Honey has been used as a remedy for many ailments across history and has now found its way into people’s pantries across the world, for very different reasons. When you waked up all hazy in the morning and all you can manage is some honey on toast before you stumble out the door, or when you add that golden liquid to you tea of an evening, do you stop and think what medical benefits you are receiving? These benefits are especially prevalent if the honey you are consuming is Manuka honey.
You may have heard about this elusive type of honey known as Manuka. What you might not have heard is why it’s so special. Scientists have already debunked the initial theory of Manuka being just another clever marketing play (but be warned there is a lot of falsely labelled Manuka honey out there). But like all things that claim to have miraculous health benefits, the best thing you can do is to try it. Don’t listen to all the noise and just give it a go.
What’s different?
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best and most pure Manuka honey. Manuka Health New Zealand gives us a little insight into why this honey is so special.
‘Manuka honey is complex honey that goes far beyond simple table honey. It has been the focus of extensive scientific research evidencing remarkable natural properties that set it apart from other kinds of honey and make it so highly prized throughout the world. Manuka honey requires special care and expertise to optimise and protect its special natural properties.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) has been demonstrated to be the naturally occurring compound that makes Manuka honey so special. MGO is formed in the honey from Manuka nectar, and as the honey ripens, the MGO content can increase. This requires expert handling and storage, and precise testing of the honey is essential to certify potency, quality and purity. Stringent regulations must be met at all stages of this process’.
Antibiotics vs Honey
There is rising concern within the health industry and the public over antibiotic resistance deaths rising. Experts have predicted that antibiotic resistance could kill 10 million people a year if action isn’t taken. Professor Liz Harry from UTS told the ABC that it was time to unleash the full benefits of honey for our health. She says that honey appears to kill bacteria in different ways, which is partly why bacteria don’t get resistant to it. Further research is required to confirm that honey influences the immune system in a way that can heal wounds. Honey could well be the antibiotics of the future and is people like Doctor Harry leading the way but it is up to us to do our own research.
COVID-19
It seems honey has gone from ancient remedy to modern pantry staple and on track to be a future medical wonder. With all this time COVID-19 has given us, get some Manuka honey into your pantry and see what benefits it can bring to you and your family.
