10 Jan 2022
We've all seen Manuka Honey, top shelf in all the health stores, recommended online and by friends and family. But what is Manuka Honey actually good for? Where does it come from? And what are the health benefits?
Here are the top 7 interesting facts about Manuka Honey.
1 - Sweet, Floral Taste
Manuka Honey is known worldwide for it's distinctive, floral aroma and sweet taste. The strong and unique flavour can provide a lovely twist to otherwise quite bland foods such as oats, porridge and even a dribble over a simple slice of toast! We recommend trying out Manuka Honey with your favourite foods to find a combination that works for you. If you have any, let us know in the comments!
2 - Natural Remedy For Sore Throats
Another amazing benefit of Manuka Honey is its use in clearing a sore throat. Manuka honey mixed in with freshly squeezed lemon and hot water is an age old natural remedy for sore or uncomfortable throats. Studies have found that this Manuka honey and lemon remedy could be more effective than over the counter cough and sore throat medicines.
Public Health England also lists this as a first line remedy for coughs and colds.
3 - Supports Natural Healing of Wounds
Manuka Honey is probably best known for it superb healing properties. It is listed on the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a solution for open wound treatment, and is recommended by doctors, homeopaths and pharmacists alike. Being antimicrobal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory all at the same time makes Manuka Honey ideal for tissue regeneration, healing burns and even for post surgical healing.
4 - Improves Gut Effectiveness and Helps Digestion
Prebiotic benefits of Manuka Honey make it ideal for supporting the bowels as it helps our good bacteria survive. As it contains oligosaccharides, non digestible carbohydrates which are not digested by us, rather the healthy bacteria that live in out gut. These include bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which are fuelled by the oligosaccharides in Manuka Honey.
5 - Antiviral Properties
Manuka Honey is said to have antiviral properties ,according to a 2014 study which proved that it helped inhibit influenza viruses. This is still an area under research, but it could mean effectiveness against COVID-19.
6 - Strong Quality Standards
The standards used to measure the quality of Manuka Honey are very stringent, meaning that there are specific things to look out for when purchasing the sweet, sticky substance. This includes the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), which is only stamped on Manuka Honey that is produced in New Zealand. Tests are then done to determine the quality, which is why you get grades such as 5+ UMF, 10+ UMF and more. The higher the grade, the more natural MG in that batch.
7 - How Much Manuka Honey Do I Use?
The recommended dosing for Manuka Honey is a maximum of two teaspoons per day (15mg) due to the high naturally forming sugar content. If applied to an open wound or burn, the Manuka Honey should completely cover the exposed or affected area, and should be left for a few hours to allow penetration of the wound.
If unsure, you can always contact us here to ask how you can use Manuka Honey to treat your problem - one of our knowledgeable staff members will be happy to help.
DISCLAIMER: All health content on bedfordwholefoods.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider.