Shall we explore one of the most fascinating secrets in the world of bees?
In this article, you'll discover what Royal Jelly is, its benefits and why it's essential for bees!
What is Royal Jelly?
A Royal Jelly is a nutritious substance produced by bees and used to feed the larvae and the queen bee.
It takes the form of a gelatinous substance, the consistency of which thickens over time. It has a whitish or slightly yellowish colour and can be altered by oxidation on contact with air.
Its characteristic aroma is reminiscent of phenol. It also has an acidic flavour due to its PH content.
This product is rich in amino acids, vitamins, proteins and minerals. It's a real superfood, as it transforms a simple larva into a queen and guarantees the survival and prosperity of the hive.
A treasure of nature, not just for bees
Royal Jelly has been arousing interest in the world of health and well-being. Due to its composition, it is believed that this food can bring benefits to our health such as:
- Increase energy,
- Strengthen the immune system,
- Improve skin health,
- Improve memory and concentration,
- Lower cholesterol,
- Helps prevent fatty liver.
However, its most important and fascinating role continues to be within the hive, where it is crucial for the survival of the bees.
Why do bees produce royal jelly and what are its benefits?
Royal Jelly is produced by bees to feed the queen bee throughout her life. Thanks to this food, the queen becomes bigger and stronger and has a longer lifespan than other bees.
Bees live for around six weeks, while the queen can live for up to five years. This impressive difference is solely due to the fact that the queen is fed Royal Jelly throughout her life.
Royal Jelly contains a high concentration of proteins, sugars, essential fatty acids and B vitamins, which are crucial for the bees' metabolism. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, helping to strengthen the bees' immune system and protect them against disease.
When a colony needs a new queen, the bees select specific larvae and start feeding them large quantities of Royal Jelly.
The transformation of an ordinary larva into a queen, thanks to the exclusive feeding of Royal Jelly, is one of the most extraordinary examples of the social organisation of bees. Without this substance, the hive could not survive. The queen, being the only fertile female, is essential for the reproduction of the colony; without her, the hive would collapse.
Royal jelly is the mainstay of life in the hive
Royal Jelly is one of nature's greatest secrets, guaranteeing the balance and success of the entire hive. Without it, there would be no queen to lead and no strong, organised hive.
In Mel PirataWe value and respect the incredible work of bees, bringing you quality, natural bee products.
Keep following our blog to learn more about the fascinating world of bees!
Share this article on social media by selecting one of the options below!