Manuka honey – properties and use in everyday diet
In recent years, natural products have become increasingly popular. One of them is manuka honey, which comes from the distant lands of New Zealand. Thanks to its many valuable properties, it is widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and culinary arts.
What makes manuka honey so unique? What explains its growing popularity? What are the most important properties of manuka honey, and how can it be used in everyday life? What are the benefits of consuming manuka honey regularly?
Table of Contents
- Manuka Honey – What It Is And Where It Comes From
- What Does Manuka Honey Taste Like And How Is It Different From Other Types Of Honey?
- What Do The MGO And UMF Labels On Manuka Honey Mean?
- Manuka Honey – Medicinal And Health Properties
- What Is Manuka Honey Good For?
- How To Use Manuka Honey Every Day?
- When Not To Use Manuka Honey? Contraindications
- Manuka Honey In Prevention And Treatment – Natural Support For Health
Manuka Honey – What It Is And Where It Comes From
Manuka honey is one of the healthiest types of honey in the world, known for its unique properties. It is harvested from shrubs growing in New Zealand and southeastern Australia. The exceptional qualities of manuka honey come from the climate and flora found nowhere else on Earth. Manuka shrubs are evergreen, and their blooming season lasts only about four weeks. It is from these flowers that bees collect nectar and then produce thick, dark, and aromatic honey.
What makes manuka honey truly remarkable is the fact that producing just one kilogram of it requires nectar from as many as 4 million flowers. Remote New Zealand is the main producer and exporter of this specialty. It is also the only country in the world where authentic, certified manuka honey originates.
What Does Manuka Honey Taste Like And How Is It Different From Other Types Of Honey?
New Zealand manuka honey stands out with its dark color and thick texture. Many people say its taste is not as sweet as that of other honeys, but rather slightly bitter and earthy. Some detect subtle nutty notes, while others notice a pleasant hint of bitterness. This unique flavor goes hand in hand with its health-promoting properties, which make manuka honey valued all over the world.
What Do The MGO And UMF Labels On Manuka Honey Mean?
On the packaging of manuka honey from New Zealand, you may come across different markings. MGO stands for methylglyoxal, the main active component of the product. The label may also include the abbreviation UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. This indicator shows how many antibacterial compounds are present in a given honey. The higher the number, the greater the amount of these desirable ingredients.
What Is Methylglyoxal (MGO)?
One of the main compounds in manuka honey is methylglyoxal. It is a natural chemical responsible for the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties of New Zealand honey. The MGO number tells you how much of this active substance the product contains. For example, MGO 250 means that the honey contains at least 250 mg of methylglyoxal. Concentrations between MGO 30 and 200 are considered fairly low. That’s why it’s worth choosing honey labeled MGO 400 or MGO 550 for your diet.
How Does The UMF System Work And Why Does It Prove Honey Quality?
Unique Manuka Factor is an international certification system for authentic manuka honey. Thanks to it, as a consumer you can be sure that you are buying a thoroughly tested product containing the declared amount of active compounds. This system not only certifies the level of methylglyoxal but also examines other important honey components that determine its activity level and overall quality.
Manuka Honey – Medicinal And Health Properties
The high content of biologically active compounds makes manuka honey produced by bees in New Zealand a product with many health-promoting benefits. This unique food is known for its strong antibacterial activity. Acting like a natural antibiotic, it supports the healing of wounds and bedsores, reduces inflammation, and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
Manuka honey also shows antiviral properties. For this reason, it can help with respiratory and digestive tract infections, effectively easing the symptoms of colds, flu, or sinusitis. In addition, it has antifungal effects, which is why it is used in the treatment of infections caused by dermatophytes and Candida albicans yeast.
What Is Manuka Honey Good For?
Honey therapy, also known as apitherapy, makes use of the health-promoting properties of this natural product to improve overall well-being. The applications of manuka honey are very broad. Current scientific studies suggest that it may be effective in the treatment of chronic wounds, bedsores, and ulcers. When applied to damaged skin, it shows both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. The compounds it contains can speed up the removal of dead cells and support the healing process.
Thanks to its properties, manuka honey can also support the digestive system and soothe inflammation of the stomach lining. It may be particularly helpful with problems such as bloating, heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Manuka honey is also a common ingredient in skincare products. This natural food is successfully used in combating various dermatological conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and fungal infections.
How To Use Manuka Honey Every Day?
The best way to use manuka honey is on an empty stomach, taking two to three teaspoons a day before eating. It also works perfectly as a sugar substitute for sweetening tea, coffee, or other drinks. You can add it to your morning oatmeal, granola, kefir, or yogurt. However, it’s important to remember that manuka honey loses its valuable properties at temperatures above 37°C (98.6 °F).
When Not To Use Manuka Honey? Contraindications
Although manuka honey is well-regarded by doctors, it is not suitable for everyone. People allergic to bee products should avoid manuka honey, as it may trigger an allergic reaction. Because of its high carbohydrate content, individuals with diabetes should consult a diabetologist before adding it to their diet. Infants under one year of age should not consume honey due to the possible presence of Clostridium botulinum.
Manuka Honey In Prevention And Treatment – Natural Support For Health
Manuka honey is a natural product that supports the digestive system, speeds up the body’s regeneration, and helps maintain overall health balance. It is a gift of nature that, thanks to its unique properties, can promote well-being in many areas. It is worth adding it to your daily diet, especially during the autumn and winter seasons, since its compounds support the proper functioning of the immune system. Before buying, always check the labeling to make sure you are choosing a certified, high-quality product.
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