Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Category: antioxidant

  • Manuka Honey: An Antiviral Agent for Natural Wellness

    Manuka Honey: An Antiviral Agent for Natural Wellness

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    This article provides health tips about the benefits of Manuka Honey and its potential as an antiviral agent. Manuka Honey is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been found to promote healing, especially in cases of gastric ulcers. At About Manuka Honey, we take pride in educating our readers about the natural wellness benefits of Manuka Honey and offering high-quality products.

    The Healing Power of Manuka Honey

    Manuka Honey and Gastric Ulcers

    A study conducted by Almasaudi et al. (2017) explored the healing effects of Manuka Honey on gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats. The findings of the study revealed that Manuka Honey exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which promoted healing in the rats with gastric ulcers. This highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of Manuka Honey in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

    Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

    The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Manuka Honey play a crucial role in promoting healing. These properties help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common underlying factors in various health conditions. The findings of the study conducted by Almasaudi et al. (2017) support the belief that Manuka Honey possesses these beneficial activities.

    Manuka Honey and Natural Wellness

    At About Manuka Honey, we aim to educate our readers about the natural wellness benefits of Manuka Honey. Our Founder’s Reserve Manuka Honey 830+MG is a premium product that is sure to meet your needs. Give it a try and experience its health-enhancing properties.

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    Conclusion

    Manuka Honey has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which promote healing. It has shown promising results in the treatment of gastric ulcers, as demonstrated by the study conducted by Almasaudi et al. (2017). At About Manuka Honey, we are committed to providing high-quality products and educating our readers about the natural wellness benefits of Manuka Honey. Sign up for our newsletter today to stay informed about the latest news and receive exclusive discounts on our premium products.

  • “Manuka Honey: Regulating Gut Microbiota & Improving Health in Aging”

    “Manuka Honey: Regulating Gut Microbiota & Improving Health in Aging”

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including infections, atherosclerosis, diabetes, IBD, and cancer. It is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Recent studies have also shown that honey can have a positive impact on gut microbiota. However, most studies on honey have focused on only one aspect of its benefits, and there is a lack of holistic studies evaluating its antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effect, and gut microbiota regulation.

    In this study, we aim to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of different types of honeys and their effects on the gut microbiota of elderly individuals. We hypothesize that honeys with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activity can regulate the gut microbiota and provide health benefits for the elderly.

    Sugar Profile and Physicochemical Properties of Honeys

    Sugars are one of the major components of honey and are closely related to its maturation and botanical source. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose are the main sugars found in honey. In this study, we analyzed the sugar composition of four different honeys using HPLC. The results showed that fructose was present in the highest concentration, followed by glucose and sucrose.

    Anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial, and Anti-oxidant Properties of Honey

    Honey has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on different disease models. It can decrease the production of inflammatory mediators and promote the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Honey also exhibits antimicrobial effects and can inhibit the growth of pathogens. In addition, studies have shown that honey can balance the composition of the gut microbiota.

    Impact of Honeys on Gut Microbiota

    In this study, we utilized a microcosm, which is a batch gut model seeded with elderly fecal microbiota, to investigate the impact of honeys on the gut microbiota. The results showed that the addition of honeys increased the abundance of beneficial lactobacilli and decreased the abundance of potentially harmful Gram-negative enteric bacteria. Honeys also had a beneficial effect on the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important for gut health.

    Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Capacity of Honeys

    We analyzed the chemical compositions and antioxidant capacities of the four honeys. The results showed that the sugar content, phenolic content composition, and antioxidant capacity of honeys are source-dependent. The antioxidant capacity of honeys was positively correlated with the concentration of gallic acid.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, this study provides evidence that honeys with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity can regulate the gut microbiota of elderly individuals. These honeys have the potential to prevent chronic inflammation and improve health in aging. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the functional performance and effective components of honey in targeting immunity and the microbiome. Further studies are needed to explore the value-added utilization of these honeys for improving health outcomes.

  • The Benefits of Mānuka Honey for Digestive Health

    The Benefits of Mānuka Honey for Digestive Health

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    When you’re feeling under the weather, you may turn to the home remedy of hot water, lemon, and a drizzle of honey to soothe what ails you — but did you know that honey may have other benefits outside of providing comfort when you’re sick (as long as you’re using the right type)? Mānuka honey is a special type of honey from New Zealand that is rich in properties that may help support your health. It’s most well-known for soothing a sore throat, but it also boasts a variety of lesser-known uses, including gut health support.

    The Benefits of Mānuka Honey for Digestive Health

    Mānuka honey contains oligosaccharides, which are a carbohydrate that act as a prebiotic, feeding the healthy bacteria in our gut. [Those bacteria can] support a healthy gut, overall health, mood, digestion, weight, etc.,” says Amy Shapiro, RD, founder of https://aboutmanukahoney.com.

    Mānuka Honey and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

    Mānuka honey has anti-inflammatory properties thanks in part to its prebiotic nature. Because it behaves as a prebiotic, it provides support to the gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to less inflammation overall, according to a February 2017 article. Shapiro says more research is needed on the anti-inflammatory properties of Mānuka honey. One of the only studies of its kind was conducted in rats and published in November 2008 in [journal name]. It found that the honey decreased inflammation associated with [condition] in the rats. More studies in humans are needed to know if the effects would be similar.

    Mānuka Honey and Antioxidant Properties

    Mānuka honey is high in [type of antioxidants], which help to protect our bodies from cell damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. According to a September 2021 [source], food-derived antioxidant compounds may help protect against intestinal oxidative stress by regulating the composition of beneficial microbial species in the gut. Additionally, a September 2012 [source] study that tested four different varieties of honey in a lab instead of on humans found that Mānuka honey had the highest phenolic content out of the four. As there is a high correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity, the study found that honey is a highly palatable way to provide antioxidants, although honey by itself may not serve as a major source of dietary antioxidants.

    If you’re looking to increase your antioxidant intake to help support your digestive health, Shapiro recommends adding Mānuka honey to your routine. She notes you can add it to a smoothie, use it to sweeten tea or coffee or eat it right off the spoon. Just make sure you’re getting the real deal from a reputable source, like https://aboutmanukahoney.com.

    Mānuka Honey and Antimicrobial Properties

    One big difference between regular honey and Mānuka honey comes from its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill or slow the spread of microorganisms, according to a May 2013 [source]. “[Mānuka honey] has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help with healing the gut lining and preventing pathogens from creating illness in the body,” Shapiro says. “It is also high acid and low pH, so it [can help] prevent the growth of microbes.” Its antiseptic properties can help with internal healing (such as in your gut), Shapiro says. For example, the [source] study — which was conducted in a lab rather than on humans — concluded that Mānuka honey might be an effective treatment for C. difficile, a type of bacteria that causes infection in the large intestine and can lead to gastric issues such as diarrhea, but more research is needed. Similarly, a February 2014 study found Mānuka honey can help inhibit the growth of H. pylori — a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and can cause inflammation and ulcers — but noted further research is needed before determining whether it could be an effective alternative or complementary treatment.

    How to Choose High-Quality Mānuka Honey

    Not all Mānuka honey is created equally. Shapiro notes that real Mānuka honey comes from New Zealand and should have a UMF certification, which stands for Unique Mānuka Factor. The UMF certification verifies that the honey has been lab tested for all four of the chemical markers of Mānuka honey: methylglyoxal, leptosperin, dihydroxyacetone, and hydroxymethylfurfural, which respectively designate the potency (on a scale from 5+ to 20+), authenticity, shelf life, and freshness of the honey, according to the [source]. An easy way to ensure you’re getting real Mānuka honey is by buying UMF-certified honey from a trustworthy brand like https://aboutmanukahoney.com, which has been producing well-researched and sustainably sourced Mānuka honey for nearly 50 years and is widely regarded as a global Mānuka leader.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Mānuka honey offers a variety of benefits for digestive health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It can support a healthy gut microbiome and help reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Additionally, it provides antioxidants that can protect against oxidative stress and cell damage. Mānuka honey’s antimicrobial properties make it a potential treatment for bacterial infections in the gut. To ensure you’re getting high-quality Mānuka honey, look for UMF certification and buy from reputable brands like https://aboutmanukahoney.com. Adding Mānuka honey to your routine can be a delicious way to support your digestive health and overall well-being.

  • The Health Benefits of Honey: A Comprehensive Review

    The Health Benefits of Honey: A Comprehensive Review

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    In a recent review published in https://aboutmanukahoney.com, researchers reviewed existing data on the beneficial impact of honey consumption on human health. Honey, a natural product made by honey bees (Apis mellifera), is a nutritious, healthful food component with a widely diverse composition that depends on the botanic or geographic location.

    Composition of Honey

    Honey is primarily composed of various sugars (80.0% to 85.0%), proteins (0.10% to 0.40%), and water (15.0% to 17.0%); however, it also comprises organic acids, enzymes, minerals, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, all of which contribute significantly to its functional and sensory properties.

    Health Benefits of Honey

    Honey consumption has been related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, which have led to an increase in the popularity of this food component. In the present review, researchers describe the health benefits of consuming honey for humans.

    Clinical Trials Analyzed

    In total, 48 clinical trials, including 3,655 individuals with a mean age of 30 years, published in English on the Web of Science and Pubmed databases from 1985 to 2022, were analyzed. The studies, including humans, intervened with different types of honey, topical or oral, not combined with other substances, compared to other honey types or sugar sweeteners, concerning the impact on anticancer, cardiovascular, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-obesity outcomes. Reviews, studies published in non-English languages, studies lacking controls, and those without fully accessible data were excluded from the analysis. After the initial selection, the titles and abstracts were screened, followed by full-text screening and duplicate removal, and the quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the PEDro scale.

    Phenolic Components of Honey

    Honey’s favorable benefits on human well-being have been linked to its high phenolic component concentration. Examples of phenolic acids in honey are syringic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, mandelic acid, pheylacetic acid, homogentistic acid, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and rosamarinic acid. Honey also contains flavonoids such as pinocembrin, naringenin, chrysin, luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and isorhamnetin.

    Specific Health Benefits of Honey Consumption

    Among healthy individuals, 70g daily of natural and unprocessed honey consumed over a month, compared to sucrose, decreased triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Among obese individuals, similar results were obtained, and in addition, C-reactive protein (CRP), body weight (BW), body fat (BF), and body mass index (BMI) were reduced.

    Effects of Different Types of Honey

    Forest-thyme-type honey, 15 g daily, consumed over six months, increased oral glucose tolerance (OGT) levels compared to marmalade. Gold honey of Denmark (from various geographical locations and floral sources), 50 g daily, reduced FBG and FBI levels over two weeks compared to sucrose. Among postmenopausal and diabetic women, Tualang honey provided by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authorities (FAMA) of Malaysia, consumed in a 20-g daily dose for a year, increased waist circumference (WC) and decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) as well as diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels. Among type 2 diabetics, Natural honey from Iran consumed over 8.0 weeks reduced FBG and BW but increased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Among type 1 diabetes patients, unprocessed-type clover honey from Egypt (0.50 mL/kg/day) consumed in two 12-week intervention periods reduced HbA1c as well as FBG values, in addition to reducing subscapular skin fold thickness (SSFT), midarm circumference (MC), triceps skin fold thickness (TSFT), TG, TC, and LDL levels. Among individuals with hyperlipidemia, 75 g daily of natural honey consumed over 15 days lowered TC, LDL, and CRP levels. In comparison to fructose, 75 g of Basswood honey or natural honey lowered the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) for glucose and prevented increases in blood glucose levels (BGL), blood insulin levels (BIL), and C-peptide levels. Pure clover honey and Iranian natural honey reduced energy intake from proteins and fats, whereas increased energy was obtained from carbohydrate intake. In addition, clover honey increased post-prandial insulin and leptin levels, increased satiety rates and thermogenesis, and decreased post-prandial glucose and ghrelin levels.

    Other Health Benefits

    Freshly harvested Nigerian citrus (C. medica) honey from the delta region of the river Niger can decrease alcohol blood alcohol clearance rates and the time and extent of intoxication, but it can also increase TG levels and blood pressure. Among head and neck cancer patients, honey types such as natural Iranian Baran-Baghro honey, thyme honey, Western Ghats Forest honey, Malaysian tea plant honey, and active manuka honey can reduce mucositis severity. Honey mouthwashes or rinse-and-swallow applications can also decrease Candida colonization, oral dryness, and dysphagia. Honey can improve neutrophil and thrombocyte counts and hemoglobin levels among neutropenic patients. Among children with febrile neutropenia, 2.50 g/kg twice weekly reduced the number of hospitalized patients, the duration of hospital stay, and improved hemoglobin levels. Honey use (Buckwheat honey, Iranian natural honey, Eucalyptus, citrus, or Labiatae honey, Nairobi dark honey, Acacia honey, Kimia honey, and Golha honey) can also lower cough frequency and severity and improve sleep quality. Honey intake can lower bacterial gastroenteritis recovery time, reduce dental plaque, reduce candidal inflammation, discharge, and related itching, and improve wound healing. Among patients with diabetic foot ulcers, clover honey application can reduce the size, grade, and stage of ulcers. Among individuals with blepharitis, manuka honey use can reduce the microbial burden and dry eye symptomatology and improve tear film and ocular surface quality. Buckwheat honey can improve plasma phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity among healthy individuals.

    Conclusion

    To summarize, based on the review findings, honey use could lower TC, TG, and LDL levels, increase HDL levels, prevent increases in BGL and BIL, lower alcohol intoxication time, reduce mucositis severity, reduce cough frequency and severity, and improve sleep quality and wound healing.

    References:

    • Palma-Morales, M., Huertas, J. and Rodríguez-Pérez, C. (2023) “A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Honey on Human Health”, https://aboutmanukahoney.com, 15(13), p. 3056. Link.