New Zealand is the largest producer and exporter of the exotic Manuka Honey that is known globally for its rich flavor, impressive nutritional profile, and amazing benefits for your health and fitness. This purely organic honey is a superfood that can prove to be a valuable addition to your daily diet due to its high antioxidant, vitamins, minerals, and amino acid contents. “Manuka honey is a prized commodity due to its rarity and strong medicinal properties. No matter whether you are looking to treat seasonal illnesses or simply adopt a healthier dietary lifestyle, this honey variety is all you need.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of BA Barry Group, Mr. Basem Barry. This blog delves into the main factors that make New Zealand’s Manuka Honey so special. So, without any further ado, let’s uncover the secrets of this rare and unique honey variety together. Manuka Honey: A Unique Source, History, and Origin High Methylglyoxal (MGO) Content: The Discerning Quality of Manuka Honey The Unique Manuka Factor or UMF Effective For Wound Treatment Treats Diabetic Foot Ulcers Good for Oral Health Prevents Gastric Ulcers Enhances Digestive Health Reduces the Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection There are many things that make Manuka Honey special. However, probably the most important one is its unique floral origin. This raw honey is made from the nectar of the Manuka tree or Leptospermum Scoparium tree that is native to the pristine and lush green landscape of New Zealand. This tree is found in the remote regions of the country where the air, soil, and water are free from pollutants and pesticides. A Historical View: The Maori Origin The indigenous Maori people of New Zealand had a deep connection with the Manuka Trees. They considered it the Taonga, meaning a prized natural treasure, which they used for countless culinary and medicinal purposes. They used wood from this tree to fashion weapons and its bark to make water containers. They also used its bark topically on wounds. These natives created herbal infusions from the leaves of the tree to treat colds, fevers, and digestive issues. The inner bark of the Manuka was also used by the Maori as a mouthwash and as a treatment for many gum diseases. Europeans Discover the Manuka Tree James Cook, in one of his journeys, came across the Maori people and discovered the magical effects of the Manuka Tree. He pioneered the use of the leaves of this tree as an alternative to tea. After that, many early settlers also started using this tree as a tea and as a key medicinal ingredient. The Rise of Manuka Honey In the 1800s, a Methodist missionary named Mary Bumbay introduced European bees to New Zealand. He established his apiary near the Manuka trees, which is probably the starting point of the production of Manuka honey on a larger scale. By 1860, many honey bee colonies appeared in New Zealand owing to its diverse natural landscape. Soon, the Maori people also learned honey farming methods to create their own Manuka Honey, and this led to the commercial production of this rare honey variety. Dr. Peter Molan, a biochemist from the University of Waikato, conducted research on the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey in 1980. He was the first to discover the unique nature and superior antibacterial activity of this honey, which he attributed to its high MGO content. This honey has a much higher MGO concentration than normal honey varieties, which is the main reason behind its superior antibacterial effects. This property of Manuka Honey makes it effective for enhancing immunity, treating wounds, and preventing both chronic and seasonal illnesses. Another special thing about this honey is the unique quality grading system that is used to rate this honey in terms of its purity, MGO content, and antibacterial properties. The UMF or unique Manuka factor was developed by the New Zealand UMF Honey Association (UMFHA) to determine Manuka Honey’s potency and purity. To calculate this value, several key compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO), leptosperin, and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in this honey are measured. Higher UMF ratings like UMF 15+ or UMF 20+ indicate greater potency and health benefits of the honey. UMF 10+ rated honey is suitable for normal daily use. UMF 15+ Manuka Honey is ideal for targeted medicinal and health applications. UMF 20+ rate Manuka honey gives you maximum potency, and it is used mostly as an ingredient in medicinal and skincare products. Manuka honey has been used as a wound treatment for centuries. This highly dense and viscous honey creates a protective barrier on the wounds, which prevents microbial infections and facilitates quicker healing. Diabetic foot ulcers are a major issue for people who suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients who suffer from this issue can use Manuka honeybased wound dressing in combination with their regular treatment to heal the sores faster. This ensures the wounds are treated before they get worse. Dental plaque can be a big nuisance, which can lead to tooth decay and several gum diseases. These plaques are also a breeding ground for bacteria. Manuka honey fights the plaque-producing bacteria in your mouth, which enhances your oral health. The continuous use of this honey prevents the buildup of dental plaque, which ensures your oral health stays in the best shape. People who suffer from this issue can also enjoy the benefits of Manuka Honey. Stomach or peptic ulcers are also a common issue that can lead to indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. These ulcers are caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach, which Manuka Honey can prevent from growing. The antibacterial properties of this honey fight harmful gut bacteria and soothe the lining of the stomach, which makes it ideal for treating and preventing gastric ulcers. This honey can also treat IBD or inflammatory bowel disease, which leads to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. The use of Manuka honey eliminates the root cause of the IBD, which is the presence of clostridiodes defficile bacteria. This way, by using Manuka honey, you can enjoy better digestive health without having to rely on traditional antibiotic treatments. Upper respiratory infection or UTI can lead to symptoms like Cough Acute nasopharyngitis Sinusitis Tonsillitis Tracheitis Rhinitis Supraglottitis The use of Manuka honey has proven effective for the treatment of most of these symptoms. This honey can soothe your throat and treat pulmonary irritation and persistent post-infection coughs. New Zealand’s Manuka honey has strong historical and cultural roots that date back several centuries. This rare honey made from the nectar of the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) possesses several unique properties that make it a perfect ingredient in many culinary and medicinal recipes. This honey’s unique properties include very high MGO content, greater microbial activity, high antioxidant concentration, and an impressive overall nutritional profile. These components of Manuka Honey are what make it effective for treating a wide range of illnesses and promoting long-lasting health and wellness. You can visit us at Geohoney to explore our wide range of pure and natural monofloral honey varieties that give you the sweetest flavor without any side effects. Manuka Honey: A Unique Source, History, and Origin
High Methylglyoxal (MGO) Content: The Discerning Quality of Manuka Honey
The Unique Manuka Factor or UMF
Effective For Wound Treatment
Treats Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Good for Oral Health
Prevents Gastric Ulcers
Enhances Digestive Health
Reduces the Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Conclusion