Manuka Honey Benefits

 

Manuka honey is a delicious superfood and incredible natural remedy, with a multitude of actions and uses

Summary: Benefits of Manuka Honey

• Manuka honey’s anti-bacterial action is one of its most powerful benefits
• Renowned for its wound healing, and promoting tissue regeneration by many cultures, and now backed by scientific research, and clinical studies.
• Manuka honey is high in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
• Including Manuka honey in your everyday diet and skincare routine can offer many benefits for digestive health, skin care, and oral health. 

What Is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey, originates from Australia and New Zealand, where the native Manuka tree naturally grows in forests. Manuka honey is distinguished from other types of honey through its unique antibacterial qualities that are of incredible benefit.

There has been much scientific research done to discover why Manuka honey is so effective.

The antibacterial qualities of this honey have been found to be particularly potent due to the presence of methylglyoxal, a compound not commonly found in other types of honey. This natural antibacterial agent makes Manuka honey highly sought after for its various health benefits including wound healing, immune system support, and digestive health.

How Is Manuka Honey Made?

Manuka honey is made by bees, gathering nectar from the Manuka tree, through enzymatic activity. Manuka honey is unique due to the presence of methylglyoxal - a naturally occurring compoint with potent healing abilities. 

Manuka honey must be carefully harvested, and extracted to preserve the bioactive and beneficial qualities of the honey.

This is why there is a high demand for Manuka honey in the medical industry, as well as the health and wellness industry, as it offers a very effective, potent, natural remedy and solution to support many medical conditions.

What Are The Benefits Of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey offers a range of benefits from treating wounds, and infections, to reducing pain and inflammation through its anti-inflammatory action. Manuka honey is also rich in antioxidants which have a role in overall health and boosting the immune system.

This unique type of honey is known for its potent antibacterial properties that can help combat bacterial infections. Plus its therapeutic uses, Manuka honey is also rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in promoting overall health and boosting the immune system.

Manuka honey’s natural sweetness makes it a healthier alternative to refined sugars, giving a natural healing alternative.

Antibacterial Properties

There are numberous scientific studies showing it potent antimicrobial capabilities. 

Research have shown that Manuka honey has been successful in treating wounds, ulcers, and even reducing the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria like MRSA.

Unlike standard honey varieties, Manuka honey contains high levels of hydrogen peroxide, which contributes to its exceptional antimicrobial activity.

Wound Healing

Manuka honey is well known for its wound healing properties, including tissue regeneration, fighting wound infections, and significant reduction in scarring.

Making it a popular and natural choice for treating wound infections and promoting the regeneration of damaged tissue affected by infection.

When applied to wounds, Manuka honey creates a barrier against harmful bacteria, preventing infections and allowing the damaged tissue to heal more effectively.

Manuka honey's ability to stimulate the production of collagen and fibroblasts further accelerates the healing process by supporting tissue regeneration. This promotes the formation of new skin cells and blood vessels, leading to faster wound closure and reduced scarring.

Digestive Health

The antibacterial properties of Manuka honey are behind its ability to help soothe digestive symptoms such as indigestion, acid reflux, bloating and ulcers.

The antibacterial activity of Manuka combats any harmful bacteria present in the gut, which re-balances the digestive flora microbiome, and supports overall gut health.

Another important benefit in the digestive system is its powerful anti-inflammatory effects which can assist in treating gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Skin Care

Manuka honey has long been a secret ingredient when it comes to radiant, age-less skin. Its antibiotic properties work to combat acne-causing bacteria, which promotes clearer skin. The honey also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and wound healing which promotes a radiant complexion.

Manuka honey also has a high antioxidant content, which helps protect against free radical oxidative damage, this in turn reduces the signs of premature aging.

Including Manuka honey in your skincare routine can also provide hydration and boost collagen production, which helps skin look youthful and fresh.

Oral Health

Manuka honey’s powerful antibacterial properties work for the benefit of your oral health too, 

One of the key benefits of Manuka honey lies in its ability to target harmful bacteria that may cause oral issues such as gingivitis and cavities, Regular consumption or topical application of Manuka honey can contribute to reducing inflammation, fighting infections, and maintaining a healthy oral environment.

Are There Any Risks Of Using Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey offers so many benefits, however there are some potential risks for some individuals. 

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Manuka honey can occur in some individuals. These allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling, to more severe manifestations like hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. If you have a history of allergies or immune disorders it is important that you consult with your healthcare provider if you want to include Manuka honey in your diet.

If you have never had Manuka honey before, the recommendations are the same for introducing any new food into someone’s diet, which is to try a very small amount first to check for any reaction.

High in Sugar though Lower GI

Manuka honey is naturally sweet, however it does have a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar. 

The lower glycemic index of Manuka honey means that it is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly, leading to a gradual rise and fall in blood sugar levels. This can help in avoiding the sudden spikes and crashes that are often associated with refined sugars. 

If you are diabetic, or have blood sugar problems, then it is best to consume Manuka honey in moderation.

How To Choose and Use Manuka Honey?

 

It is very important to buy Manuka honey from trusted sources that follow strict guidelines of extraction, and guarantee its purity and efficacy. 

Look for a MGO Rating

To ensure you are getting a quality Australian Manuka honey, check the MGO rating to ensure authenticity. The higher the MGO rating the more potent the antimicrobial activity of the honey, and the more therapeutic the product is. The high strength MGO ratings are ideal for medical and therapeutic use.

Check for Authenticity

Authenticity is very important when choosing Manuka honey, especially ensuring that products labeled as Australian Manuka honey meet the necessary quality standards and conditions.

It's essential to look for traceability and a reputable certification mark on the packaging, such as the Australian Manuka Honey Association's logo, which guarantees strict adherence to industry standards. 

Ensuring that the honey meets the appropriate laboratory testing requirements for purity and potency is crucial. Investing in authentic Australian Manuka honey not only guarantees superior quality but also supports sustainable beekeeping practices in the region.

Use as a Natural Sweetener

Whilst Manuka honey is more known for its medical and therapeutic benefits, it also makes an incredibly delicious culinary honey at the lower MGO ratings.

Manuka honey has a lower GI than refined white sugar, and can be substituted as an alternative sweetener.

Even at the lower MGO ratings, Manuka honey is still packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.

Try using Manuka honey in your recipes as a health-conscious choice in your smoothies, marinades, salad dressings, mocktails or cocktails, and desserts.

Incorporate into Skincare Routine

Manuka honey has properties that are renowned for its ability to promote nourished, hydrated, healthy, radiant skin.

Manuka honey is naturally high in antioxidants, and together with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities it can not only soothe irritated skin, but can also provide deep hydration and rejuvenation. 

Its ability to boost collagen production, supports the natural firming of the skin and reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Manuka honey deeply nourishes the skin providing vitamins, and minerals, which helps to revitalise your complexion.

Including Manuka honey in your daily skincare routine, can help with all kinds of symptoms from dryness, and aging to acne.

Use as a Natural Remedy for Coughs and Sore Throats

One of Manuka honey’s most famous benefits, is in its ability to soothe a sore throat, and provide relief to persistent acute and chronic coughs, and respiratory problems.

Manuka honey can soothe irritated strep throats by forming a protective barrier over the irritated areas, killing harmful bacteria, and reducing the inflammation which can also reduce the pain, and provide comfort from these symptoms.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using manuka honey?

Manuka honey is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can benefit your overall health and wellbeing.

How is manuka honey different from regular honey?

Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, a plant native to Australia and New Zealand. It contains higher levels of methylglyoxal, a compound responsible for its unique antibacterial properties, compared to regular honey.

What health conditions can manuka honey help with?

Manuka honey has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and wounds. It is also known to alleviate sore throats, digestion issues, infections, sleep disorders, and promote oral health, boost immunity and overall health.

Can manuka honey be used for skincare?

Yes, manuka honey is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe and heal skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Is manuka honey safe for consumption?

Yes, manuka honey is generally safe for consumption. However, individuals with a bee allergy or diabetes should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming it.

Can manuka honey be used as a substitute for antibiotics?

While manuka honey has powerful antibacterial properties, it is not a substitute for antibiotics. It can be used as a complementary treatment, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for serious infections.