VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

Move Over Honey - Royal Jelly is the "New" Healthful Bee Product

Besides honey, busy bees create a substance called royal jelly, which is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Royal jelly is fed to all larvae for the first three days of life, but is then fed exclusively to "lucky ones" chosen to become queen bees, so they grow larger and stronger, and live longer (up to four years!), than the others.

Because of this powerful effect, it's believed that royal jelly may also benefit human health. It's regarded as a superfood, delivering all the B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, D and E, plus calcium, iron, potassium and other minerals. Royal jelly may help boost immunity, promote speedy recovery from wounds and enhance energy and vitality.

Royal jelly is also added to hair and skin care products for softening, smoothing and strengthening effects.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

High-Protein Spirulina Supports Overall Health & Energy

It's hard to believe, but that green, fuzzy-textured "stuff" growing on rocks in lakes and ponds is actually good for your health. Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, is one of nature's richest sources of vitamin B12. It also contains amino acids, omega-6 GLA, beta carotene, zinc and iron.

Available in powder, tablet or capsule form, spirulina has been shown to help boost immunity, protect against allergic reactions (by blocking the release of histamines), assist with the maintenance of blood sugar levels, increase energy and nourish the skin. Spirulina is also used as a sports supplement because of its high protein content.

To use spirulina powder, sprinkle into beverages or on soups and other foods. Most tablets and capsules come in 500mg dosages and should be taken several times a day for best results.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”