Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Category: Manuka honey Raw honey

  • Manuka Honey vs. Raw Honey Which is Better for You?

    Manuka Honey vs. Raw Honey Which is Better for You?

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    When it comes to honey, there are so many options to choose from. From the different flavors to various textures, finding the best honey can be a daunting task. Two popular types of honey that often come up in discussions are manuka honey and raw honey. But which one is better for you? In this article, we will compare manuka honey and raw honey to help you make an informed decision.

    Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced in New Zealand and Australia. It comes from the nectar of the manuka bush, which is native to these regions. Manuka honey is known for its unique taste and powerful medicinal properties.

    The Benefits of Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. It is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help boost your immune system and fight off infections. Manuka honey has also been used to treat wounds, promote healing, and soothe sore throats.

    The Unique Factor: MGO

    One of the main differences between manuka honey and other types of honey is its MGO (methylglyoxal) content. MGO is a compound found in high concentrations in manuka honey and is responsible for its antibacterial properties. The higher the MGO level, the more potent the honey is believed to be.

    Choosing the Right Manuka Honey

    When buying manuka honey, it’s important to look for a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating on the label. The UMF rating indicates the level of MGO in the honey. The higher the UMF rating, the higher the MGO content and the stronger the honey’s potential health benefits. Look for a UMF rating of 10+ or higher for optimal quality.

    Raw Honey

    Raw honey is a type of honey that is not processed or heated. It is taken straight from the beehive and contains all the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients that are often lost during the processing of commercial honey.

    The Benefits of Raw Honey

    Raw honey is believed to have numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against free radicals and oxidative stress. Raw honey also contains enzymes that can aid digestion and promote gut health. Additionally, raw honey has been used as a natural remedy for allergies, coughs, and colds.

    The Nutritional Value of Raw Honey

    Raw honey is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is also a great source of carbohydrates and provides a quick energy boost. However, it’s important to note that raw honey is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

    Manuka Honey vs. Raw Honey: The Comparison

    Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of manuka honey and raw honey, let’s compare them side by side.

    Flavor and Taste

    Manuka honey has a distinct flavor profile that is often described as earthy, slightly bitter, and medicinal. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong taste that some people might find overpowering. On the other hand, raw honey has a more traditional, sweet taste with floral undertones. It is often described as milder and more palatable.

    Medicinal Properties

    Both manuka honey and raw honey have medicinal properties, but manuka honey is believed to be more potent due to its higher concentration of MGO. Manuka honey is often used for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Raw honey, while also having some antibacterial properties, is more commonly used as a natural remedy for allergies, coughs, and colds.

    Price

    Manuka honey is generally more expensive than raw honey due to its limited production and unique properties. The higher the UMF rating, the more expensive the manuka honey will be. Raw honey, on the other hand, is more readily available and affordable.

    Quality and Purity

    When it comes to quality and purity, both manuka honey and raw honey can vary. To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, look for reputable brands and certifications on the label. For manuka honey, look for a UMF rating, and for raw honey, look for terms like “raw,” “unfiltered,” and “unpasteurized.”

    Conclusion

    In the battle of manuka honey vs. raw honey, both have their own unique benefits and properties. Manuka honey is known for its potent antibacterial properties and high MGO content, making it a popular choice for medicinal purposes. Raw honey, on the other hand, is prized for its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutritional value.

    Ultimately, the choice between manuka honey and raw honey comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you are looking for a honey with strong antibacterial properties, manuka honey might be the better option. However, if you prefer a milder taste and a honey that retains all its natural goodness, raw honey is a great choice.

    Remember to always choose high-quality honey from reputable sources and enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Whether you go for manuka honey or raw honey, both can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or used as a natural remedy for various ailments.

  • Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey

    Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Honey has been used for thousands of years as a natural sweetener and medicine. It is a complex mixture of sugars, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer various health benefits. In this article, we will compare two popular types of honey: Manuka honey and raw honey. We will explore their properties, health benefits, price, availability, and help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.

    Properties and Health Benefits

    Raw Honey

    Raw honey is a natural, unprocessed honey that retains all of its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients. It is harvested straight from the beehive and can include bits of beeswax, propolis, and pollen. The production process involves extracting the honey from the honeycomb, straining it to remove debris, and bottling it for sale. Raw honey is often sold in its crystallized form, which is a natural process that does not affect its quality or nutritional value.

    Raw honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help treat and prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. Studies have shown that it can be effective against a range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Raw honey also contains antioxidants, which protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Additionally, it improves digestion, soothes sore throats and coughs, and promotes restful sleep.

    Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka bush, native to New Zealand. It undergoes a similar production process as other types of honey, but it comes from a specific plant source, which gives it a darker color and a stronger, more distinctive flavor.

    Manuka honey is known for its high levels of antibacterial activity, thanks to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a natural antibacterial agent that can fight infections and promote healing. Manuka honey also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for respiratory infections, wound healing, and digestive issues. It is graded based on its MGO content, with higher ratings indicating higher antibacterial potency.

    Price and Availability

    Manuka honey is generally more expensive than raw honey due to its limited availability and unique properties. It can only be produced in specific regions of New Zealand and is subject to strict quality control measures to ensure purity and authenticity.

    On the other hand, raw honey is widely available and can be sourced from various regions around the world. Its price varies depending on the type and quality of honey.

    Which One to Choose?

    When deciding between Manuka honey and raw honey, there are a few factors to consider:

    1. Price: If cost is a concern, raw honey may be a more affordable option.

    2. Properties: If antibacterial properties are a priority, then Manuka honey may be the better choice due to its high levels of MGO.

    It is important to note that not all Manuka honey is created equal. When purchasing Manuka honey, look for organically sourced products that are certified and graded to ensure quality and purity.

    In conclusion, both Manuka honey and raw honey offer health benefits, but they differ in terms of properties, price, and availability. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and health needs.

  • Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey

    Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Honey is a delicious and nutritious natural sweetener made by bees from flower nectar. It comes in various colors, ranging from dark golden brown to light shades of gold, depending on the flowers the bees collect nectar from. In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of raw honey and compare it to manuka honey.

    What is Raw Honey?

    Raw honey is honey that has never been processed. It has never been heated above 35°C/95°F and is often unfiltered. While it may undergo straining to remove impurities such as wax, wings, legs, or bees, the pollen and propolis are still present. Propolis, a substance made by bees, contains beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and amino acids, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-ulcer, and anti-tumor properties.

    What is Organic Raw Honey?

    Organic raw honey is similar to raw honey in terms of processing, but it adheres to the regulations set by each country for organic farming. This means that the bees’ surrounding area, where they collect nectar, must be free of pesticides. By choosing organic raw honey, you can ensure that you are consuming a product that is free from harmful chemicals.

    Health Benefits of Raw Honey

    1. Excellent Source of Energy: Raw honey is packed with carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy. Athletes often consume it as part of their pre or post-workout snack to fuel their workouts and replenish their energy stores.

    2. Low Glycemic Load: Despite being 80% sugar, raw honey has a low glycemic load of only 10. This means it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels like white processed sugar does. When combined with cinnamon, raw honey can even have a blood sugar-lowering effect.

    3. Promotes Better Sleep: Raw honey can help regulate your sleeping patterns by aiding in the release of melatonin, a hormone responsible for inducing sleep. Good quality sleep is essential for overall health and can lower the risk of various diseases.

    4. Rich in Antioxidants: Raw honey contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help lower the risk of cancers and heart disease by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.

    5. Natural Antibacterial Properties: The antibacterial properties of raw honey make it useful for treating burns, wounds, and gingivitis. It can also be used as a natural cough syrup. However, more research is needed to fully support its effectiveness in treating acne.

    6. Relieves Nausea: Raw honey, when combined with lemon and ginger, can help alleviate nausea. It is important to note that honey should not be added to hot tea, as high temperatures can destroy its beneficial nutrients.

    7. Rich in Nutrients: Raw honey contains 22 amino acids, making it a complete protein. It is also packed with minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. Additionally, it serves as a source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C, which are essential for the nervous system, skin health, and immune function.

    8. Aids in Digestion: Raw honey contains enzymes that can help with indigestion. Some studies even suggest that it may assist in managing acid reflux, although more research is needed to confirm this.

    9. Potential Weight Loss Aid: Research indicates that raw honey may help with weight loss by curbing cravings and regulating hormones associated with appetite. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

    10. Allergy Relief: Raw honey has been found to help build tolerance to allergies, including those caused by animals or seasonal factors. By consuming local raw honey, you may experience relief from your allergy symptoms.

    Processed Honey

    Processed honey is honey that has been heated and filtered. It often undergoes a process called ultra-filtering, which removes the pollen to extend its shelf life. Processed honey is usually clear and smooth in appearance, making it more visually appealing to consumers. However, it lacks the health benefits associated with raw honey.

    When honey is heated above 35°C/95°F, its nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and propolis are destroyed. The removal of pollen further diminishes the remaining health benefits. In fact, the FDA states that processed honey cannot be called honey due to the loss of its health properties. Moreover, some manufacturers even add corn syrup, which is a highly processed and unhealthy form of sugar, to processed honey.

    Bees at farms that produce processed honey are often treated with antibiotics due to the presence of parasites and bacteria in their hives. Chemical processing and contamination can also occur during the production of poor-quality honey. These factors make it difficult to determine the true origin and quality of processed honey.

    What is Manuka Honey?

    Manuka honey is derived from the manuka plant native to New Zealand. It is known for its exceptional health benefits and is often considered superior to raw honey. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is used to measure the antibacterial properties of manuka honey, ensuring its quality and suitability for medicinal use. Different UMF levels indicate varying levels of quality, with UMF16 and above considered to be superior.

    Manuka Honey vs Raw Honey

    When comparing manuka honey and raw honey, it is important to consider their individual characteristics and benefits. Manuka honey offers unique antibacterial properties and is graded based on its UMF level. On the other hand, raw honey provides a wide range of health benefits, including energy boost, low glycemic load, better sleep, antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and more.

    Both manuka honey and raw honey have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific health needs. It is worth noting that manuka honey is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

    What to Look for When Buying Honey

    With processed honey dominating the supermarket shelves, it can be challenging to find raw honey. However, there are a few indicators to help you identify raw honey:

    1. Look for the words “Unpasteurized,” “Unfiltered,” “Unprocessed,” and “Raw honey” on the label.
    2. Raw honey often appears cloudy or creamy and may crystallize over time.
    3. Consider sourcing honey from reputable bee farms or farmers markets, where you can buy it directly from the farmer.

    Raw Honey Precautions

    While honey is generally safe for consumption, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

    1. Avoid Giving Honey to Children Under 12 Months: Honey may contain botulism spores that can be harmful to babies. However, it does not pose a risk to older children and adults.
    2. Moderate Consumption: While safe in food quantities, excessive consumption of honey can lead to mild honey intoxication, characterized by symptoms like nausea, sweating, weakness, and dizziness.
    3. Consult with Your Doctor: If you are on medication for seizures, blood thinners, or any medication that affects your blood sugar levels, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before consuming honey. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or allergies to pollen, celery, or bee products should seek medical advice.
    4. Avoid Honey Heated Above 60°C/140°F: Honey heated to these temperatures can produce a carcinogenic compound called hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde (HMF), which may pose health risks.

    In conclusion, both manuka honey and raw honey offer unique health benefits. Manuka honey is renowned for its antibacterial properties, while raw honey provides a wide range of nutrients, antioxidants, and other health-boosting compounds. When purchasing honey, it is important to choose raw honey and look for specific labeling indications. However, it is essential to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional when necessary.