7 Exceptional Benefits of Mānuka Honey

7 reasons why delicious, nutritious Mānuka Honey is so good for you.

Known as ‘liquid gold,’ authentic Mānuka Honey is loved by nutritionists, wellness practitioners, athletes and natural-health enthusiasts all over the world. Its natural benefits are almost too many to list – supporting your immune system and digestive health, boosting your energy, healing wounds, helping your oral health and helping your skin look amazing.

As New Zealanders, we’re lucky to have these benefits right on our doorstep, as authentic Manuka Honey comes only from New Zealand, the home of our native Manuka trees and flowers (on which our bees love to forage!).

Read on to discover the top 7 benefits of Mānuka Honey - Mother Nature’s marvel.

1. Mānuka Honey can support a healthy immune system.

A healthy immune system is so important for fighting infections as well as helping us look and feel great each and every day. But statistics show that many New Zealanders are deficient in crucial nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, selenium and vitamin A.*

Mānuka Honey’s immune-supporting properties can help, and result from its known antimicrobial activity as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory bio-activities.^X

Think of Manuka Honey as your secret weapon to help support your immune system – fighting off colds and maintaining optimum health and wellness. Who knew such a little jar could be so powerful?

Honey should always be consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet and active lifestyle, and – just you would incorporate a supplement capsule into your diet for targeted support – you can add a spoonful of Comvita Mānuka Honey to your daily wellness ritual for increased immune and antioxidant support.

The benefits of eating Manuka Honey everyday are well documented. So try stirring it into your tea or coffee, blending it into a smoothie or juice, drizzling it onto your breakfast or spreading it liberally on your toast. Either way, it’s delicious, nutritious and can provide excellent immune system support.

2. Mānuka Honey can aid digestive and gut health.

We’re all becoming more aware of the importance of gut health, and honey has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine to support gut comfort.

Due to its ability to reduce the levels of cellular oxidative damage, along with the modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (immune signalling molecules), scientific evidence supports the use of Mānuka Honey as a home remedy for soothing gastro-intestinal tract discomfort.

That’s the science. But all you need to know is that you can use Comvita Mānuka Honey to support a healthy gut by taking a tablespoon every day, especially our high UMF^TM Mānuka Honey.

Enjoy it on its own, or try pairing it with natural wellness teas known for supporting gut health, such as liquorice root, dandelion, peppermint or ginger. Just remember to let the tea cool a little before stirring in the Mānuka Honey so it retains its unique natural properties.

 3. Mānuka Honey is a skincare superstar.

“Scientific research has confirmed the benefits of Mānuka Honey for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.” - Dr. Jackie Evans, Ph.D.

With help from its naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Mānuka Honey supports clearer, moisturised skin from head to toe, so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular ingredient in many skincare ranges.

If you have irritated, acne-prone skin, eczema, or just dry, parched skin, use higher UMF™ levels like Comvita UMF 10+ or UMF 15+ Mānuka Honey as a single-ingredient facemask, or add it to your favourite DIY clean-beauty masks. For raw, chapped lips, try applying Mānuka Honey as a restorative lip mask.

New Zealand sunlight can have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially during the summer months, so it’s especially important to keep your skin supported and hydrated with the beauty benefits of Manuka Honey.

4. Mānuka Honey is renowned as an energy booster.

Low on energy? Instead of reaching for a caffeine hit or sugar-filled energy drink, why not try a spoonful of Mānuka Honey?

Athletes, coaches and everyday Kiwis who value their health and wellness are choosing Comvita’s raw, certified UMF™ Mānuka Honey as a clean, natural energy source before cycling, running, training, hitting the gym and more. Take your fitness routine to the next level with nature’s powerful source of energy.

It’s another good reason to start supporting your body with the many natural properties of Comvita Mānuka Honey.

5. Mānuka Honey is known as a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high and have been linked to many illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Your body has its own antioxidant defences to keep free radicals under control, but these powerful forces of nature we call antioxidants are also found in food, especially plant-based and whole foods. So it’s no surprise that the world’s most extraordinary honey – Mānuka Honey – also contains these little miracle workers.

According to a study into the antibacterial activity of Mānuka Honey and its components by the USA’s National Library of Medicine, Mānuka Honey is gaining much attention for its antimicrobial activity, and researchers have found that it is effective against a wide range of pathogens. The antibacterial potency of Mānuka Honey was found to be related to the Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF) rating, which is correlated with the methylglyoxal and total phenols content.

And it’s not just Mānuka Honey that is made by our clever bees. Comvita’s Immune Bee™ Propolis is created by honeybees and used to protect their hive. It contains over 300 bioactive compounds, including antioxidants that work at the cellular level to support the immune system.

Gram for gram, when tested under laboratory conditions, the natural antioxidant capability of Comvita Immune Bee™ Propolis hands down beats many well-known antioxidant rich superfoods, including blueberries, elderberries and green tea – as well as vitamins C and A!

Meaning that the flavonoids in our Comvita Immune Bee™ Propolis are plentiful and potent, with our propolis punching well above its weight when it comes to antioxidant capability!

6. Mānuka Honey can help treat wounds.

Honey has been used to treat wounds and burns for centuries thanks to its naturally occurring antibacterial activity. Mānuka Honey is unique in that it has a potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that’s different to other types of honey and is more stable in wounds.

The Comvita™ Medihoney™ range is formulated by clinicians using antibacterial medical grade honey, which has been clinically proven to support skin healing. Medihoney™ is made up of 80% medical grade Mānuka Honey – a standardised grade of antibacterial Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) honey as specified by scientific research.

7. Mānuka Honey can help maintain oral health

Humans been benefiting from the antibacterial qualities of honey for years, but it’s only recently that we discovered an amazing natural substance called Bee Propolis (which is made by bees to protect their hives). When Propolis is combined with the soothing, beneficial properties of Mānuka Honey, you have a powerful combination – honey and propolis oral care.

Bee propolis has been used for oral care for centuries and today's research continues to support its oral health benefits. It’s all great news for your mouth.

So if you’re looking for ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums without harsh chemicals or expensive treatments, Comvita’s range of Bee Propolis oral sprays and toothpaste could well be the solution.

Choosing and using Mānuka Honey

There’s no other honey in the world like New Zealand Mānuka Honey. It’s made by bees collecting nectar from the Mānuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium) and genuine Mānuka Honey is one of nature’s rare and powerful wonders, renowned the world over for its beneficial properties.

So far, so simple. But as you may have discovered, shopping for the best Mānuka Honey may not be quite so easy. With so many different grading systems and distinctions, you probably find yourself wondering, what do all those letters and numbers mean? Is there honestly a difference? (The answer is yes by the way!)

Mānuka Honey grading systems

The rating system for Mānuka Honey is rather complex and several different systems can be used, including UMF™ (Unique Mānuka Factor) and MGO (Methylglyoxal).

UMF™ is the strictest and highest graded Mānuka Honey measurement system.
The UMF™ number on the label represents the amount of MGO in the bottle as well as providing a broader guarantee of authenticity, origin and composition. That number can range from UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 20+. The higher the UMF™ rating, the more antibacterial activity Mānuka Honey has - and the more potent it is.

What is the MGO rating system?

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a naturally-occurring compound found in Mānuka Honey that gives it its unique antibacterial potency.

The number that follows ‘MGO’ refers to the amount of methylglyoxal in mg/kg. For example, an MGO250+ Mānuka Honey product is certified to contain at least 250mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.

What is the UMF™ grading system?

UMF™ stands for Unique Mānuka Factor, the only standardised industry-wide indicator of genuine Mānuka Honey from New Zealand. It is a stamp of authority that authenticates the potency, purity, freshness and New Zealand origin of a Mānuka Honey product.

The UMF™ mark is also a guarantee that the product meets the NZ government regulatory standard for Mānuka honey, and that it contains the broad suite of phytochemicals that make Mānuka unique. MGO is only one component and therefore does not provide the same level of assurance as the UMF™ rating.

MGO vs UMF™ – which is best?

The main difference between MGO and UMF™ is that MGO only measures the methylglyoxal element and its potency within Mānuka honey.
On the other hand, UMF™ measures the four chemical compounds found in Mānuka honey: dihydroxyacetone (DHA), leptosperin, methylglyoxal (MGO) and lepteridine™ 3,6,7-Trimethyllumazine. In other words, UMF™ is a better indicator of authenticity purity and quality of honey.

Read this UMF vs MGO article to learn more.

FAQS

Is Manuka Honey safe for everyone?

Honey is safe to consume in moderation. However, for some people, there are potential safety risks associated with honey consumption.

• Children less than 1 year of age are not recommended to consume honey. This is because, on rare occasions, honey may naturally contain dormant bacterial spores which are not filtered out or destroyed during processing. These spores don’t have any negative impact on health in older people, but they can lead to infections in infants due to their immature digestive and immune systems.
• Anyone who is allergic to bee products should exercise caution before consuming honey.
• There is no restriction on honey consumption for pregnant or lactating women. However, they should still follow the guidance of their midwife or doctor as they may be having their glucose monitored (glucose is one of the primary components in honey).
• Any individual with diabetes or severely compromised health should consult with their physician before incorporating honey into their daily diet.

How can Manuka Honey be used for skincare?

In case you didn’t already know this skincare secret already, clean beauty experts recommend Mānuka Honey for clear, glowing skin. Known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, a regular application of Mānuka Honey on acne-prone or dry skin can help lock in moisture and balance pH levels.

Can Manuka Honey help with allergies?

While anyone who is allergic to bee products should exercise caution before consuming honey, Mānuka Honey is believed to be beneficial for eczema, psoriasis and sensitive skin. If you have any of these conditions, or just dry, parched skin, use higher UMF™ Mānuka Honey (UMFTM 10+ or higher) as a single-ingredient facemask, or add it to your favourite DIY clean beauty masks.
For raw, chapped lips, try applying Mānuka Honey as a restorative lip mask. And because it’s all-natural, if you accidentally ingest some, your insides will love it too!

Can diabetics consume Manuka Honey?

Honey is a natural sweetener, so any individual with diabetes or severely compromised health should consult with their physician before incorporating honey into their daily diet.