7 Amazing Health Benefits of Manuka Honey: Uses, Who Can Use it

Benefits of Honey:

Honey has been used for healing various health issues for a long time. Scientists are now taking a fresh look at its medicinal and nutritional properties. Studies published in scientific journals suggest that honey has several health benefits, including¹;

• Fighting off bacteria
• Reducing inflammation
• Acting as an antioxidant
• Preventing genetic mutations
• Speeding up the healing of wounds
• Potentially combating tumors and diabetes

What are the types of honey and why do they differ from, one other?

The flavor and characteristics of honey vary and, depend on the type of flowers bees collect nectar from. Honey is often named after the region where it's made, the plants it comes from, or the trees near the beehives. Some types of honey that have been comprehensively studied include¹;

• Manuka honey
• Pasture honey
• Jelly bush honey
• African jungle honey

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a special type of honey made by bees that pollinate the flowers of the Manuka bush, also known as Leptospermum scoparium, primarily found in New Zealand and Australia. The honey is known for its exceptional medicinal properties and is highly valued for its potential health benefits.

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Why is Manuka honey different from other types of honey?

Manuka honey has a high amount of2;

• Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Phenols

Methylglyoxal: It gives antimicrobial properties to Manuka honey.

Phenols and hydrogen peroxide: These chemicals have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties2.

Keep reading and stay connected with us as we explore the health benefits of this remarkable honey.

Health benefits of Manuka honey:

Manuka honey possesses several health benefits including

1. Antibacterial properties:

The high amount of hydrogen peroxide, and, methylglyoxal make Manuka honey a strong antibacterial agent2^,3. As a result, they prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

In the 1980s, Professor Peter Molan discovered the powerful antibacterial properties of manuka honey. This honey's exceptional ability to fight bacteria puzzled scientists for years. Despite neutralizing traditional honey attributes like high sugar content and low pH, its effectiveness remained a mystery. It wasn't until 2008 that researchers identified methylglyoxal (MGO) as the crucial active ingredient in manuka honey3.

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2. Wound Healing: 

Manuka honey can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and stimulate tissue regeneration, leading to faster healing of cuts, burns, and other wounds3.

A study showed that “Honey-treated cells showed significant changes under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). There was a notable increase in whole cells with completed septa compared to untreated cells. This suggests that honey-treated cells couldn't progress normally through the cell cycle and got stuck with fully formed septa during cell division without separating. Sugars didn't cause these changes. Manuka honey's target site in staphylococci involves the cell division machinery4.

3. May support digestive health:

Manuka honey may have benefits for digestive health. It can aid in

• Soothe stomach Ulcers,
• Reduce acid reflux symptoms
• Promote beneficial bacterial growth in the gut

4. Skincare properties:

People use, Manuka honey a lot in skin care items because it fights bacteria, keeps skin moist, and reduces swelling. It helps

• Hydrate the skin
• Lessen pimples and acne
• Calm irritation and redness

5. May support oral help:

This incredible honey can support oral health by preventing the bacterial growth that leads to gum disease and tooth decay.

How to use: 

Healthcare providers suggest people use Manuka honey by applying it topically to the gums or as a mouthwash. In this way, it can help in maintaining oral hygiene.

6. May support the immune system:

Manuka honey contains two important chemicals include;

• Phenols
• Flavonoids

They act as antioxidants and can aid in boosting the immune system and protecting the body against;

• Free radical damage
• Oxidative stress

7. May support the treat cystic fibrosis treatment:

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that harms the lungs and can also impact digestion and other body parts. It affects mucus-making cells, making mucus unusually thick and sticky. This thick mucus blocks air passages and tubes, making breathing hard.

B. cepacia (Burkholderia cepacia), and P. aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are two bacteria that are the causative agent of severe upper respiratory infections, especially in sensitive people⁵.

How does Manuka honey work as an antibacterial?

Manuka honey helps boost macrophages, which release substances for tissue healing and fighting infections from germs. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), depending on methylglyoxal, is crucial for honey's antibacterial effects. Other active parts are hydrogen peroxide, its acidic pH level, its ability to pull moisture out, and a substance named bee defensin-12.

Can anybody use Manuka honey?

Mostly, Manuka honey is safe to use, but some individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using it such as;

1. Those allergic to bees or honey:

It is important to get an allergy test before using Manuka honey as it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals allergic to certain honey or bees.

2. Individuals with diabetes:

All types of honey, have high amounts of natural sugar, as a result, people with diabetes may elevate their blood sugar levels.

3. Newborns:

Health experts suggest not consuming honey to children under 12 months old if they have botulism (a type of food-borne illness).

FAQs:

Q. What is the difference between regular honey and Manuka honey?

A. Manuka honey and regular honey differ mainly in their composition and properties. Manuka honey is obtained from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) that grows in New Zealand and Australia.

Manuka honey contains a unique compound methylglyoxal, responsible for its antibacterial properties. On the other hand, regular honey does not contain this compound, making it less potent in antibacterial activity.

Moreover, Manuka honey is known for its distinct flavor and darker color as opposed to regular honey.  Overall, both types of honey offer health benefits, but Manuka honey is often preferred for its specialized antibacterial properties.

Q. Why Manuka honey is so expensive?

A. Manuka honey is expensive because it comes from limited areas in New Zealand and Australia, requires labor-intensive harvesting, undergoes rigorous testing for quality, and has unique antibacterial properties, making it highly sought after.

Q. How long does it take for Manuka honey to work?

The effectiveness of Manuka honey may vary depending on certain factors.

• Individual’s health status
• The severity of the illness

Consistent use of manuka honey is necessary for noticing its potential benefits.

Remember, it’s crucial to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider when using manuka honey for treatment purposes.