If you are looking for a new and actually beneficial health product with a variety of benefits, Manuka honey could be the ideal solution for your needs. Unlike other snake oil products that fail to deliver on their promise of benefit to your health, manuka honey is a tried and tested type of honey with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and healing properties. But where does manuka honey come from?
The origin of manuka honey
Honey has been used historically to serve a range of medical purposes, and is common with many cultures around the globe. Honey is a natural healing option because it is a rich antimicrobial substance which is easy to consume and cultivate. However, as the world evolves to a more industrial front, honey is quickly becoming compromised. A lot of the honey available to consumers is only slightly structurally different from high fructose corn syrup.
Manuka honey is native to New Zealand, and is collected from bees that specifically pollinate the Leptospermum scoparium flower, which is popularly called the manuka bush. It is a rare and beneficial form of honey that has been touted for its healing properties in medical conditions ranging from gingivitis and sore throats to major digestive illnesses.
Is manuka the same as other types of honey?
Manuka honey has been proven to have a number of health benefits, including healing properties for wounds, cuts and burns. It has also been shown to be effective in treating skin, oral and digestive conditions. But other types have also been used for some of these purposes, even if not to the extent that manuka honey has. Is manuka honey any different from these types of honey?
Manuka has higher antimicrobial properties than other types of honey due to the composition of the manuka bush. Like other types of honey, it has the basic hydrogen peroxide content. It also has methylglyoxal(MG) in higher quantities than usual. Unlike the minute concentrations found in other types of honey, MG in manuka honey is converted from dihydroxyacetone. This is found in very high quantities in the manuka bush.
What are some health benefits of manuka honey?
Since ancient times, honey has been used as a healing agent. Studies from as early as themid-19th century point to the benefits of the substance for health. Honey acts to protect tissue against infection and bacteria action, as well as ease pain and inflammation in tissue.
Like other types of honey, manuka honey has also been proven to have a wide range of health benefits. Its high MG content makes it especially potent against disease, which makes it even more effective in minute quantities. These are some of the top benefits of manuka honey.
- Treats acid reflux and low stomach
- Can be used to treat eczema and acne
- Ideal for use on burns, ulcers and wounds
- Can alleviate allergies
- Can be used for oral health management
- Works well with IBS and IBD treatment options
- Can be used for better sleep management
Is manuka honey safe for you?
Manuka honey carries similar risks to regular honey. If you are allergic to bees or honey, you may need to consult your doctor. People with diabetes will also need to tread carefully with manuka honey because it contains a high level of sugar, which may affect your blood sugar levels. You may also need to consult a doctor before giving your infant manuka or any other type of honey if they are less than a year old.
