Royal jelly, also known as bee milk, is mainly used to feed queen bees and honeybee larvae. It has been found that queen bees lay more eggs per day than their own body weight, yet they have a lifespan of 4-5 years. In contrast, worker bees do not lay eggs and only live for 1-2 months. This indicates that royal jelly significantly prolongs the lifespan of queen bees and promotes egg production. In addition to water, royal jelly contains approximately 12%-13% protein, 4.9%-23% lipids, 8.5%-16% carbohydrates, and 0.7%-0.82% minerals.
(1) Protein
The protein in royal jelly is mainly composed of albumin and globulin. Its composition is similar to the albumin and globulin in human blood, making it easily absorbed by the body. Royal jelly contains nearly 20 types of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids required by the human body. These amino acids play important roles in physiological activities. For example, methionine has a strong liver function, glutamic acid promotes brain function, and gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibits brain excitation. These components have certain auxiliary therapeutic effects on neurasthenia.
(2) Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Royal jelly contains phosphoric compounds, with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) accounting for 1/3 of the total. ATP has certain auxiliary therapeutic effects on arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and liver diseases.
(3) Vitamins
Royal jelly contains a large amount of vitamins, mainly B vitamins, with the highest content of vitamin B2. It also contains niacin and choline. Additionally, royal jelly contains vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, acetylcholine, inositol, and biotin. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in protein metabolism; vitamin B12 and folic acid are beneficial for hematopoiesis; acetylcholine is essential for nerve transmission; and inositol promotes fat metabolism.
(4) Organic Acids
Royal jelly contains a compound called royal jelly acid (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid). Royal jelly acid has anti-cancer effects, reducing the risk of cancer in the elderly.
Due to its beneficial chemical components, royal jelly plays a role in preventing and treating diseases in the physiological activities of the elderly. It also moisturizes the skin, enhances memory, and delays aging. Therefore, taking royal jelly can help the elderly live longer and healthier lives.
