Manuka honey: properties and uses in medicine

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The most unique honey is produced by bees from the nectar of the Manuka bush, also known as the tea tree. These shrubs only grow in New Zealand and Australia. But honey comes mainly from Zealand.

Manuka honey: what is it

New Zealand is known as a very clean country with unique vegetation. The medicinal properties of honey have been used for centuries by the Maori tribes – the indigenous people of this country.

Manuka honey: properties and uses in medicine

However, the real “career” of manuka honey began in the 1930s. Initially, this product was not consumed by humans due to its too strong, specific taste. It was mainly added to the diet of animals. Over time, farmers noticed that the animals that eat it practically do not get sick.

Soon thereafter, doctors and nutritionists also noticed that people who use such a medic are more resistant to diseases, have no digestive problems, and their skin condition is significantly improved. The sweet and healthy delicacy has gained worldwide recognition and has become a New Zealand export hit.

This product is now commercially produced and available worldwide. Over the years, it has become more and more popular due to its valuable and healing properties. It is a natural antibiotic.

The secret of its beneficial properties lies in the content and the corresponding concentration of methylglyoxal, abbreviated as MGO. The highest concentration of methylglyoxal is found only in manuka honey and is designated MGO 550+.

Methylglyoxal is a chemical compound formed during biochemical transformations that occur naturally with the participation of certain enzymes produced by beneficial bacteria. The higher the concentration of this compound, the stronger the antibacterial effect of the product that contains it.

Traditional honey contains about 0-10 mg / kg. Meanwhile, in order to achieve a bactericidal effect, 400 mg / kg of this substance is needed. It is worth noting that before the development of the MGO index, another factor was derived: when scientists did not know which substance was the source of the exceptional properties of honey.

The most popular research method for this product has been the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) method. He measured the effect of honey after neutralizing hydrogen peroxide. The disadvantage of this method for measuring the properties of honey was the relatively high error rate of about 25%.

However, the UMF method is still used by many manufacturers. Although its accuracy is lower than in the case of MGO.

Effective action for various diseases

A sweet delicacy with antibacterial properties. Supports the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant MRSA), Streptococcus, E. coli and Helicobacter Pylori. On the other hand, it is a food product and can be consumed without any fear.

New Zealand’s “Liquid Gold” also has potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used in the treatment of various diseases as a natural therapeutic agent supporting pharmacological therapy.

Manuka honey: properties and uses in medicine

What honey heals

It is worth highlighting its effective properties for various diseases:

  • has proven itself well in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
  • supports the treatment of stomach ulcers and hyperacidity;
  • relieves digestive disorders and is recommended for people suffering from sensitive bowel syndrome;
  • helps fight pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract;
  • recommended for people suffering from urinary tract and bladder infections;
  • very helpful in case of difficult to heal (chronic) wounds;
  • helps in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and eczema;
  • successful application for neurodermatitis, psoriasis, herpes;
  • improves immunity, protects against flu and colds;
  • relieves sore throat, runny nose and other unpleasant symptoms caused by infection.

How to distinguish the original

To be able to make the best use of the health benefits of honey, you must choose a product that contains the correct concentration of methylglyoxal. It is necessary to pay attention to the MGO markings displayed on the labels. The higher the concentration of the specified chemical compound, the better and stronger the effect.

Manuka honey has garnered more than just positive reviews. The lack of therapeutic action can be due to two reasons. First of all, the product may be of poor quality. The stores offer many types of honey fortified with methylglyoxal, but the product may not be original.

Manuka honey: properties and uses in medicine

Choose only products that come from New Zealand and are 100% natural. The second reason for the lack of a positive effect of honey is the too low concentration of methylglyoxal. Its amount varies from 30 to 1000 mg per kg. honey. It is recommended to use honey with a content of more than 100 mg per 1 kg of product.

If you want to purchase a product with strong bactericidal activity, choose honey brands with an MGO 400+ value. It can be purchased at organic food stores as well as online stores.

Before buying, you should carefully study the reviews and the label. You need to make sure that the purchased products are original and not pasteurized. That is, they have not undergone any heat treatment.

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