Honey has been historically used to cure a range of conditions, even though this had not always been supported with research. Recently, more studies are being carried out on the benefits of regular topical and internal use of the substance for a number of conditions.
Manuka honey is a component-packed honey that is native to New Zealand. This type of honey has higher anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties than regular honey. But can manuka honey help you sleep better?
How will manuka honey help you sleep better?
Manuka honey can help you avoid those long sleepless nights. There is an increase in the number of people experiencing insomnia, as a result of changing environmental features such as blue light emitting displays. Manuka honey can be the ideal agent to help you overcome insomnia, or simply improve your night. There are two main ways through which manuka honey will improve your sleep.
Consuming an amount of manuka honey before bed can improve your liver’s supply of glycogen, which ensures your brain is fully fueled for an uninterrupted night of rest. You will be better able to sleep if you do not feel hungry, which can be triggered by low glycogen levels in the liver.
If you eat manuka honey immediately before bed, you could trigger the release of the enzyme tryptophan, which will be converted to melatonin in the absence of light. In your dimly lit sleeping environment, you may be able to build up your body’s melatonin levels and benefit from the hormone’s positive effects on sleep such as a regulated cycle.
What other benefits does manuka honey offer?
Manuka honey is a good source of antioxidants. The rich composition of the manuka bush is translated into manuka honey, which boosts the antioxidant levels of the honey. It can be a great weapon for your body against free radicals which may be responsible for faster aging, heart diseases and cancer. Like other types of honey, it has polyphenols which may contribute to better heart health.
Eating raw manuka honey can help protect you against unwanted fungus and bacteria. It contains a higher level of hydrogen peroxide than other types of honey, which makes it an ideal antiseptic agent. Aside from allowing you to clean wounds, manuka honey can also boost your ability to fight infection and reduce the dermal effects of wounds. However, you need o ensure that your honey is sterile before using it on any open cuts and wounds.
People with seasonal allergies may need lesser medications if they consume manuka honey on a regular basis. A study in Finland by the South Karelia Allergy and Env. Institute suggests that honey could offer better anti-allergen properties than some medication. However, people with allergies to bees and honey may need to consult their doctor before considering the use of manuka honey.
Manuka honey has been used by patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer to alleviate esophageal inflammation. It can be ingested directly or as a sweetener, with direction from your physician.
