Manuka honey is a type of honey produced by bees ๐ that feed on the flowers of Manuka, a shrub that grows in New Zealand.
Manuka honey has traditionally been used in New Zealand Maori medicine to treat a variety of conditions, and in recent years it has gained worldwide popularity due to its unique antibacterial and medicinal properties.
One of the unique characteristics of Manuka honey is its methylglyoxal (MGO) content, a compound believed to be responsible for its antibacterial activity.

The MGO levels in Manuka honey vary depending on the floral source and climatic conditions, but in general, the higher the MGO level, the greater the antibacterial activity of the honey.
Contents
- 1 Skin Treatment
- 2 Infections
- 3 Antibacterial
- 4 Gastrointestinal Disorders
- 5 The process of using Manuka honey
- 6 What Risks associated with Manuka Honey
- 7 What to check while buying Manuka Honey:
- 8 FAQs
- 8.1 Is it good to eat Manuka honey every day?
- 8.2 How much Manuka honey should I take a day?
- 8.3 Is Manuka honey better than normal honey?
- 8.4 Does Manuka honey help you sleep?
- 8.5 What is the healthiest honey in the world?
- 8.6 Should I keep manuka honey in the fridge?
- 8.7 Is manuka honey a probiotic?
- 8.8 What type of manuka honey is best?
- 8.9 Is Manuka honey anticancer?
- 8.10 Can you put Manuka honey in hot tea?
- 8.11 Is manuka honey good for diabetics?
- 8.12 Does Manuka honey lower blood pressure?
Skin Treatment
Manuka honey has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including wounds, burns, ulcers, and eczema.
Honey has been shown to be effective in reducing the size of ulcers, promoting healing, and reducing pain.
Honey has also been shown to be effective in preventing wound infection.
Infections
Manuka honey has also been shown to be effective in treating respiratory infections, such as sore throats and coughs.
Honey has been found to be effective in reducing cough symptoms, improving respiratory function, and reducing the duration of the illness.
Antibacterial
In addition to its antibacterial and medicinal properties, Manuka honey has also been shown to be beneficial for overall health.
Honey is a rich source of antioxidants, which helps protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals.
It’s also a good source of carbohydrates, making it a great choice for an energy boost.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Manuka honey has also been used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colitis.
Studies have shown that Manuka honey can help alleviate the symptoms of these disorders by improving gastrointestinal function and reducing inflammation.
In short, Manuka honey is a natural substance with unique properties that have been proven
The process of using Manuka honey
The process of using Manuka honey is similar to any other variety of honey. Manuka honey can be used in a number of ways, such as:
- Direct consumption: it can be consumed directly, by placing a spoonful in the mouth and tasting its sweet and unique flavor.
- Mix with food: can be mixed with yogurt, bread, cereals, etc.
- Drinks: it can be added to teas, juices, milk, etc. to give them a sweet taste and a touch of nutrients.
Medicinal applications: it has been proposed to use it as a natural agent to treat various conditions, such as wounds, burns, ulcers, etc.
It is important to note that Manuka honey should be consumed in moderation, as although it is a natural alternative to sugar, it still contains carbohydrates and calories. It is important to ensure that you buy authentic Manuka Honey and that it contains a high content of MGO (Methylglyoxal) to obtain the best benefits.
What Risks associated with Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, there are some risks associated with its use:
- Allergies: As with any other variety of honey, some people may be allergic to the components present in Manuka honey. If you experience allergy symptoms after consuming Manuka honey, you should stop consuming it and consult a doctor.
- Drug Interaction: Manuka honey can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, so it is recommended to speak to your doctor before adding it to your diet if you are taking any medications.
- Contamination: Some brands of Manuka honey may be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you buy Manuka honey from a reputable source and verify that it meets the appropriate quality regulations.
- Overdose: Consuming large amounts of Manuka honey can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to follow proper dosage recommendations.
- There is insufficient evidence: Although it has been proposed as a natural solution for several medical conditions, there is still not enough scientific evidence to support these properties. It is important to note that you should not replace a prescribed treatment with a non-recommended one without a doctor’s supervision.
What to check while buying Manuka Honey:
When purchasing Manuka honey, it is important to check the following to ensure that you are purchasing a quality product:
Authenticity: Make sure it is real Manuka honey and not an imitation.
MGO Content: MGO (Methylglyoxal) is the compound responsible for the unique properties of Manuka honey, so it is important to ensure that the product contains a high MGO content. Products with a high MGO content often have an MFU (Manuka Factor Units) rating of 10 or higher.
Certifications: Look for products with certifications, this guarantees that the honey complies with the appropriate quality regulations.
Origin: Make sure that Manuka honey is of New Zealand origin, as this is the only place where the Manuka plant is found.
Price: The price of Manuka honey can vary considerably depending on the MGO content and the quality of the product, so it is important to compare prices and look for deals.
Seals and labels: Check the labels and seals that indicate the properties and certifications of Manuka honey, especially if you are looking for a therapeutic purpose.
Taking these aspects into account, it is possible to obtain a product of high quality and reliability. It is always advisable to buy it in specialized stores or with a good reputation.
FAQs
Is it good to eat Manuka honey every day?
Eating a small amount of Manuka honey every day can be beneficial to health as it can help treat throat and respiratory tract problems.
It is important to follow the recommendation of an adequate daily amount so as not to exceed the recommended daily limits of added sugars.
How much Manuka honey should I take a day?
The recommended daily amount of Manuka honey varies depending on the specific condition you are treating.
For most conditions, a dose of 1-2 tablespoons per day, mixed with water or with a meal, is recommended.
However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and consult with a physician before taking any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Is Manuka honey better than normal honey?
Although Manuka honey has additional properties, the general use of regular honey also has its own proven health benefits, such as relieving coughs and improving digestion.
In general, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before using any product to treat a specific condition.
Does Manuka honey help you sleep?
There is some research to suggest that it may have health benefits, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Manuka honey aids sleep.
However, some people believe that it can help treat sleep problems, such as insomnia, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and because it is a natural source of melatonin.
But, it is important to clarify that it is important to discuss it with a doctor since hormonal changes can influence sleep pathologies such as apnea.
What is the healthiest honey in the world?
Manuka, Tualang, Kanuka, Jellybush, Sidr
Should I keep manuka honey in the fridge?
Not necessarily. Honey is a natural product and can be stored in a cool, dry place. In the fridge, it can solidify, which can make it more difficult to use.
However, if the manuka honey has been opened and started to be used, it is advisable to store it in the fridge to avoid any type of contamination and prolong its shelf life.
It is important to remember that honey does not expire. it can evolve over time, but it is always edible. Even so, it is recommended to consume it within 2 years after opening to ensure maximum freshness and therapeutic potential.
Is manuka honey a probiotic?
Manuka honey may have some health benefits similar to probiotics, but it is not considered a probiotic itself as it does not contain live microorganisms.
What type of manuka honey is best?
There are different grades of Manuka honey available on the market, and it can be a bit difficult to understand which is the best option.
One way to measure the quality of Manuka honey is through its methylglyoxal (MGO) content, an antibacterial compound found in higher quantities in Manuka honey than in other varieties of honey.
It is generally recommended to look for Manuka honey with an MGO content of at least 100 mg/kg, as this indicates that it has a significant concentration of this compound.
However, some studies suggest that for some specific conditions, a higher concentration of MGO may be necessary.
In addition to checking for MGO content, it’s important to make sure the Manuka honey you buy is authentic and quality. Make sure you buy Manuka honey from a reputable brand and avoid suspiciously cheap options.
It is also important to check that it has certifications that guarantee its purity and quality.
In summary, it is important to look for Manuka honey with an MGO content of at least 100mg/kg and buy it from trusted brands that have purity and quality certifications to ensure the best health option for you.
Is Manuka honey anticancer?
There is some research that suggests that Manuka honey might have anti-cancer properties due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components.
It is important to note that no honey has cancer-curing properties, honey is a complementary food and never a substitute for medical treatment.
Also, it’s important to talk to a health professional before taking any supplements or changing your diet for the purpose of treating or preventing cancer.
In summary, although there is some research to suggest that Manuka honey might have anti-cancer properties, additional research is still needed to confirm these findings and determine how it might be used in the treatment of cancer.
It is important to always remember to consult a health professional before making any decision regarding health.
Can you put Manuka honey in hot tea?
Yes, Manuka honey can be added to green tea.
To add Manuka honey to green tea, simply place a tablespoon of honey in a cup of green tea and stir until dissolved. Be sure to use honey that is high in MgO for the best benefits.
Is manuka honey good for diabetics?
Manuka honey has been proposed as a sweetener option for people with diabetes, as it has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how the carbohydrate content in food affects blood sugar levels. High GI foods cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, while low GI foods cause a slower rise.
Also, it is important to note that Manuka honey itself does not have any special properties that help treat or control diabetes, it is just an alternative sweetener with a low glycemic index.
Does Manuka honey lower blood pressure?
There is no scientific evidence to support that Manuka honey has blood pressure-lowering properties.
High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that must be properly treated under medical supervision.
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