Top 10 health benefits of manuka honey
1. Supports wound-healing
Manuka honey is probably best known for its wound-healing properties. When applied directly to the wound it supports the healing process and reduces pain – so much so that the US Food and Drug Administration approved it as an option for wound treatment in 2015.
These effects are thanks to the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey and is why numerous studies demonstrate its benefits for tissue regeneration, superficial partial thickness burns, diabetic ulcers, eyelid wounds and post-surgery.
These effects are thanks to the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey and is why numerous studies demonstrate its benefits for tissue regeneration, superficial partial thickness burns, diabetic ulcers, eyelid wounds and post-surgery.
2. Soothes a sore throat
Honey and lemon are an age-old remedy for coughs and colds and studies support their effects. For example, one study in 2010 found that honey was more effective at alleviating a cough in children than over-the-counter cough suppressants. This was followed by revised guidelines in 2018 from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) to use honey as a first-line treatment to reduce the symptoms of a short-term cough.
Following the recent SARS Cov-2 (Covid-19) outbreak a study is currently looking at the efficacy of natural honey in the treatment of patients infected with Covid-19.
Honey and lemon are an age-old remedy for coughs and colds and studies support their effects. For example, one study in 2010 found that honey was more effective at alleviating a cough in children than over-the-counter cough suppressants. This was followed by revised guidelines in 2018 from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) to use honey as a first-line treatment to reduce the symptoms of a short-term cough.
Following the recent SARS Cov-2 (Covid-19) outbreak a study is currently looking at the efficacy of natural honey in the treatment of patients infected with Covid-19.
3. May support gut health
Manuka honey acts as a prebiotic, because it is a source of non-digestible carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides. We can’t digest these carbohydrates but the bacteria in our guts can. Using the oligosaccharides as a food source helps levels of ‘good’ bacteria, including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, thrive.
Manuka honey acts as a prebiotic, because it is a source of non-digestible carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides. We can’t digest these carbohydrates but the bacteria in our guts can. Using the oligosaccharides as a food source helps levels of ‘good’ bacteria, including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, thrive.
4. May soothe a gastric ulcer
Test tube and animal studies have demonstrated the potential for manuka honey to help protect against the damaging effects of gastric ulcers. It does this in several ways, firstly by providing an anti-inflammatory effect, secondly by helping manage infections such as helicobacter pylori and finally by protecting the gut mucosa from damage.
Test tube and animal studies have demonstrated the potential for manuka honey to help protect against the damaging effects of gastric ulcers. It does this in several ways, firstly by providing an anti-inflammatory effect, secondly by helping manage infections such as helicobacter pylori and finally by protecting the gut mucosa from damage.
5. May be helpful for gastroenteritis
There is some evidence that honey and especially manuka honey may help treat gut infections caused by bacterial strains like clostridium difficile. One benefit is that it appears to shorten the duration of symptoms such as diarrhoea.
There is some evidence that honey and especially manuka honey may help treat gut infections caused by bacterial strains like clostridium difficile. One benefit is that it appears to shorten the duration of symptoms such as diarrhoea.
6. May offer antiviral properties
7. May be a useful for antibiotic-resistant infections
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly worrying issue and for this reason alternative therapies are constantly being sought. In 2020, a study investigating the application of medical-grade honey as an approach to treating multidrug-resistant infections showed significant promise.
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly worrying issue and for this reason alternative therapies are constantly being sought. In 2020, a study investigating the application of medical-grade honey as an approach to treating multidrug-resistant infections showed significant promise.
8. May help prevent the build-up of dental plaque
Although honey may seem an odd food to encourage for dental health, it’s the anti-bacterial properties of manuka honey, that means it is not associated with dental cavities.
Studies suggest these anti-bacterial properties may be useful in minimising the build-up of dental plaque and as a result reducing the likelihood of gingivitis or other periodontal diseases. In particular, manuka honey inhibits the growth of less favourable oral bacteria such as Porphyomonas gingivalis.
Although honey may seem an odd food to encourage for dental health, it’s the anti-bacterial properties of manuka honey, that means it is not associated with dental cavities.
Studies suggest these anti-bacterial properties may be useful in minimising the build-up of dental plaque and as a result reducing the likelihood of gingivitis or other periodontal diseases. In particular, manuka honey inhibits the growth of less favourable oral bacteria such as Porphyomonas gingivalis.
9. May help manage cystic fibrosis
The potent anti-bacterial properties of manuka honey also appear to augment the effects of antibiotics in cystic fibrosis patients who have an upper respiratory infection. It does this by inhibiting the growth of bacteria like pseudomonas aeruginosa and burkholderia and in so doing may be a useful treatment strategy for the future.
The potent anti-bacterial properties of manuka honey also appear to augment the effects of antibiotics in cystic fibrosis patients who have an upper respiratory infection. It does this by inhibiting the growth of bacteria like pseudomonas aeruginosa and burkholderia and in so doing may be a useful treatment strategy for the future.
10. May be effective against inflammatory skin conditions
Recognised for its anti-bacterial and wound-healing properties, manuka honey is now being trialled for its effect on other skin disorders, including rosacea and acne.
Test tube studies suggest honey is able to modulate the immune system of the skin, however, more research is needed to understand its value and potential as a treatment for a wider range of skin disorders.
Atomy Premium Manuka Honey 830+ (250g)
✓ Premium Australian Honey
✓HACCP
✓HALAL
✓BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
✓AMHA Authentic & Authorized
✓Origin Food Labelling
[Take 1-2 teaspoons (5-10g) per day]
π What makes Manuka honey special? π
π― Natural antibiotic, Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Most unique pollen & nectar
~ collected by healthy bees from the leptospermum plant, which is unique to Australia and New Zealand
~ the pollen and nectar collected is used to produce Manuka honey that contains MGO
• Methylglyoxal (MGO) 830+
~ the antibacterial properties in Manuka honey is a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO)
~ higher concentration of MGO equals stronger antibacterial properties
~ MGO 830+ is a super premium MGO
π― Australian Manuka Mark of Authenticity
• The Australian Manuka "Mark of Authenticity" and "Mark of Authority" can only be displayed by producers, packers, retailers and exporters who have met strict independent testing criteria on their Manuka honey
Recognised for its anti-bacterial and wound-healing properties, manuka honey is now being trialled for its effect on other skin disorders, including rosacea and acne.
Test tube studies suggest honey is able to modulate the immune system of the skin, however, more research is needed to understand its value and potential as a treatment for a wider range of skin disorders.
Atomy Premium Manuka Honey 830+ (250g)
✓ Premium Australian Honey
✓HACCP
✓HALAL
✓BRC Global Standard for Food Safety
✓AMHA Authentic & Authorized
✓Origin Food Labelling
[Take 1-2 teaspoons (5-10g) per day]
π What makes Manuka honey special? π
π― Natural antibiotic, Methylglyoxal (MGO)
• Most unique pollen & nectar
~ collected by healthy bees from the leptospermum plant, which is unique to Australia and New Zealand
~ the pollen and nectar collected is used to produce Manuka honey that contains MGO
• Methylglyoxal (MGO) 830+
~ the antibacterial properties in Manuka honey is a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO)
~ higher concentration of MGO equals stronger antibacterial properties
~ MGO 830+ is a super premium MGO
π― Australian Manuka Mark of Authenticity
• The Australian Manuka "Mark of Authenticity" and "Mark of Authority" can only be displayed by producers, packers, retailers and exporters who have met strict independent testing criteria on their Manuka honey
For most people, Manuka honey is safe to consume.
However, some people should consult a doctor before using it, including:
- People with diabetes: All types of honey are high in natural sugar. Therefore, consuming Manuka honey may
affect blood sugar levels. - Those allergic to honey or bees: Those allergic to other types of honey or bees may have an allergic reaction after ingesting or applying Manuka honey.
- Infants: The CDC advises against giving honey to children younger than 12 months old due to the risk of botulism, a type of foodborne illness
