Whether it’s complimenting a recipe, alleviating a cough or even helping along the natural healing process of wounds, honey has built a good reputation for its benefits. This natural sweetener contains a lower glycemic index, meaning it is less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels like other sweeteners do. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, there’s a flavour that will suit pretty much anyone.
However, there is one type of honey that is unsurpassed when it comes to providing wellbeing benefits – Manuka honey. Covered extensively on TV, in magazines and online, the unique genetic makeup of the Manuka plant sees it provide a heightened antimicrobial effect over most other types of honey.
Here, we’re going to explain just what Manuka is, how it may be of benefit and where you can obtain some genuine Manuka for yourself.
What is Manuka Honey, exactly?
The ‘Manuka tree’ (Leptospermum scoparium) is mostly found in the beautiful mountainous terrain of New Zealand– often being the first plant to grow on cleared land. The plant is an upright evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and white flowers; blooming two-to-six weeks a year, the honey is created when bees pollinate with the flowers.
What makes Manuka different from other types of honey?
While all types of honey contain varying levels of antibacterial activity thanks to them containing hydrogen peroxide, they can be affected by heat, light, time, as well as packaging and transit. Manuka honey displays a more stable antimicrobial effect , thanks to the presence of the natural chemical compound, Methylglyoxal (MGO) from within the Manuka.
As a result, the honey that is created from the Manuka flower, uniquely named leptospermum scoparium can be shaped to help support general wellbeing.
What are the benefits of Manuka?
Whether it’s through the use of everyday honey to include in recipes or included with other flavours to create a delicious drink, used in shampoo to calm, smooth and protect hair (even as a skincare product to moisturise and heal), Manuka honey is truly is one of nature’s special gifts.
In fact, a better question would be ‘what aren’t the benefits’! Here, we’ve picked out three potential daily benefits of Manuka:
- Manuka can be a healthier alternative for gut health. The lower GI levels in Manuka avoid the health complications of having too much sugar in our diets, which include inflammation that make gut health uncomfortable. Used as a substitute for white and artificial sugars. The additional goodness provided by Manuka will further support wellbeing as time goes on.
- Manuka is great for skin. One of the more well-known uses of Manuka is in hospitals and clinics around the world to aid the process of healing wounds – research has shown that it can promote a breakdown of damaged tissue and aid regrowth. With such great skin-regeneration benefits, Manuka is also formulated into skincare products to help exfoliate dead skin cells, support hydration and lessen the appearance of fine lines.
- Manuka is great for general wellbeing. A spoonful of Manuka on some oatmeal, in a yoghurt or mixed into a smoothie can provide a great tasting daily boost in the morning. By using it as a sugar substitute, you can get a healthy dose of carbs for a fraction of the sugar content; providing you with the boost you need to tackle the day, lowering your blood sugar and promoting your wellbeing. And it tastes great! What’s not to love?
Where to buy Manuka Honey?
Manuka can be found in grocery stores, natural food stores and certain supermarkets, as well as online. It’s important to be aware that now all Manuka is created equal, however. To cash in on its popularity, some products may be ‘dressed up Manuka’; either Manuka that has been mixed with other types of honey or products that have been downright counterfeited.
This is why you should look out for the MGO rating system on the bottle – MGO is a measure of ‘Methylglyoxal’, the unique active ingredient in Manuka honey that provides it with its benefits. When browsing Manuka, always ensure you do your due diligence on the product you’re browsing; this way, you’ll be getting the right product for the right price. Check out our handy guide on identifying MGO Manuka for more information on this.
The Manuka Lab – Leading UK providers of genuine Manuka Honey
Here at the Manuka Lab, we are leading providers of Manuka Honey in the UK. Our genuine New Zealand Manuka Honey is sustainably harvested from New Zealand’s indigenous ‘Super Plant’ grown in the remotest areas of the East Cape region, ensuring quality, potency and origin.
From our landowner partners to the beekeepers and extraction and processing team, we are all deeply passionate about bringing you only the best Manuka honey. The versatility of our high-quality honey allows us to create a whole host of items to support wellbeing. From everyday honey to include in food and drink recipes, skincare items to support daily moisturising routines and haircare.
Why not see for yourself?
Please browse our website for further information on the Manuka products we have on sale – if you have any questions, our team are here to help. Send us an e-mail at wecare@manukalab.co.uk and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.