2). The nutrients in royal jelly can also treat chemical imbalances in the brain, which can otherwise lead to anxiety and stress.

Royal jelly is also the only natural source of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates memory and transmits messages from cell to cell. Optimal levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain can be linked to improved memory and cognitive function. Royal jelly might also treat depression.

3. Helps Fight Cancer

Royal jelly has been noted as a possible way to inhibit cancer growth. It has been found to stop blood supply to cancer cells, thereby halting their growth. The fatty components of royal jelly have estrogenic effects. Thus, women with estrogen sensitive breast cancer should consult their physician about its use. Other studies support cancer-lowering properties. One Iranian study showed how royal jelly could help treat cancer-related fatigue (3).

4. Can Aid Diabetes Treatment

Long-term supplementation of royal jelly was found to improve several diabetes indicators. The intake of royal jelly was also linked to some positive changes in glucose levels, although these changes were only long-term (4). Another study suggests that royal jelly supplementation may be beneficial in controlling unwanted side effects of diabetes (5).

Though we need more studies to substantiate the facts, this is a step in the right direction.

5. Royal Jelly Might Prevent Osteoporosis

One Turkish study states that royal jelly, along with bee pollen, can decrease bone loss due to osteoporosis (6). It was also found to enhance internal calcium absorption, which can build bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

6. Promotes Digestive Health

Royal jelly is a good source of bifidobacteria, which are the beneficial bacteria that support digestive health. It is a useful probiotic that supports the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

7. Fights Inflammation

As per a Japanese study, royal jelly has anti-inflammatory effects that help treat periodontal diseases (7). Some sources suggest that it might also work as an arthritis treatment.

8. Can Aid Weight Loss

Aid weight loss with royal jelly benefits

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Though royal jelly doesn’t directly reduce weight, it can increase your energy levels – which, in turn, helps you workout harder, and that, eventually, leads to weight loss. And since it is low in calories and doesn’t have saturated fat, it can be a good addition to your weight loss diet.

According to an Iranian study, supplementation with royal jelly can help in weight management in diabetics (8). The jelly might also boost metabolism, which, in turn, helps in weight loss.

9. Royal Jelly Can Boost Fertility

There is less information on this. However, one study states that the antioxidant properties of royal jelly have a positive effect on sperm production and motility – and this can enhance fertility (9).

10. Supports Men’s Health

Animal research suggests that supplementing with royal jelly can enhance testosterone production. Though we need more studies on humans, the results look promising. Some sources also suggest that royal jelly can help treat erectile dysfunction.

Christian, a YouTuber, talked about the health benefits of royal jelly and attested to feeling a hormonal pump if taken before exercising. He said, “If I took this before working out, I would feel it right away. I would feel a big boost because I felt so happy and energized (i).” He explained that it feels different from a caffeine-stimulated rush, but more like a happiness boost.

11. Can Boost Libido

Royal jelly is known to interact with the hormones in the body, and this might boost libido. However, we need more research before we can arrive at a conclusion.

12. Is Beneficial For The Skin

Woman applying royal jelly under eye for dark circles

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Royal jelly has numerous beauty benefits. It contains antioxidants that fight the signs of aging and promote skin vitality. The jelly rejuvenates your skin, tightens the pores, and gives you a flawless look. It scavenges the free radicals that cause aging and imparts a healthy radiance to your skin.

Royal jelly fights skin conditions like eczemaⁱXAn inflamed skin condition caused due to exposure to air pollutants, harsh soaps and skin care products, and lint. , candidaⁱXA fungal infection that causes redness, itching, painful intercourse, swelling, and a thick white vaginal discharge. , and acne. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and improve the appearance of your skin. All you have to do is take some of the jelly, apply it to the affected areas, and wash it off after 20 minutes. Do it in the morning. You can also purchase royal jelly extract or powder to use for your skin care.

For treating dark circles, take two tablespoons of royal jelly and apply it all over the affected areas. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. Alternatively, you can also mix some almond oil with royal jelly and apply. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash with cold water.

You can also moisturize your hands and legs with royal jelly. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for a maximum of 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water. You will surely see your skin change dramatically.

You can also use it to lessen scars and dark spots and for making your skin glow. Take two tablespoons of royal jelly, some yogurt, and one egg white. Mix well and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and wash off with cold water. Do this three times per week to keep your face smooth and clean.

13. Can Boost Hair Growth

Royal jelly is used in numerous natural remedies for hair care. The protein and other vitamins in it can boost hair growth. Take some royal jelly and mix it with coconut milk. Apply the mixture to your hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

You can also prepare a hot oil treatment for your hair – take two tablespoons of almond oil and mix with royal jelly. Heat for about 20 seconds in the microwave. Apply the mixture your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Shampoo and condition as usual.

This treatment can help eliminate dandruff and also make your hair shine.

Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, studies suggest that it is also used in alternative medicine for treating menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, back aches, and low back pain (10), (11). However, further studies are needed to support this claim. These are the benefits of royal jelly. But that is not all. Royal jelly comes from the same place as honey. Then, how do the two have different benefits?

Royal Jelly Vs. Honey – What’s The Difference?

Royal jelly is often used as a nutritional supplement, while honey is used as a natural sweetener. Following are some of the benefits of each (in brief):

Royal Jelly

Benefits the immune system
Helps fight cancer
Heals wounds
Supports digestion
Promotes bone health
Aids diabetes treatment
Moisturizes skin

Honey

Works as a natural sweetener
Helps regulate insulin
Fights inflammation
Cures sore throat
Improves athletic performance
Gives an antioxidant boost to the skin

Royal jelly is a honey bee secretion that is used in the nutrition of larvae and adult queens. Raw honey is 100% unprocessed and retains all the enzymes, royal jelly, rich vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.

Fun Fact

Around 500-900 grams of royal jelly can be collected from a well-managed hive during the 5-6 month-long season (spring and summer).

That brings us to the nutrient profile of royal jelly.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Royal Jelly?

One gram of royal jelly contains the following nutrients:

Vitamin B1	1.5 to 7.4 mcg
Vitamin B2	5.3 to 10 mcg
Vitamin B3	91 to 149 mcg
Vitamin B5	65 to 200 mcg
Vitamin B6	2.2 to 10.2 mcg
Biotin	0.9 to 3.7 mcg
Inositol	78 to 150 mcg
Folic Acid	0.16 to 0.5 mcg
Vitamin C	trace amounts

Well, you saw all the good things about royal jelly. But it’s time you took a look at the other side as well.

What Are The Side Effects Of Royal Jelly?

Woman with breathing issues due to royal jelly.

Image: Shutterstock

1. Issues With Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

There is not enough information about the safety of royal jelly during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hence, stay safe and avoid its use.

2. Asthma And Other Allergies

If you have asthma or other allergies to bee products, don’t use royal jelly. It might cause serious reactions, and in some cases, even death.

3. Inflamed Skin

There have been instances where royal jelly aggravated dermatitis. Hence, consult your doctor before use.

4. Low Blood Pressure

The jelly might lower blood pressure – hence, exercise caution if you are on blood pressure medications as it might lower blood pressure way too much.

Sticking to the ideal dosage of royal jelly may help reduce the risk of side effects. Learn more in the next section.

Royal Jelly Dosage

Following is the ideal dose of royal jelly based on one’s age (12):

Infants: 0.5g/day
1 to 5 years old: 0.5g/day
5 to 12 years old: 0.5 to 1g/day
Adults: 1 to 5g/day

Do note that more studies are warranted in this regard. Royal jelly is available as a gel-like substance, powder, or capsules. You also can apply it topically. It also is occasionally integrated into commercially available skin care products like vaginal creams, solutions, and ointments. Consult a doctor for the dosage suitable for you.

Infographic: Benefits Of Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is the food for the queen bees and is secreted by the nurse bees. It is nutritious and is known to offer an array of health benefits. It is known for its sweet and slightly acidic taste.

Learn more about the health benefits of royal jelly from the infographic below!

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Royal jelly is a nutrient-dense gelatinous substance with a long history in traditional medicine. It is known for its healing properties. The high antioxidant content of royal jelly benefits your health in several ways. It may boost the immune system, improve brain health, reduce cancer risk, aid in diabetes treatment, prevent osteoporosis, promote digestive health, and fight inflammation. It may also improve skin conditions like acne, eczemaⁱXAn inflamed skin condition caused due to exposure to air pollutants, harsh soaps and skin care products, and lint. , and inflammation, and provides anti-aging benefits. But overuse may aggravate asthma, allergies, or dermatitis and lower blood pressure levels way too much. Hence, those on any medications must consult a doctor before consuming royal jelly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much royal jelly can you take in a day?

For adults, it is 1 gram per day. And for children (over 5 years of age), the dosage is 0.5 grams per day. You can take it in the morning, after breakfast.

Is royal jelly equivalent to B-complex?

Royal jelly sure does contain all of the B-complex vitamins in substantial amounts. But we recommend, for optimal nutrition, you rely on whole foods and supplements – and not just royal jelly alone.

How long does royal jelly last in the refrigerator?

Royal jelly can be refrigerated for up to 6 months.

What is ginseng royal jelly?

Ginseng royal jelly combines the medicinal properties of Panax ginseng (also called Asian ginseng) and royal jelly – it is a herbal tonic quite popular throughout Asia. The tonic is helpful for combating fatigue, fighting infection, and managing blood sugar.

What is 10-HDA in royal jelly?

10 HDA is also known as 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid, which is a natural unsaturated fatty acid in royal jelly that imparts cancer-inhibiting properties to it.Studies show that 10-HDA can help to prevent the spread of cancer and even induce cancer cell death, known as apoptosis.

Does royal jelly help you sleep?

Yes, royal jelly is known for having a plethora of benefits from reducing stress to regulating blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals (8), (9). Limited research has also proven royal jelly’s contribution in sound sleep in CRF (cancer-related fatigue) that causes sleep disturbances (13).

Is royal jelly good for the liver?

Yes, royal jelly is beneficial for the liver. Its hepatoprotective nature allows it to protect the liver from any toxic substances and contribute to improving its condition (14).

Does royal jelly contain vitamin C?

Yes, royal jelly contains vitamin C in minimal amounts. The antioxidant property of vitamin C contributes to detoxification of blood, tissue repairing and cell production in the body.