You may be aware of the health benefits of honey, but did you know that there is another variety that contains more nutrients and is higher in antimicrobial properties? Manuka honey, while expensive, has many reasons to be celebrated. Manuka honey is native to New Zealand and is produced by bees that pollinate the flowers of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), resulting in honey that has a higher nutritional content than regular raw honey. Manuka honey has antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits that stem from its hydrogen peroxide content, as well as the compounds dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and methylglyoxal (MGO). As a result, there are many benefits of Manuka honey that make this variety of honey beneficial for both topical and internal use.
To learn more about why you should add Manuka honey to your daily diet and skin care regimen, check out some of the benefits of Manuka honey.
Soothes a sore throat– Manuka honey’s antibacterial and antiviral properties help provide relief if you are suffering from a sore throat. Manuka honey can attack the pain-causing bacteria, help reduce inflammation, and can help soothe a sore throat.
Decreases IBS symptoms– A common digestive disorder, IBS comes with many unpleasant side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, and constipation. Luckily, researchers have discovered that regular consumption of Manuka honey can help decrease symptoms.
High in nutrients– Delicious and nutritious, Manuka honey is naturally rich in magnesium, manganese, zinc, sodium, iron, calcium, copper, potassium, and calcium. In addition, Manuka honey is also rich in enzymes, amino acids, as well as vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6.
Protection from the cold/flu– During the flu season, it’s smart to add some Manuka honey to your diet as it may help protect you from catching a cold or coming down with the flu. Manuka helps boost immunity and has been found to increase cytokine production, which helps the body fight off diseases and pathogens.
Aids wound healing– Manuka honey became FDA approved in 2007 as an option for wound treatment and has been used for centuries to treat boils, burns, sores, and wounds. Serving as a protective barrier in wound treatment, Manuka honey can help prevent microbial infections from occurring courtesy of its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
