Manuka Honey | What Makes It Different from Regular Honey?

The answer is clever marketing in the past, high amounts of the reactive chemical methylglyoxal (MGO) and the source being honey from the Manuka bush, native to New Zealand and Australia. Most of the other distinctive features are failing to be proven by science such 'great facilitation toward digestive health, it shows promise for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and outstanding for internal and external use'.

All other raw honeys offer many of the same benefits although each honey is distinctive. IminoHoney, offer benefits all of its own, due to the iminosugar content to support vitality and wellness. It is low in MGO, which may well be a health advantage, even though that may reduce topical (skin contact) anti-bacterial activity. In fact all honeys are anti-bacterial by skin content to some extent due to the high sugar content. IminoHoney has the unique feature of an iminosugar that is stable and active when eaten. Whether one uses Manuka honey or another option, like IminoHoney, will depend on what one is trying to achieve in terms of health benefits. Both ensure authentic, natural health support to make sure that one leverages the ultimate in what nature has to offer.

The research described above relied on laboratory tests and not real life infections and could be due to methylglyoxal content alone

Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is often hailed as a superfood but without a good reason distinguishing it from other honeys except it is high in MGO and from nectar from the Manuka bush which is native to New Zealand and Australia. What is claimed to set Manuka honey apart from regular raw honey is its unique antibacterial properties, largely attributed to the high MGO formed from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), found in the nectar of Manuka flowers, and the higher the MGO content, the more potent the honey's antibacterial effects.

Laboratory studies claim to have shown that Manuka honey is effective in inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay but not shown in people. Additionally, it is said that its antibacterial properties make it useful in treating wounds, burns, and even infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA; this is however true for any honey and was the basis of traditional would care before anti-biotics. Furthermore, Manuka honey has been linked to potential benefits in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and preventing gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) but studies are not conclusive.

Manuka Honey: A Different Type of Raw Honey

While all raw honey has natural antibacterial properties , Manuka honey stands out due to its high MGO content. High MGO is not necessarily good for you though. In New Zealand, Manuka honey is certified with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating, which indicates its potency. The higher the UMF, the greater the concentration of claimed beneficial compounds such as MGO. In Australia, look for the AMHA (Australian Manuka Honey Association) mark of authenticity and an MGO rating to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

However, it’s important to note that Manuka honey is not the only type of raw honey with health benefits. Almost all other types of organic honey, such as buckwheat honey or wildflower honey, also offer a range of health benefits, thanks to their high antioxidant content and natural enzymes. IminoHoney is unique though in being high in measured natural iminosugar.

External vs Internal Use

Manuka honey has been marketed for its external use, particularly in wound care, but it is not clear it is better than any other honey. Honey helps to create a protective barrier over wounds, preventing infection and promoting faster healing. In addition to treating wounds, Manuka honey is said to help combat acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects but this is not proven from eating the honey. Though research is still limited, Manuka honey has shown promise in reducing acne when used alongside other low-pH skincare products but any other honey may have the same benefit.

Internally, Manuka honey is claimed to support digestive health, particularly in managing symptoms of IBD and preventing gastric ulcers but detailed studies are lacking. In common with all sugary foods honey including Manuka will contribute to tooth decay, not making them clearly a healthier sweetener option but the complex mixture of sugars may slow glucose release. Iminosugars can have the added benefit of being able to inhibit glucosidases that release glucose from foods.

Manuka Honey: Rise to Popularity

Over the years, Manuka honey has gained immense popularity, particularly in health and wellness circles due to clever marketing. Its reputation as a powerful natural remedy has led to increased demand, and it’s now a staple in many households for both culinary and medicinal uses. The claimed distinct properties of Manuka honey, coupled with its production process, make it a sought-after product for those looking to enhance their health naturally. The high prices of Manuka also means there are fake products on the market.

What Are the Alternatives?

While Manuka honey is possibly beneficial, it’s not the only raw honey worth considering. IminoHoney , for example, offers an alternative with unique benefits. IminoHoney is rich in iminosugars , rare compounds that have been shown to provide health benefits, such as supporting energy levels and overall well-being. Unlike Manuka honey, which is high in MGO, IminoHoney has low MGO levels, making it a gentler option with its own distinct advantages.

If you’re looking for a natural, organic honey with scientifically-backed benefits, IminoHoney is an excellent choice. It’s the only honey commercially available with a measured iminosugar content, and these beneficial compounds are added naturally by the honey bees during production.

If You Had the Choice!

Given the wide range of raw honey options available, choosing the right one depends on your specific health goals and preferences. Manuka honey is a great choice for those seeking a potent, antibacterial honey for external and internal use. However, if you’re interested in exploring other natural remedies with unique benefits, IminoHoney is a fantastic alternative that combines authentic production methods with cutting-edge health benefits.

Manuka honey is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a natural substance with a range of claimed but largely unproven health benefits, from antibacterial properties to digestive support. With options like IminoHoney available, it’s worth exploring all the varieties of raw honey to find the one that best suits your needs. Whether you choose Manuka or another type of organic honey, you’re making a choice that’s rooted in nature’s finest offerings and based on centuries of use. Feel free to leave a comment if you found this interesting and/or learned something new!

Citations:

Hbibi, A., Sikkou, K., Khedid, K., El Hamzaoui, S., Bouziane, A. and Benazza, D. (2020). Antimicrobial activity of honey in periodontal disease: a systematic review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 75(4), pp.807–826. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkz527.

Healthline. (2017). 13 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-acne-remedies.

Semprini, A., Braithwaite, I., Corin, A., Sheahan, D., Tofield, C., Helm, C., Montgomery, B., Fingleton, J., Weatherall, M. and Beasley, R. (2016). Randomised controlled trial of topical kanuka honey for the treatment of acne. BMJ open, [online] 6(2), p.e009448. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009448.