Why do people wax lyrical about manuka honey?
The manuka honey benefits buzz is REAL. From A-list fans (see: Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Victoria Pendleton) to stories of its wonder-properties, and even reports of it being stolen from supermarkets, it is one of the OG ‘superfoods’.
So, first up — why is it SO expensive? Only produced in New Zealand, it is rare and hard to harvest, requiring specific hive locations, usually in isolated hills and forests, specialist testing and expert beekeepers. The bees gather pollen from the Manuka flower exclusively, which only blooms two to six weeks a year.
But with heaps of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, it's the #1 most wanted ingredient for recipes, skincare and medicinal uses.
How much manuka honey should you eat per day, you ask? Two tablespoons, around 15g, is a sensible amount as it’s still high in sugar.
As you’ll probably have heard, manuka honey has benefits in droves — read on to find out more…
1. Heals wounds faster
Burns, cuts, blisters — you name a skin injury you don’t want to get and manuka honey can help it heal, studies show, by fighting bacteria and supporting cell renewal. It’s so effective, it’s been made offish: the US Food and Drug Administration approved it as a wound treatment in 2015.
2. Prevents tooth decay
Manuka honey benefits extend to oral health (say whaaat?!), with it tackling the bacteria that causes plaque, decay and gum inflammation. The pretty amazing thing is, unlike refined sugar, it doesn’t seem to cause dental issues.
3. Soothes coughs and sore throats
Research shows manuka honey is a champ at easing symptoms of URTI (upper respiratory tract infections e.g. colds and flu), like sore throats, coughs and a blocked or runny nose. Not only an age-old remedy, but an effective one — found to be even more effective than over-the-counter meds.
4. Could support gut health
A source of non-digestible carbohydrates, known as oligosaccharides, it works as a prebiotic by boosting levels of good bacteria that digest them.
5. May ease digestive symptoms
As well as boosting our microbiome, manuka honey has proved useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and disease (IDB), as well as colitis and gastritis. It’s even been suggested it could benefit acid reflux.
6. Helps heal ulcers
Manuka honey has been shown to help heal two types of ulcers — diabetic, sores which are typically on the sole of the foot, and gastric, due to an increase in enzymes that reduce inflammation by protecting against oxidative damage.
7. Soothes inflammatory skin conditions
Acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can be helped by the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of manuka honey — both when ingested and applied. It has also been shown to hydrate the skin, thanks to the fructose, glucose and amino acids.
It can even help sunburn! Apply a thin layer, optionally mixed with moisturiser, as a naturally hydrating and healing aftersun.
8. For antibiotic-resistant infections
A potent antibiotic powerhouse, manuka honey may be a good treatment for infections that have become resistant to typical meds.
9. Eases cystic fibrosis
Manuka honey has been shown to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Burkholderia cepacia complex (B. cepacia). These are two common bacteria that can cause serious upper respiratory infections, especially in vulnerable populations, such as those with cycstic fibrosis.
If you’re thinking of stocking up on manuka honey supplies, check for the UMF (Unique Manulka Factor) trademark — a sign that you’re buying the genuine article. Also look out for a number, like 10+ or 25+ — this is the level of unique signature compounds, methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), it contains. The higher, the purer and better quality, the more antibacterial — and, shocker, the higher the price tag.
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