kuningatarhyytelö

Kuningatarhyytelö, also known as royal jelly, is a milky white secretion produced by worker bees of the genus Apis. It is secreted from the hypopharyngeal glands of young, nurse bees and is fed to all young larvae for the first three days of their lives, regardless of whether they are destined to become workers or queens. For the duration of their larval development, queens are exclusively fed royal jelly. This nutritional difference is believed to be the primary factor in the development of queen bees, which are significantly larger and longer-lived than worker bees.

Royal jelly is composed primarily of water (approximately 50-60%), protein (12-15%), carbohydrates (10-16%), lipids (3-5%), and vitamins and minerals. The protein content includes several specific proteins, such as royalisin, which is thought to have antimicrobial properties. It also contains a unique fatty acid, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which is found only in royal jelly and is believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties.

Due to its unique composition, royal jelly has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is also marketed as a dietary supplement. It is believed to offer a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. However, scientific evidence supporting many of these claims is limited, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Royal jelly can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.