1
Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand
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Manuka honey originates from remote areas of New Zealand and is harvested by bees that pollinate the flowers of the Manuka bush. When buying real Manuka honey, look for labels that state that it is a New Zealand product. However, some brands also come from Australia.
2
Manuka Honey Uses a Classification System
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UMF
stands for Unique Mānuka Factor and is the most common rating system for Mānuka honey. The UMF rating system was developed by the UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) in New Zealand and rates Mānuka honey based on four factors: MGO (methylglyoxal), Leptosperine, DHA and HMF. MGO is the most important antibacterial property in Mānuka honey.
3
Manuka Honey Reviews
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Each jar of manuka honey produced is graded and given a rating from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+. The higher the rating, the higher the quality. This system allows buyers to easily identify which manuka honey fits their lifestyle. For example, according to UMFHA, when you choose a rating of 5+ – 10+, “You are looking for a natural sweetener that supports a healthy lifestyle.” On the other hand, if you choose a rating of 25+, then “You are looking for a higher level of potency with added nutritional support.”
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4
Food quality versus medical quality
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When shopping for manuka honey, Alex Foxman, MD, a double board-certified physician and medical director for Beverly Hills Institute, Mobile Physician Associates, says there are differences between medical-grade and food-grade manuka honey. “Medical-grade honey is sterilized and used for wound care, while food-grade honey is consumed for its health benefits.” Depending on your needs, shop for manuka honey accordingly.
5
Manuka Honey Has Medicinal Properties
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“When consumed, manuka honey can boost the immune system, soothe a sore throat, and aid digestion due to its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,” explains Dr. Jenelle Kim, Doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 9th Generation Master Herbalist, and Founder and Formulator at JBK Wellness Labs. “It contains methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it strong antibacterial effects, making it effective in fighting harmful bacteria and promoting overall health.”
6
Manuka Honey Can Help With Sore Throats
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If you have a sore throat, try a spoonful or two of manuka honey. As noted in a 2017 article published in the journal Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. Manuka honey has a naturally thick texture that soothes the throat and has antimicrobial properties, making it a great product to have in your arsenal of sore throat remedies.
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7
Manuka Honey Can Be Used Topically
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In addition to helping with a sore throat, Manuka Honey can also be used on minor burns, cuts, and scrapes to help heal. “Topically, Manuka Honey is very effective in wound healing and skin care,” shares Dr. Kim. “Its antibacterial properties help prevent infection in wounds and burns, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and swelling. It also promotes skin cell regeneration, making it beneficial for treating acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.” If you need a new addition to your medicine cabinet, consider Manuka Honey.
8
Shopping for a Brand of Manuka Honey
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When purchasing Mānuka brands, look for a traceability feature on the label. Transparent Mānuka brands offer full testing results to show what’s on the label, including UMF ratings and things like antibacterial levels. “Look for Mānuka honey that’s been certified by reputable organizations, like the UMF Honey Association, to ensure its purity and quality,” Dr. Kim advises.
9
Read the ingredients
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When choosing a Manuka honey, read the ingredients. “Pure Manuka honey should not contain any additives or fillers,” Dr. Kim notes. “Check the ingredient list to confirm it is 100% pure Manuka honey.”
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10
Choose raw and/or unpasteurized
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When purchasing manuka honey, Dr. Foxman advises looking for honey that is labeled “raw” or “unpasteurized.” This will ensure that the natural enzymes are preserved and the health benefits are maximized.
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