Manuka honey is often described as a true health elixir thanks to its remarkable properties. Find out what the benefits of this unique honey are, how it compares to other types of honey and what contraindications it might have! It is also very important to learn how to make sure you are purchasing genuine manuka honey and how to use it optimally to improve your health.
What is manuka honey and where does it come from?
Manuka honey is a special type of honey produced in New Zealand and Australia by bees that pollinate the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It is a superfood globally recognized for its unique properties, its health benefits far surpassing those of other types of honey.
The manuka tree, the source of this honey, is endemic to New Zealand and southeastern Australia. In these regions, bees collect nectar from manuka flowers and transport it to the hive, where it is turned into honey. Genuine manuka honey comes exclusively from these regions, and its authenticity is given by the presence of a substance called methylglyoxal (MGO), responsible for the unique antibacterial properties of this type of honey.
Compared to other types of honey, manuka honey stands out for its superior antibacterial properties due to the presence of methylglyoxal. Although all types of honey have antibacterial properties due to their hydrogen peroxide content, manuka honey has a much higher antibacterial capacity. Also, this honey is denser and darker in color than other types of honey.
Properties and chemical composition of manuka honey
Manuka honey is recognized for its unique chemical composition, which includes a number of compounds with strong antibacterial properties. These properties are based on methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), two compounds that are not found to the same extent in other types of honey. In addition, manuka honey is rich in amino acids, essential vitamins such as vitamins B and C, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It also contains natural antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress.
The antibacterial properties of manuka honey are notable, being superior to other types of honey. It is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria and help heal wounds. The high level of MGO in manuka honey is responsible for these benefits, making this honey a powerful ally in the fight against infection.
To quantify these properties, the manuka honey industry uses the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor). This is a globally recognized standard for measuring the level of MGO and other antibacterial compounds in manuka honey. The higher the UMF number, the stronger the honey in its antibacterial properties.
But manuka honey isn’t just a powerful antibacterial. It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it a reliable ally in the fight against various health problems, from colds and flu to digestive problems and skin conditions.
Manuka honey compared to other types of honey
Manuka honey is distinguished from other types of honey by its unique chemical composition, particularly the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO). Manuka honey contains up to 100 times more MGO than traditional honey.
The antibacterial power of manuka honey is one of the main elements that sets it apart from other types of honey. Due to the high concentration of MGO, manuka honey has a much higher antibacterial power, being extremely effective in treating various infections. For example, manuka honey effectively inhibits the growth of methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA), a bacteria that is often resistant to antibiotics.
In terms of cost and availability, manuka honey is usually more expensive and not as readily available as other types of honey. This is because it is only produced in New Zealand and Australia and is exported in limited quantities.
The taste and texture of manuka honey is also unique. Manuka honey has a richer taste and creamier texture compared to other types of honey. It can range from sweet to slightly bitter, with floral or woody notes. Its creamy and dense texture makes it attractive to some people, being ideal to be eaten as is or added to various culinary preparations.
Health benefits of manuka honey
Manuka honey is known worldwide for its amazing antibacterial and antiviral properties. The MGO present in manuka honey is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to many antibiotics.
In addition, manuka honey is excellent for improving digestive health. Regular consumption of manuka honey can help relieve digestive symptoms such as indigestion, acidity, bloating and stomach ulcers. Manuka honey can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is associated with gastric ulcers.
Manuka honey is also a popular remedy for skin problems thanks to its anti-inflammatory and restorative properties. It can be effective in the treatment of many skin problems, including acne, eczema or other inflammatory skin conditions.
Manuka honey is also rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage. Regular consumption of manuka honey can help strengthen the immune system and prevent certain diseases. Manuka honey has the potential to improve immune health by stimulating the production of cytokines, which are key proteins in regulating immune responses.
Contraindications and potential adverse effects of manuka honey
Although manuka honey is recognized for its beneficial properties, there are also some contraindications and potential adverse effects that consumers should be aware of. One of these is represented by honey allergies. Even though these are relatively rare, there are people who can have severe allergic reactions to manuka honey. Symptoms can range from rashes to difficulty breathing. That’s why it’s recommended to try a small amount of honey before regularly including it in your diet or skin care routine.
In addition, manuka honey may interact with certain medications such as diabetes or blood thinners. Manuka honey can have a hypoglycemic effect, which can affect people with diabetes who take medication to control their blood sugar levels. If you are taking such medications, you should talk to your doctor before consuming manuka honey.
Another thing to consider is excessive consumption of manuka honey. This, like any other type of honey, is rich in sugar and therefore excessive consumption can lead to increased blood sugar levels. Digestive problems may also occur. It is therefore recommended to consume manuka honey in moderation.
Regarding the consumption of manuka honey by children, it is important to know that, as is the case with all types of honey, manuka honey should not be given to children under the age of 1 due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare condition but serious.
How do you make sure the manuka honey you buy is genuine?
When buying manuka honey, it is important to be sure that the product you are purchasing is genuine. One of the most important things you can do is check the product label. The label on a jar of manuka honey should specifically state that it is “manuka” and be certified by UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), MGO (Methylglyoxal) or KFactor. These certifications are an indicator of the purity and benefits that manuka honey offers.
In addition, it is essential to ensure that the honey comes from New Zealand, as this country is the only authentic source of manuka honey. If the product label does not mention the place of origin or if it indicates a different provenance, there is a high probability that the honey is not genuine.
Manuka honey is considered a luxury product, therefore its price is quite high. Genuine manuka honey has a significantly higher average price per kilogram than other types of honey. So, if the price seems too good to be true, it may be a fake product.
Finally, the color and consistency of manuka honey should be another indicator of its authenticity. Manuka honey is darker and denser than other types of honey. If the honey you want to buy is light in color or liquid in consistency, it may not be genuine.
Manuka honey is a valuable addition to your daily health maintenance routine, provided it is genuine and used properly. It has important nutritional and antimicrobial properties, but it is good to know that its use should be confirmed, first, with the attending physician, to prevent possible adverse effects and identify potential contraindications.
Disclaimer: This material is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience any symptoms, contact your doctor!
source
- “5 Benefits of Manuka Honey.” Cleveland Clinic, health.clevelandclinic.org/manuka-honey-benefits;
- “7 Proven Benefits and Uses of Manuka Honey.” Healthline, 29 Mar. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/manuka-honey-uses-benefits#:~:text=Manuka%20honey%20has%20antibacterial%2C%20antioxidant;
- Niaz, Kamal, et al. “Health Benefits of Manuka Honey as an Essential Constituent for Tissue Regeneration.” Current Drug Metabolism, vol. 18, no. 10, 2017, pp. 881–892, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28901255;
- Saling, Joseph. “Manuka Honey.” WebMD, WebMD, 15 Feb. 2012, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses;
