Everything you need to know about manuka honey
Write the 13/02/2023 by Santarome Bio
More than 800 years ago, traditional New Zealand medicine used Manuka honey to treat wounds and infections. Made from the Manuka flower, this unique honey is also called “Nectar of the Gods”.
Originally from New Zealand, Manuka is a shrub from the Myrtaceae family. Its fragrant leaves help distinguish it from other shrubs. Can grow up to 3 meters, it has very fragrant white flowers. To produce the “Nectar of the Gods”, bees collect nectar from flowers that only grow 6 weeks a year.
The characteristics of Manuka honey
This southern plant produces honey which has an antibacterial power 100 times greater than that of other honeys.
The high content of methylglyoxal (MGO) makes this nectar a precious and unique honey. The MGO index allows you to get an idea of the effectiveness of the honey you buy. You can find honeys ranging from MGO 100+ to MGO 1000+. For an MGO 1000+ Manuka honey, this means that the honey has a concentration of 1000 milligrams of MGO per kilogram of honey.
The MGO indication therefore allows you to know the power of Manuka honey.
Quality beekeeping
For the MGO concentration, several criteria are taken into account:
- Floor
- Plant location
- Climatic conditions
- Harvesting methods
The plant has exceptional robustness, it grows in very difficult climatic conditions. Manuka is very resistant to humidity, drought, wind and frost.
The flowering period is very short, it is effective from November to December. Weather conditions such as rain and wind should not impact the bees during this short period.
In order to obtain honey rich in dihydroxyacetone, beekeepers must choose areas where Manukas grow. Local beekeepers recommend one hectare of Manuka per hive.
After harvest, Manuka honey is stored at a temperature of approximately 22 to 37°C for 12 to 22 months. This long storage period makes it possible to optimize the dihydroxyacetone conversion process and maximize the quantity of methylglyoxal.
The health benefits of manuka honey
The higher the methylglyoxal content, the more active ingredients the honey contains. Manuka honey has properties such as:
Acts on respiratory discomfort
Strengthens the immune system
Natural healing
-
Soothes gastrointestinal discomfort
Oral comfort
In addition to treating colds and flu, Manuka honey is also used against digestive disorders, skin maintenance, beauty and health. After numerous scientific studies, this honey is recognized as a miracle of nature.
The different uses of Manuka honey
Professor Thomas HENLE has demonstrated that Manuka honey has an antibacterial power 100 times greater than that of other honeys thanks to the presence of the methylglyoxal molecule.
Depending on its MGO concentration, Manuka honey does not have the same indications and uses.
From 30+ to 100+ MGO concentration, the nectar of the gods is indicated for food as well as daily well-being.
At 250+ MGO concentration, Manuka honey has an action on well-being, minor wounds and digestion.
Finally, for a concentration of 400+ to 550+ MGO concentration is used for respiratory discomfort such as sore throats, coughs and bronchial infections. But it also acts on wounds, burns and symptoms of gastroenteritis.
The dosage of “Nectar of the Gods”
With Manuka honey, there is no real maximum dose. It is recommended to consume 2 to 3 teaspoons of Manuka honey every day. If you want to benefit from a more optimal effect, we recommend that you consume Manuka honey on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal. If you are prone to bladder infections, it is also possible to dilute this honey in a drink.
Manuka honey diluted with a cream can be applied to the skin. It is also used to treat wounds, however be careful not to apply any type of honey if you are making a honey dressing. In fact, honey contains 450 different varieties of germs.
Contraindications
Generally, honey has some contraindications.
To begin with, the first contraindication concerns the consumption of honey by young children under one year old. Infants' immune systems are not ready to defend themselves against germs. Honey may contain germs from pollen. Honey is therefore not recommended in the diet of infants; this contraindication is part of the recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organization).
In addition, for people with diabetes, the consumption of honey should be avoided. Composed of fructose and glucose, the consumption of honey for people with diabetes should be avoided so as not to worsen their health.
Some people who are allergic to pollen or bees may also have an allergic reaction when they consume any type of honey.
Manuka honey is very rich in fructose, so it is not recommended for people with hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia corresponds to the elevation of the level of triglycerides in the blood.
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