Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Category: weight management

  • Manuka Honey for Weight Management

    Manuka Honey for Weight Management

    Table of Contents

    Manuka honey is a natural and easily accessible option that offers numerous health benefits. It has been suggested that manuka honey can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, support a healthy gut, and even serve as an alternative to antibiotics. In this article, we will explore the health-protective powers of manuka honey, how to choose the best varieties, and different ways to incorporate this sweetener into your meals, snacks, and drinks.

    The Benefits of Manuka Honey

    1. Helps Prevent and Treat Metabolic Syndrome

    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Research suggests that manuka honey may prevent and manage MetS in the following ways:

    • Blood sugar regulation: Manuka honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar, meaning it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It also helps enhance insulin sensitivity, preventing weight gain when consumed moderately.
    • Improved lipid metabolism: Manuka honey lowers levels of triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. This helps prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart problems.
    • Reduced oxidative stress: Manuka honey’s antioxidative properties help reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to counter their harmful effects.

    2. May Prevent Heart Disease

    Manuka honey contains over 180 substances, including natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help protect against atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to angina and heart attacks.

    3. Might Protect Against Antibiotic Resistance

    Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, and manuka honey may offer a potential solution. Studies have shown that manuka honey can improve cough frequency and severity compared to over-the-counter medicines and antibiotics. Additionally, researchers have discovered an antimicrobial compound from honeybees that could serve as the basis for new antibiotics, helping to curb antimicrobial resistance.

    4. Supports a Healthy Gut

    Manuka honey possesses prebiotic properties, which means it helps ferment healthy gut bacteria. This fermentation process aids in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Prebiotics like manuka honey have been linked to a strong immune system and enhanced mental well-being.

    The Nutrition of Manuka Honey

    One tablespoon of manuka honey contains the following nutrients:

    • Calories: 63.8
    • Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 0.8mg
    • Carbohydrates: 17.3g
    • Fiber: 0.04g
    • Added sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 0.1g

    Manuka honey also contains 31 minerals, including phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. However, it is important to note that manuka honey does not provide a significant percentage of these nutrients in your diet. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of manuka honey’s complex makeup.

    Risks of Manuka Honey

    When purchasing manuka honey, it is essential to ensure its quality and purity. It is recommended to talk to the beekeeper, especially when buying from local farmers’ markets, to learn about the honey’s origin and handling. Always read the ingredients to ensure that the honey has not been mixed with other additives.

    It is crucial to avoid giving honey to children under 12 months of age due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum spores. These bacteria can multiply in an infant’s immature digestive system and cause serious illness.

    Tips for Consuming Manuka Honey

    Manuka honey can be enjoyed in various ways, including:

    • Sweetening beverages: Add manuka honey to tea, coffee, or smoothies for a natural and flavorful sweetener.
    • Dressing and sauces: Whisk manuka honey into homemade vinaigrette dressings and sauces for a touch of sweetness.
    • Drizzling over food: Drizzle manuka honey over oatmeal, overnight oats, pancakes, fresh fruit, chia seeds, or avocado pudding for added flavor.
    • Energy balls: Stir manuka honey into energy balls made with nut or seed butter, oats, dried fruit, spices, and chopped dark chocolate for a nutritious and delicious snack.
    • Roasting and glazing: Use manuka honey to glaze carrots, beets, walnuts, or cashews, or use it to make kale chips for a healthy and flavorful twist.
    • Baking: Manuka honey can be used as a substitute for sugar in certain baked goods. Replace one cup of sugar with one-half to two-thirds cup of manuka honey and reduce the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
    • Cocktails: Experiment with manuka honey in cocktails, such as honey lime margaritas, honey-kissed cosmos, or bee’s knees made with honey, gin, ginger, and lemon juice.

    Incorporating manuka honey into your diet can add both taste and potential health benefits to your meals and snacks.

    Conclusion

    Manuka honey offers a range of health benefits, including treating infections, fighting metabolic syndrome, preventing artery hardening, and supporting a healthy gut. It may also serve as an alternative to antibiotics. While manuka honey contains some nutrients, further research is needed to fully understand its complex makeup. When consuming manuka honey, it is important to ensure its quality and purity. By following these tips and incorporating manuka honey into your diet, you can enjoy its sweet taste and potential health-promoting properties.

  • Manuka Honey Weight Loss: Is It Effective?

    Manuka Honey Weight Loss: Is It Effective?

    Table of Contents

    Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Raw Honey

    Honey, a natural sweetener that is often considered a healthier alternative to sugar, can still have an impact on blood glucose levels similar to that of sugar. Both honey and sugar are simple carbohydrates, and the glycemic index (GI) score of honey is slightly lower than that of sugar.

    The GI measures how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels when consumed alone. However, it doesn’t take into account how foods react in the body when consumed with other foods. Raw honey has a moderate to high GI and glycemic load (GL) compared to other sweeteners.

    The GI of raw honey can range from 32 to 85, depending on the variety and processing. The GI measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose levels, with a high GI indicating a quick rise. The GL considers the GI and the amount of carbohydrates in a food. Raw honey has a high GL because it contains a significant amount of carbohydrates per serving, even though its GI is moderate.

    Therefore, it is important to consume raw honey in moderation, especially for those with diabetes or prediabetes, as it can significantly raise blood sugar levels.

    How Honey Affects Diabetes and Blood Sugar

    Honey can have significant effects on blood sugar levels, especially in individuals living with diabetes. Although honey is a natural sweetener with beneficial nutrients, it is still a simple sugar that can cause significant spikes in blood glucose.

    Consuming honey can increase blood glucose levels by 30 to 60 percent within an hour of consumption. Therefore, individuals with diabetes should consume honey in moderation and in small amounts to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels. Combining honey with protein or fat can also help to keep blood sugar levels more stable.

    The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends limiting honey consumption to one tablespoon per day for women and two tablespoons per day for men as part of a healthy diet.

    Potential Health Benefits of Honey

    Honey has been used in natural medicine for centuries and has several potential health benefits. It provides a variety of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Honey is also a simple carbohydrate and a quick-digesting energy source, making it an ideal food for athletes or anyone needing a quick energy boost.

    Studies have shown that honey has antibacterial properties and is a popular natural remedy for wound healing and infections. Additionally, honey contains antioxidants that can help protect the body against oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

    Overall, honey is a natural food that provides several nutrients and potential health benefits. However, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet.

    Composition of Honey: Does it Contain Fructose?

    Honey is a complex mixture of sugars, water, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. The exact composition of honey can vary depending on the type of flowers the bees collect nectar from and the processing methods used. Most honey contains a mixture of glucose and fructose, with fructose typically making up about 40 percent of the total sugar content.

    While excessive consumption of fructose has been shown to have negative health effects, the fructose found in honey is unlikely to significantly impact health when consumed in moderation.

    Honey vs. Sugar Glycemic Index: Which One is Better?

    When choosing a natural sweetener, many people wonder if honey is a healthier option compared to table sugar. Both honey and sugar contain carbohydrates and can raise blood sugar levels, but honey has a slightly lower glycemic index than white sugar.

    Honey typically has a glycemic index of around 50 to 60, depending on the type, while white sugar has a glycemic index of 60 to 65. The lower glycemic index of honey is due to the slower absorption of fructose, the primary sugar in honey, compared to glucose, the primary sugar in white sugar.

    While honey may have a slightly lower glycemic index than sugar, both should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Choosing natural sweeteners like honey over processed white sugar may offer additional nutritional benefits, but it’s important to avoid consuming too much of any sweetener.

    While there are many different types of honey available, some may provide more benefits than others. Raw honey, which is unprocessed, provides more beneficial nutrients than processed honey and has a slightly lower glycemic index.

    Another type of honey that is often promoted for its health benefits is manuka honey. Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand and contains high levels of antibacterial compounds. Its antibacterial potency is measured using a grading system called the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), with higher UMF ratings indicating more potent antibacterial properties.

    While raw and manuka honey may offer some health benefits, it’s important to note that they are still high in calories and can cause blood sugar spikes. Therefore, it’s essential to consume any type of honey in moderation.

    Bottomline: Is Honey Good for You?

    The answer to whether honey is good for you depends on various factors, including any existing health conditions, the amount and frequency of consumption, and the specific type of honey. While honey is a natural sweetener with beneficial compounds like antioxidants and antibacterial properties, it is also high in sugar and calories.

    For individuals with certain medical conditions like diabetes, it’s important to be mindful that honey can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. To mitigate this effect, it’s recommended to consume honey along with sources of protein and dietary fat to slow down digestion and prevent blood sugar spikes.

    Overall, honey can be a part of a balanced diet and provide some potential health benefits. However, it should be consumed in moderation, and individual dietary needs should be taken into account.

    Learn More About Healthy Nutrition with Signos’ Expert Advice

    If you’re interested in learning more about healthy nutrition and weight management, Signos is a great resource for expert advice. Signos has a team of registered dietitians who compile evidence-based nutrition information to help you improve your health and wellness.

    Check out the resources available on https://aboutmanukahoney.com for more information on weight loss, glucose monitors, and living a healthier life. Signos CGM can also empower you to take control of your health by keeping track of your diet, exercise, sleep habits, and blood sugar levels. With this valuable information, you can gain insights about how your habits affect your health.

    Take a step towards a healthier lifestyle and find out if Signos is the right fit for you by taking a look at their offerings and resources.