Royal jelly

Royal jelly is the milky substance worker bees make to feed their queen. It's her only food for life, which is part of why it has such a mystique.

It contains protein, B vitamins and a unique fatty acid called 10-HDA that researchers are studying. Early studies have looked at royal jelly for cholesterol and menopausal symptoms, with some encouraging results, but most are small. Think of it as an interesting extra rather than a must-have.

A word of caution: royal jelly can trigger serious allergic reactions, especially in people with bee or pollen allergies or asthma. If you'd like to try it, check with your doctor or practitioner first, start with a small amount and buy from a reputable source. Your basics, like good food and sleep, still do the heavy lifting.