As a kid, I had a grandmother who had a remedy for everything. Whether it was a cold or a cut, she always had something in her pantry that could help. One of her go-to remedies was honey, which she claimed could cure everything from a sore throat to a stomachache. Little did I know that she was actually on to something. I often wonder what she would have thought of Manuka honey, which is hundreds of times more potent than regular honey. Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful natural remedy for a variety of health conditions.
One of the key factors that sets Manuka honey apart from other types of honey is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that is responsible for its antibacterial properties. MGO has been shown to be more effective than other types of honey in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that Manuka honey with high levels of MGO was able to significantly reduce the growth of MRSA in a laboratory setting (1).
But that’s not all – Manuka honey also has anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential natural remedy for inflammatory conditions and an aid to digestive health. A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that Manuka honey was able to reduce inflammation in the airways of asthma patients (2).
In addition to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Manuka honey is also a natural source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Research has shown that the antioxidant activity of Manuka honey is comparable to that of other high-antioxidant foods, such as berries and green tea (3).
The potential health benefits of Manuka honey have been recognized for centuries, and modern research is starting to catch up. So if you’re looking for a natural way to boost your health and well-being, consider adding Manuka honey to your diet. Just be sure to look for a high-quality Manuka honey with a validated MGO rating to ensure that you are getting all of the potential health benefits of this fantastic natural product.
In conclusion, Manuka honey’s MGO content is what sets it apart from other types of honey, making it a powerful natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. With its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, Manuka honey is a true superfood that can support your overall health and well-being.
References:
- Henriques A, et al. The antibacterial activity of Manuka honey against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2005; 99(4): 764-71.
- Carter DA, et al. Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2016; 7: 569.
- Al-Rahbi B, Zakaria R, Othman Z, et al. Manuka honey suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Nutrients. 2017; 9(7): 777.
