You’ve heard about the wonders of Manuka Honey – but which type should you buy? With so much information, numbers and letters to digest it can be easy to feel overwhelmed at buying your first product or off-putting if unable to find the right details.
When it comes to browsing for the right type of Manuka, the right choice is relatively simple – if you want a product that has been naturally occurring and collected without any artificial genes or chemicals added then look no further than our MGO Manuka honey.
Here, we’re going to take a quick peek at what 'MGO' means on honey labels so there'll be no confusion when buying your first jar!
What is MGO Manuka Honey?
MGO is shorthand for ‘Methylglyoxal’ – the active ingredient in genuine Manuka that is measured to understand its anti-bacterial quality. Labels with MGO (plus a number) explain that the honey inside has been tested for Methylglyoxal – and its potency. The accompanying number on an MGO label (i.e. this Manuka honey that has been rated MGO525+) is a rating of how strong the Methylglyoxal is – the higher the number, the more potent it is. Generally, the lower end of the MGO Manuka Honey scale will be for honey that is typically used daily, while the higher strength Manuka is used for increased antibacterial effects.
What exactly is Methylglyoxal?
Methylglyoxal is a chemical that is created when glucose forms to protect the cells of the Manuka plant. The discovery of Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties has led researchers to study its effects on human health. Studies show that MGO Manuka honey supports colds, soothes sore throats, promotes wound healing and calms skin conditions, such as acne or eczema.
Which MGO Manuka should I choose?
It is important to know the right amount of Manuka honey you need. For example, if your goal is just general wellness and not breaking any health barriers then one spoonful per day may be enough but for those with specific goals in mind or wanting more potent effects there can certainly still result from ingesting up 2-3 tablespoons daily. If you’re prone to picking up colds, higher levels of MGO will be better to use in your recipes – while it’s important to always keep in mind that it isn’t a cure, the higher antibacterial effects of manuka can at least work to form a much better defence.
Our Manuka honey experts have created a quick ‘Manuka MGO Chooser’ quiz which, after a few lifestyle questions, will recommend a suitable MGO strength based on your answers. So please feel free to take the test and if you have any additional questions beyond that, our team are always on hand to provide all the assistance you need.
Shop genuine MGO Manuka with us!
Here at the Manuka Lab, we provide a high quality and potent form of MGO Manuka honey with unique properties that can be attributed to its origins in New Zealand. Our genuine product is harvested from amongst one of nature's most resilient plants grown deep within remote areas ensuring purity for each batch delivered directly onto your doorstep.
Please take the time to browse our product selection – each clickable product page contains specific information about the items; their uses, ingredients and more. If you have any questions about anything you may see on our website, we would be pleased to hear from you! Send us an e-mail at wecare@manukalab.co.uk