5 Benefits of Manuka Honey for the Body
•Posted on October 07 2018
Think of Manuka honey as nature’s liquid gold. The precious contents found in a jar of it are well documented as a natural remedy and have tremendous health benefits.
What is Manuka Honey?
Bees manufacture this golden goodness from the flowers of the Manuka tree in their homeland of New Zealand. The Kiwis boast the only known natural source of Manuka honey, making it a rare treat to enjoy. Manuka contains other beneficial compounds: DHA, Leptosperin, and methylglyoxal (MGO). There is a regulating authority for Manuka honey manufacturers, known as the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor).
The UMF analyzes samples from manufacturers to determine the final quality rating. Higher UMF ratings for Manuka honey result in a higher cost at the health store. However, that’s because the availability of real Manuka nectar, with a UMF rating of 20+, comprises only 1 percent of the entire Manuka honey crop. (1)
How is Manuka Honey Different from Regular Honey?
Manuka honey contains prebiotic bacteria that go to work in reducing inflammation of the GI tract. Combined with antioxidants from polyphenols, and a rich royal jelly, Manuka honey contains enzymes that clear the blood of free radicals. The bacteria have a potent anti-microbial effect, and it has a use as a topical disinfectant.
Good quality Manuka honey is available from sustainable, organic, bee farms that raise their bees with no added sugar syrup in their diet to bolster harvest yield. Always ensure that you by unpasteurized, unfiltered, raw honey to provide you with the highest content of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. (2)
5 Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
#1 Heals minor cuts and burns.
Manuka honey can be used to accelerate the healing process of injuries. Manuka can treat cuts, abrasions, and burns as well. Spread the honey over the wound and benefit from the potent anti-microbial compounds found in this golden superfood. (3)
#2 Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms
The next time mother nature throws a flu curveball at you, hit back with a serving of Manuka honey mixed into green tea. The honey will coat your throat and reduce irritation.
#3 Improve Digestion
The prebiotic and probiotic compounds, known as oligosaccharides, found in Manuka honey help the digestive system improve assimilation of nutrients from your food. The honey will also soothe the symptoms of ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. (4)
#4 Clear Your Sinus
Manuka honey can help in the prevention of biofilm-producing bacteria building up in the sinus. Irrigating the nasal passages and sinus with a honey solution will be more effective than traditional saline irrigation.
#5 Keep Your Skin Glowing
Use Manuka honey as a beauty therapy. Spread a thin layer over your face and let the mask set for twenty to thirty minutes. The polyphenols in Manuka honey help repair the skin’s natural defense barrier, making it efficient at retaining and absorbing moisture.
Wrapping Up
Spread honey on some whole-wheat toast with grass-fed butter or use it as a sweetener in your morning coffee. The low-glycemic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral nature of Manuka will improve your health and immune function.
Sources
(1) http://www.manukahoney.com/what-is-umf-
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
(4) https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/3972
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