4 Proven Benefits of Mānuka Honey

Have you heard of manuka honey? New Zealand is home to many natural wonders, but this potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich powerhouse is one of its best-kept secrets.

In recent times, this tasty spread has made a real buzz in the health, medical, and wellness industries. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive look into four proven benefits of manuka honey. But first, what is manuka honey, and what sets it apart from other types of honey?

What is manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a special type of honey native to New Zealand. The honey is produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, also known as Leptospermum scoparium.

Manuka honey has been used for decades to heal wounds, prevent tooth decay, improve digestion, soothe sore throats, and more. Methylglyoxal – a potent active ingredient found only in manuka honey – gives the sweet, sticky substance its unique healing and health-boosting abilities.

4 scientifically proven manuka honey benefits

1. Enhance overall oral health

Tooth decay and diseased gums can lead to all sorts of health issues, both inside the mouth and throughout the body. Removing the oral bacteria that lead to plaque formation is a critical step in protecting your pearly whites. Interestingly, manuka honey may help do just that.

Research suggests that some types of manuka honey, namely those with an elevated antibacterial activity, can prevent the growth of nasty oral bacteria, including A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis.

2. Promote wound healing

Manuka honey has long been used in the treatment of wounds and burns, and in 2007, this ancient healer was officially approved by the US FDA.

Honey helps to heal wounds in several ways. First, it offers antibacterial and antioxidant properties that ward off infection. It also creates a moist environment and a defensive shield, which blocks outside bacteria from entering the wound.

Numerous studies have confirmed manuka honey’s wound-healing abilities. One study, for example, examined the impact of applying manuka honey topically on people with non-healing wounds. After a two-week period, 88 per cent of the wounds reduced in size.

3. Aid digestion

Researchers have found that incorporating manuka honey into a diet rich in vitamins can help ease symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

All manuka honey in New Zealand, including Manuka South honey, is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to reduce inflammation in the body. One study successfully demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of manuka honey on rats with IBS.

4. Soothe sore throats

Mild sore throats may be little more than a nuisance, but severe sore throats can cause extreme discomfort.

A recent study followed patients that were undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancers of the head and neck. The research team was interested in the effects of consuming manuka honey on a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus mutans is one of the leading causes of sore throats.

After the patients consumed manuka honey, the researchers noted a drastic decrease in Streptococcus mutans.

Another research team found that honey performed just as effectively as common pharmacy cough suppressants. Manuka honey wasn’t used in the study, but it’s safe to assume its effect would be the same.

Add manuka honey from New Zealand to your diet

There’s no doubt about it – delicious manuka honey benefits your body in all kinds of ways, from protecting your teeth to easing a sore throat. If you’d like to start incorporating manuka honey into your diet, contact the passionate team here at New Zealand Health Food Co.

Remember, manuka honey is no ordinary honey. To reap the benefits, you must invest in high-quality, authentic honey that’s certified with the quality mark, UMF – or Unique Manuka Factor. See this mark, and you know the honey meets strict quality standards.

Shop online today and experience the life-changing power of sweet, sticky, oh-so-tasty manuka honey.