Health Benefits Of Manuka Honey And Tips For Spotting Fake Honey

"The health benefits of Manuka Honey are many, ranging from immune boosting to improving gut health and much more - simply eating a teaspoonful each day can make a noticeable difference to your overall health. The higher the UMF rating, the more potent the honey, offering even greater health benefits". 

                                                      Rebecca Wood, Naturopath & Herbalist 

What are the Benefits of Manuka Honey? 

Honey, that golden nectar of the bees, has long been lauded for its health benefits, its use has been traced back as far as 8000 years ago, and had a valued place in traditional medicine.

The type of honey used is important, as some have stronger therapeutic properties than others, and one of the most potent and widely studied is Manuka Honey. Studies have shown that the benefits of Manuka Honey include improved gut health, effective wound healing, relief from skin conditions such as acne and cardio-protective actions.

Polyphenols, which are naturally found in Manuka Honey are nature's hidden gems. They are powerful natural antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and also offer a boost to your immune system and skin health.

Manuka Honey is more than a sweet treat or a sugar substitute; it's a powerhouse of natural goodness with a huge range of health-improving properties. Here are some of the stand out Manuka Honey benefits:

Manuka Honey for Coughs and Colds 

• Oxford University research has concluded that Manuka Honey, whether consumed directly or dissolved in tea, may offer symptomatic relief from cough and cold symptoms. Specifically, the study observed a reduction in the severity, frequency, and duration of these ailments when compared to standard treatments such as antihistamines, cough syrups, and anti-inflammatory medications.

It's important to highlight that while these findings are promising, this research does not name honey as a cure for upper respiratory infections. However, based on the study's findings, the scientists suggest that people experiencing mild respiratory symptoms, such as those that accompany the common cold, might consider using honey as an initial remedy.

Immunity and Health 

Honey has long been used as a support during cold and flu season, with lemon and honey drinks a staple favourite in many households. Manuka Honey specifically contains natural antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and bacterial overgrowth, these antioxidants - polyphenols and flavonoids, assist in boosting the body's natural defences. Manuka honey also has antimicrobial properties due to its methylglyoxal (MGO) content, which can help fight infections.

Gut Health and Digestion 

Good gut health is key to our overall health. A healthy gut lining prevents harmful bacteria or pathogens from entering the body and stimulating immune cell activity, which may activate autoimmune responses. 

Manuka Honey for gut health assists by providing the prebiotics - oligosacharrides, which are a type of carbohydrate that contributes to fermentation in the gut and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli, both of which are recognised for their role in immune regulation. 

Wound Healing and Burns 

Manuka Honey has strong antibacterial effects and is often applied topically to aid wound healing and prevent infection. 

Research has found that Manuka Honey can be beneficial in wound and burn healing.The article written by Professor Peter Molan (who was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his work on honey) extensively discusses the use of Manuka Honey in wound care, stating that " with the use of Manuka Honey, selected to have the right type and level of antibacterial activity, and with the appropriate dressing protocol that keeps honey present on the wound bed at all times, uncomplicated wounds will heal rapidly, painlessly and without a visible scar (2013)."

Nutritional Power of Manuka Honey

A tablespoon of honey, approximately 21 grams, provides roughly 64 calories. Manuka Honey is packed rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and it provides a natural source of energy while supporting the immunity, digestion and over health and wellbeing. Unlike regular table honey, Manuka Honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO), which makes Manuka Honey unique in its nutritional profile. With it's incredible blend of enzymes and amino acids, Manuka Honey is a nourishing superfood that enhances daily wellness from the inside out.

This also makes Manuka Honey a Healthy Natural Alternative To Sugar.

The Truth behind Manuka, Raw, Organic and Supermarket Honey?

When discussing the benefits of Manuka Honey in the recent Daily Telegraph UK article posted in the NZ Herald -The Health Benefits of Manuka Honey - and How To Spot The Fake Stuff; Nutritionist Julie Gough states the following-

“Manuka Honey is a variety of honey that is supported by clinical studies as being the healthiest” 

        1. Manuka Honey 

Not all Manuka Honeys have a UMF rating. We recommend opting for Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 10+ or more or the equivalent MGO value of 260+, as those honeys are considered of medical grade and start providing medical benefits. Manuka Honeys rated below UMF 10 are still tasty, but their medical impact is minimal.

       2. Raw (Unpasteurised)  Honey

Raw honey is unprocessed and keeps natural enzymes, antioxidants and nutrients. While this makes it a nutritional choice, it carries a risk of harmful bacteria due to the absence of pasteurization. This can pose problems, particularly for children under 3 years of age.

      3. Organic Honey

For those prioritizing nutritional value, raw honey is optimal due to its minimal processing. However, if chemical-free production is most important to you, organic honey, which minimizes pesticide exposure and supports organic farming, is the better option. Ideally, raw organic honey offers the combined benefits of both.

      4. Supermarket Honey

Mass-produced supermarket honey is often highly processed and sourced globally, potentially reducing its nutritional quality considerably.  Pasteurization may also diminish nutrient content and increase the risk of additives. To maximize potential health benefits, select darker honey varieties, known for their higher antioxidant levels.

Is Manuka Honey better than Sugar? 

Determining whether honey is "better" than sugar isn't straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Nutritional Value – Honey provides small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a nourishing boost that refined sugar doesn’t provide. Both honey and sugar are made up of glucose and fructose, but honey brings extra nutritional value to the table.

Blood Sugar Impact – Honey causes a slower rise in blood sugar compared to table sugar, which means it provides more sustained energy rather than a quick spike followed by a drop.

Sweetness– Because honey is naturally sweeter than sugar, you can use less to achieve the same level of sweetness, helping you cut back on overall sugar intake without sacrificing taste.

Calories– While honey has a bit more calories per tablespoon than sugar, its intense sweetness means you'll likely use less, balancing things out.

The Bottom Line – Manuka Honey offers many advantages, from extra nutrients to a slower rise in blood sugar, but remember, it's still a form of sugar. Moderation is the key to enjoying the best of both worlds.

Manuka Honey is a rare and special natural remedy, cherished for its unique qualities and rich history. While it's not meant to be consumed in excess, it offers a pure, wholesome alternative to refined sugar. With its exceptional blend of nutrients and soothing properties, honey has long been valued as a luxurious treat. When used mindfully, it can be a treasured addition to a balanced diet, bringing both natural sweetness and extraordinary benefits to your health.

How To Spot "Fake Honey" And Avoid It

The high demand for Manuka Honey unfortunately makes it susceptible to adulteration, where pure honey is diluted with syrups or other additives to increase profits. Consumers can protect themselves by being vigilant and informed.

Spotting the Signs:

 • Label Scrutiny:Carefully read labels and avoid products with added sugars, syrups, or artificial flavourings. Look for terms like "pure" and "unfiltered," which may indicate a less processed product.

• Crystallization Check: While not always a definitive indicator, genuine honey tends to crystallize over time, particularly in cooler temperatures. Fake honey often remains runny due to added syrups.

 • Certification Assurance: Seek certifications like UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) for Manuka Honey or organic certifications, which can provide added confidence in authenticity.

• Source Transparency: Opt for brands that clearly state the honey's origin. Local honey from independent beekeepers is often a reliable choice.

Additional Tips: 

• Price Consideration: While not a foolproof measure, opting for a more expensive honey can sometimes reduce the risk of adulteration, as producers may be less likely to dilute premium products.
• Nutrient content: Remember - The darker the Honey the higher the antioxidant content.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently select authentic, high quality New Zealand Manuka Honey! 

References

Molan P. (2013) The use of Manuka Honey to promote wound healing.Retrieved from: researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/server/api/core/bitstreams/02f0a4ce-8029-4bf4-ab9a-2f7d8277028f/content

Abuelgasim H., Albury C., Lee J. (2024) Effectiveness of Honey for symptomatic relief  in upper respiratory tract infections: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from: https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57

Idrus R., Sainik N., Nordin A., Saim A., Sulaimain N. (2020) Cardio-protective effects of honey and its constituent: An evidence based review of laboratory studies and clinical trials. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7277934/

Eteraf-Oskouei T., Najafi M. (2013) Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human disease: A review.Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3758027/