Honey is a natural sweetener that can be added to recipes to boost flavour and nutrition. HelloFresh offers a manuka honey blend that is independently tested to confirm the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Research shows that it fights harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation and gum disease such as gingivitis. It also stimulates immune cells and cytokine production.
It’s good for your skin
All honey has antibacterial properties thanks to its sugar content and low pH. However, manuka honey takes this natural disinfectant to the next level with a special compound called methylglyoxal (which is measured by what’s known as the Unique Manuka Factor).
All types of honey contain anti-inflammatory properties, too. These are especially helpful for those with skin issues like psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. Honey is also great for buffing dead skin with a homemade scrub or mask. Just remember to always use pure, unfiltered manuka honey with a MGO rating of 50+ and cold processed to ensure it contains no bee particles or honeycomb bits.
Those with acne will appreciate manuka honey’s strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Pimples and breakouts are usually caused by bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes, and studies have found that manuka honey can kill this bacterial strain. It can also help to prevent acne scarring by reducing inflammation and preventing the accumulation of free radicals.
It’s good for your teeth
Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties help fight the oral bacteria that cause plaque, gum disease and tooth decay. In fact, a study found that people who chewed on Manuka honey-containing gum experienced fewer dental plaque and gingivitis than those who chewed on sugar-free gum.
Because of its antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey is also effective in fighting against bacteria that cause sore throats. This is particularly true for monofloral Manuka honey (as opposed to multifloral) since bees collect nectar from a variety of flowers and plants, which translates into the multi-flower Manuka blend we see in stores.
It may also have some benefits for those suffering from cystic fibrosis, an inherited disorder that causes the body to produce thick mucus that can clog the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory infections. One study showed that Manuka honey significantly reduced the number of H. pylori bacteria, which can lead to gastric ulcers. The same study also found that ingesting Manuka honey could inhibit the growth of Clostridium difficile, another type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea.
It’s good for your gut
This honey contains compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO) and phytochemicals that give it unique antibacterial properties. This means that it naturally kills bacteria and can even work against some strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Test-tube studies have shown that Manuka honey can effectively inhibit the growth of clostridium difficile, an infection that causes diarrhoea. It’s also been found to help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
It can also soothe sore throats, with clinical trials showing that it significantly reduced symptoms of a dry and tickly throat. It also seems to be effective at treating stomach ulcers by reducing the amount of acid that enters the lining of the stomach.
It can also help treat chronic sinusitis by helping to thin out mucous in the lungs and relieve respiratory irritation. This is particularly useful for people with cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition where the lungs produce thick and sticky mucous that can lead to infections.
It’s good for your immune system
Honey is an all-natural nutrient-rich sweetener that’s packed with antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and more. It acts as an immune-boosting powerhouse when consumed regularly, helping your body fight off bacteria that could cause disease and illness.
Manuka honey contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) which has been shown to activate certain cells in your immune system. Studies have also shown that when used topically, MGO-rich Manuka honey can help heal wounds and reduce inflammation.
A few spoonfuls of raw, unfiltered Manuka honey can soothe a sore throat and cough and help clear congestion. It can also be drizzled on yogurt or sipped in a cup of hot herbal tea. Just be sure not to give honey to children under the age of one – it can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can germinate in their still-developing digestive systems and cause infant botulism.