Sweet like… Manuka Honey?
Health-conscious readers will already be able to tell you the benefits of real Manuka Honey: too many to count.
The Majesties Of Manuka
Nutritionally and health-wise – this honey is full of excellent body benefits. Numerous tests and studies show its effects on infection and other ailments. Manuka (tea-tree) trees grow in the Australia/New Zealand region of the world, and the bees that harvest pollen from the trees’ flowers are the creators of this sweet and sticky natural medicine.
The high amount of anti-bacterial agents present in manuka honey may inhibit the growth of bacteria and naturally enhance the skin to heal more efficiently. Many people use it as a face mask! While official studies have not effectively concluded this to be necessarily true, independent studies, as well as numerous health forums applaud the use of manuka honey on certain levels. Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey, which gives it the antibiotic quality. Certain types of honey (like manuka) have other antibacterial qualities. The major part of manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). The higher a concentration of MG, the stronger the antibacterial effect. Therefore, manuka honey is a super honey.
As food, manuka is a healthy way to sweeten the palate. Studies suggest it is effective in fighting ulcers. With the weather turning, there is the suggestion that a teaspoon of manuka honey, when melted in the back of the throat, will help cure throat irritation and help the body fight cold and allergy season. Since manuka has a stronger flavor than regular clover honey, a good way to ease into it is to pair it on toast with some almond or peanut butter. However it is you choose to try it, make sure that the honey you want has a high rating. For information on UMF and manuka ratings, click here.
