Also known as liquid gold, manuka honey has taken the health world by storm in recent years. Celebrities and wellness enthusiasts like Kourtney Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow have advocated for the product, helping its popularity to skyrocket and securing its status as a ‘trendy’ health food item. Manuka honey attracts consumers for its distinct taste and wide array of health benefits, ranging from treating sore throats to improving digestive issues. As with anything, choosing a quality brand is key in getting the most out of your purchase. We love 309 Honey because it’s authentic, sustainable, and bottled right at the source.
What is Manuka Honey?
Native to New Zealand, manuka honey is created by bees that pollinate the manuka bush. The main characteristic that makes manuka honey unique from other honey is methylglyoxal, or MGO. This antibacterial compound contains antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits and is present in far higher quantities than other honey possesses. These incredible benefits make the demand for manuka honey higher than any other kind and because the flowering season for the elusive manuka bush lasts only 2-6 weeks in the year, it can get pricey.
Here are 5 things you didn’t know about manuka honey:
1. Not all manuka honey is created equal.
While all manuka honey can be used as a delicious sweetener, not all manuka honey offers the same level of benefits. It’s important to pay attention to the MGO rating on a container of manuka honey, as it can vary and will tell you what it is best used for.
●MGO of 100+:Great for use as an everyday sweetener and is beneficial to your general wellbeing
●MGO of 200+: Great for general wellbeing and digestive health
●MGO of 400+:Aids in digestion, boosts immunity, treats burns, and improves skin
As the MGO rating on manuka honey increases, so does the price. The higher the MGO, the more high-quality the honey and the more beneficial it is to your health.
2. There are two types of manuka honey.
Manuka honey can be either multifloral or monofloral. Multifloral is honey that has been taken from multiple different flowers, but primarily contains nectar from manuka flowers. Monofloral is honey that solely contains nectar from manuka flowers. Multifloral honey is more affordable because it contains a mix of honeys, unlike monofloral which is pure manuka honey.
3. It aids in healing wounds.
For centuries, manuka honey has been used to treat wounds, burns, and sores. In 2007, it was approved by the FDA as an acceptable option for treating wounds. Studies have shown that manuka honey can help wounds heal faster while increasing the regeneration of tissue and decreasing pain.
4. It improves digestive issues.
Research has shown that manuka honey is effective in improving digestive issues, thanks to its antioxidant levels and ability to reduce inflammation. For those with digestive disorders like IBS, consuming manuka honey on a regular basis can decrease symptoms.
5. It can treat acne.
Manuka honey with a high MGO rating is often used as a face mask for its antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been proven to help speed up the acne healing process and decrease inflammation caused by acne. Next time you’re looking for a DIY face mask, reach for your manuka honey and try it out!