Manuka honey is made in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. Proponents claim it can treat wound infections and build the immune system. This blog post will describe some of the key manuka honey health benefits.
Honey Has Healing Power
Honey has been used since ancient times to treat numerous health conditions. In the late 19th century, scientists discovered that honey contained natural antibacterial qualities. Honey protects the body from damage caused by bacteria. It also boosts the production of cells that repair tissue damage from infections. And honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease pain and inflammation.
But not all honey is created equal. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the type of flower pollen collected by the bees. Some kinds of honey can have a hundred times more healing potential than others.
Manuka Honey Health Benefits
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most abundant chemical compounds found in honey responsible for its antibiotic properties. But some types, including manuka honey, have additional ingredients that boost the antibacterial effect even more.
A prominent antibacterial compound in manuka honey is called methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a substance found in most types of honey, but usually only in trace amounts. MG comes from converting dihydroxyacetone, a compound found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers.
The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. Honey producers use a scale for rating the potency of manuka honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. The UMF rating reflects the concentration of MG in a particular batch of honey. To be considered strong enough to be therapeutic, manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF. Manufacturers label honey with that level or above as “UMF Manuka Honey” or “Active Manuka Honey.”
You can use “Active Manuka Honey” to treat sore throats, blemishes on the skin, cuts, scrapes, and viral infections. Other manuka honey health benefits include easing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), improving digestion, boosting the immune system, and increasing energy.
More On The Rating System
Most high-grade manuka honey from New Zealand includes a UMF rating on the label. Some honey producers opt instead to use an MG or MGO rating. Honey which lacks a UMF or MG/MGO rating is generally low-grade and will lack manuka honey health benefits.
Honey producers base UMF ratings on specific natural markers found in manuka honey, including leptosperin and methylglyoxal.
UMF ratings correspond to the strength of the beneficial properties of honey. Honey with ratings between 5 and 9.9 are labeled UMF 5+, while honey with ratings between 10.0 and 14.9 are UMF 10+, and so on.
Boosting Your Immune System
Amid a global pandemic, it is essential to boost your immune system. At Raleigh Acupuncture, every patient coming to our clinic receives acupuncture points to boost their immune system.
You can also boost your immune system through dietary choices. A diet high in dark leafy green vegetables will help. And so will adding manuka honey into your daily nutrition. Manuka honey health benefits are significant.
Next Steps
We sell high grade Manuka honey at our clinic for prices lower than Amazon (we buy in bulk). If you would like to purchase some, send us a text (919-819-8113) or email (Contact Us).
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