Historically, honey has been prized for its flavor and potential health benefits. In the culinary and wellness worlds, Manuka honey has been making waves for its unique origin and distinct properties. It is essential to understand the key differences between regular honey and Manuka honey in this blog post.
What is Manuka Honey?
New Zealand and parts of Australia produce Manuka honey from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which stands out for its exceptional antibacterial properties and the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating system that quantifies its power.
How is Manuka Honey Different from Regular Honey?
Unique Origin:
In contrast to regular honey, Manuka honey is derived from the nectar of the Manuka bush. The unique properties of the Manuka plant contribute to its unique composition.
UMF Rating:
Manuka honey is graded using the UMF rating system, which quantifies its antibacterial activity and potency. Regular honey is not subjected to such a rating system.
Distinct Flavor:
Regular honey can vary widely in flavor, depending on the flowers from which the bees collect nectar. Manuka honey can have a rich, earthy flavor with a slightly bitter undertone.
Antibacterial Properties:
Its antibacterial properties make it a popular choice for wound healing, immune system support, and sore throat relief. Regular honey also has some antibacterial properties but at lower levels.
Higher Cost:
Due to its unique properties, limited production, and rigorous quality standards, manuka honey is significantly more expensive than regular honey.
Benefits of Manuka honey
There are a number of health benefits associated with manuka honey, including:
Wound healing:
Wounds can heal faster, and infections can be prevented with manuka honey.
Antibacterial activity:
Besides killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, manuka honey also kills a variety of other bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory activity:
Inflammation and pain can be reduced by manuka honey.
Immune system support:
Boosting the immune system and fighting infections is possible with manuka honey.
Digestive health:
The use of manuka honey can improve digestive health and reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How to choose Manuka honey
Ensure that the honey you choose has a high MGO rating and is certified by a reputable organization, such as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Honey Association.
Conclusion
Among the many health benefits of Manuka honey are its taste, texture, antibacterial activity, and MGO rating. Therefore, it is essential to choose a high-quality product with a high MGO rating when purchasing Manuka honey.