Manuka honey: properties and benefits

That honey, in general, is a nutritious and beneficial food is a fact. But not all honeys are the same: Manuka honey, originally from New Zealand and Australia, is certainly a true superfood, thanks to its properties phytotherapeutic.

Its name derives from the Manuka plant, a shrub of the Myrthaceae – an evergreen used in cooking also as an aromatic plant and to distil a fragrant essential oil – with flowers rich in pollen and nectar, and numerous medicinal qualities in its "active ingredient".

In fact, if in terms of nutritional values ​​it may seem similar to common honey, Manuka honey is a food so effective and versatile that it has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine Maori and, still today, in natural pharmacology.

The active ingredient: what is methylglyoxal and what it cures

TheMGO o methylglyoxal is an organic compound from the aldehyde family, found only in this type of honey.

Only quality Manuka honey has a sufficiently high concentration of this, we could define it, "active ingredient": the proportion in ml can vary between 100 and over 800 of MGO per KG of honey and, obviously, higher concentrations correspond to a greater effect. Our Natural Manuka Honey ranges from 100+ to 800+ MGO and is a 100% raw and natural honey, tested by qualified laboratories.

But what are the effects of this superfood? These are mainly anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, antioxidant and healing properties. We will see, in fact, that it can be both taken orally and used for skin compresses.

Some examples of pathologies that can benefit greatly from the anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka Honey are those affecting the digestive system: stomach ulcers, heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux find clear relief with the daily intake of this honey.

And not only that: also the cold-related illnesses and all the symptoms of seasonal flu affecting the respiratory system such as colds, sore throats and coughs can improve thanks to this natural remedy. In fact, it is a great reinforcement for the immune defenses and not only that: methylglyoxal interferes with the growth and proliferation of bacteria, blocking it with an action that we could define as antibiotic. It appears to be active even against the infamous Staphylococcus aureus, which often resists traditional antibiotic drugs.

Alsowounds, abrasions, skin ulcerations and burns can be treated with Manuka Honey, through the application of poultices and compresses.

Taste and consistency of Manuka Honey

The taste is extremely pleasant, sweet with a hint of bitter aftertaste (a bit like chestnut honey), which certainly makes it a more balanced and less cloying flavor than other types of honey.

Not only that, it is also very aromatic, with hints of heather and other herbaceous plants in the background.

The consistency, then, makes it truly unique: the presence of a colloidal protein among the elements that make up its structure means that it is not liquid like many other less valuable types, but dense and full-bodied, with an iridescent and vaguely grainy golden color.

A perfect consistency for many culinary preparations!

How to take manuka honey

Who doesn't enjoy a cup of tea, herbal tea or warm milk with a teaspoon of honey on a cold evening? Manuka Honey is certainly an excellent natural sweetener for any type of drink.

If you want to maximize its benefits, it is better to take honey in purity or in cold preparations: for example, on toast, pancakes and toast, for an energizing breakfast, or added in delicious and colorful bowls of yogurt and fresh fruit.

It even lends itself to some savory preparations, for example as a sweet note for dressing exotic salads.

When to apply manuka honey for external use

In addition to food use, this versatile honey also has external use.

Wounds and abrasions can be bandaged with apack based on Manuka Honey, capable of cleaning the affected area, generating an antiseptic action and promoting the regeneration of healthy tissues.

Just brush the cut or burn with this honey and then proceed with a normal bandage with sterile gauze: even the pain will gradually fade thanks to the soothing properties of the product.

Contraindications of Manuka Honey

There are, obviously, contraindications, although very limited, being a totally natural product: specific allergic reactions, hyperglycemia in overdoses in diabetic patients and possible interaction, always if taken in excessive quantities, with some drugs such as anticoagulants. Furthermore, with its approximately 320Kcal per 100g of product, it is certainly an energy food: it should therefore not be taken in massive doses in the context of slimming diets or in the context of problems linked to overweight and obesity.

For further information, we leave you some international sources from two institutions, the New Zealand Government and the Australian Manuka Honey Association, involved in disseminating this particular product:

• https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-harvesting/honey-and-bees/manuka-honey/
• https://www.manukaaustralia.org.au/quality-standards/criteria/