Manuka honey is being produced when bees pollinate the bush. Manuka bush flower or Leptospermum scoparium is native to New Zealand. As is well known, honey is the best and a healthy sugar substitute all over the world. Some pastry chefs also use manuka honey for their recipes. What’s unique about manuka honey, and what sets it apart from other kinds of honey? It is its active ingredient called “methylglyoxal,” which has a dynamic antibacterial effect. It also has antiviral and antioxidant benefits, which are very relevant to the current health crisis.
Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Manuka Honey
- Accelerate wound healing – this honey has been used during ancient times to treat wounds, sores, and burns. It soothes the stinging pain of the injury, and the antibacterial properties prevent the damage from getting infected. It was in 2007 that the US FDA approved this honey.
- Suitable for oral health – Traditionally, manuka honey has been used to prevent tooth decay. And indeed, it keeps the gum healthy by preventing harmful bacteria while preserving the good bacteria. Unlike sweets and sugar, this honey does not contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
- Treatment for Sore Throat – manuka honey provides a soothing effect for sore throat. The antiviral and antibacterial properties fight back inflammation and attack the bacteria that can cause infection. Studies show that manuka honey can decrease streptococcus mutants which are the culprit for sore throat. Even in other countries, especially Asian countries, it has been known that all types of honey are effective cough suppressants.
- Prevent Gastric ulcer – H. Pylori is a bacteria that causes gastric ulcers. Scientific studies suggested manuka honey can cure gastric ulcers caused by this bacteria. But, it is not yet proven to kill or decrease the presence of H. pylori.
- Decreases the symptoms of IBS – IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterized by constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and irregularities of bowel movements. According to a scientific study, consuming manuka honey can help ease these symptoms by attacking the bacteria Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection responsible for severe diarrhea and bowel infection.
- Heals Acne – Acne is commonly caused by hormonal changes, clogged pores, stress, and the growth of bacteria. Since manuka honey has antimicrobial properties, it is then effective in treating acne. It heals the inflammation caused by acne, and it even cleanses your skin from bacteria.
The antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey make this honey valuable and beneficial to our health, as it accelerates the healing process of wounds and inflammation. Furthermore, manuka honey has been proven to play an essential role in healing upper respiratory infections. People in the past and current generation use honey with tea instead of refined sugar. It is healthier and believed to have other benefits like soothing coughs, colds, and sore throat. Now we know that honey is not just a mere sweetener used in deserts, but also you can use it to treat specific ailments.
