Manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand and Australia, has gained huge popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits and incredibly high levels of the natural antibacterial compound called methylglyoxal.
Even though most honey contains methylglyoxal, it is often found at very low levels when compared to its content in manuka honey. Bees are able to produce this compound by pollinating the manuka plant, which is loaded with methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal is responsible for manuka’s antibacterial properties. The groundbreaking discovery of methylglyoxal led researchers to come up with a standardized system called Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) to grade the potency of each batch. Manuka honey should have a UMF rating of 10+ and higher in order to provide the most benefits.
Manuka Honey Combats Bacteria on Multiple Levels
According to biochemist Peter Molan, who has studied natural antibiotics for 25 years, found that manuka honey is effective at killing even the most antibiotic resistant bacteria even when it has been diluted to a tenth of its original concentration.
“There’s more evidence, clinical evidence, by far for honey in wound treatment than for any of the pharmaceutical products,” Molan stated.
The report, published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, stated that Manuka honey killed almost every bacteria and pathogen it was tested on. All the bugs that were tested were not able to survive the honey treatment unlike all antibiotics available today.
Health benefits of manuka honey
If you’re still thinking whether manuka honey is worth the extra money, here are some convincing reasons:
- Provides vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Hydrates skin and prevents acne
- Repairs colon damage
- Prevents hair loss, frizz, and split ends
- Strengthens immunity
- Improves oral health
- Protects against colds and flu
- Fights inflammation
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