Royal jelly: these are all names for the same light-colored substance that bees produce. It is one of the more unusual products from the beehive, and a frequently asked question from our customers is what royal jelly exactly is and what it consists of. In this blog, you will read how royal jelly is made, what it contains, what research actually says about it, and where you can buy it.
What is Royal Jelly?
When you first see royal jelly, it mostly resembles a kind of cloudy milk. This is not surprising: bees produce it to feed young larvae during their first days of life. Only one larva is fed royal jelly throughout its entire life — that larva grows into the queen bee.
Why Does the Queen Bee Grow So Large and Live So Long?
The queen does not simply grow larger and live longer than the other bees: royal jelly plays a demonstrable role in her development within the bee colony. It is tempting to conclude from this that something that has such a strong effect on a bee larva must also be particularly healthy for humans. However, this reasoning does not simply apply: bees and humans have completely different biologies and metabolisms. An effect within a bee colony is not proof of an effect in humans, and we therefore do not want to pass on that assumption without reservation.
What Does Royal Jelly Consist Of?
Royal jelly naturally contains a number of nutrients, including:
- Proteins
- Vitamins (especially from the B-complex)
- Glycerides (fat-like compounds)
- Minerals
- Hydroxydecanoic acid (a fatty acid almost unique to royal jelly)
This composition explains why royal jelly is considered a nutritious bee product. However, it is important to distinguish between "contains nutrients" and "has a proven health effect" — the latter is different and must be demonstrated separately.
What Does Research Say About the Effect on Humans?
Royal jelly has been in the spotlight for a relatively short time, partly because it is scarce and difficult to obtain. As a result, relatively little large-scale, repeated scientific research has been conducted on the effect of royal jelly on human health. One example that is regularly cited is a Japanese study from 2012 (Morita et al.), which looked at the effect of royal jelly on the psychological health of healthy subjects. This is one small-scale study; it is not the same as a confirmed, generally recognized effect. There is no health claim approved by the European Union for the consumption of royal jelly. Therefore, use royal jelly primarily as a nutritious, natural product — not as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Fresh or Freeze-Dried: What's the Difference?
Royal jelly is available in various forms. Fresh, pure royal jelly is the most unprocessed, but also vulnerable: it is highly perishable and should be stored refrigerated. Freeze-dried royal jelly, often processed into capsules, is more stable at room temperature and has a longer shelf life. The choice depends on your preference: fresh has a distinct, acidic taste, while capsules are taste-neutral and easy to dose.
Points to Consider
Royal jelly is a bee product and can cause an allergic reaction in people with an allergy to bee products. If in doubt, test a small amount first and consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms. Royal jelly is not recommended for children under 1 year of age.
Where Can You Buy Royal Jelly?
At Honingwinkel.nl, you will find pure royal jelly, directly from the beekeeper, as well as royal jelly capsules and honey with royal jelly. Something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is royal jelly? A milky substance that worker bees produce to feed larvae. The larva that eats royal jelly its entire life grows into the queen bee.
What is in royal jelly? Among other things, proteins, B vitamins, glycerides, minerals, and hydroxydecanoic acid.
Is royal jelly healthy? There is no EU-recognized health claim for royal jelly. It naturally contains nutrients, but large-scale, repeated research into its effects on humans is limited.
Where do you buy royal jelly? From a reliable, specialized beekeeper or webshop such as Honingwinkel.nl, in pure form, capsules, or mixed with honey.
This blog article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or medication. Always consult a doctor for health questions.
