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Manuka honey is a rare and prized type of honey that offers extraordinary health-giving nutrients. It is not only delicious but also provides numerous benefits for your overall well-being, especially during the winter season. By incorporating Manuka honey into your diet, you can strengthen your immune system, eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and protect yourself against viruses and bacteria. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which Manuka honey can be your savior during the colder months and how it can boost your immune system.
The Importance of a Strong Immune System
During the winter months, it is crucial to prioritize the health and strength of your immune system. This is because colder temperatures can make you more susceptible to infections such as flu, cough, sore throat, fever, and seasonal allergies. To stay in good shape and protect yourself from these ailments, it is essential to take extra care of your immune system.
Does Manuka Honey Boost the Immune System?
The answer is a resounding yes! Manuka honey is known for its natural goodness, as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Consuming a daily dose of 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey is generally advisable, but you can increase this to 3 tablespoons when you are ill to boost your immune responses.
To ensure that you are harnessing the maximum health-lifting properties of Manuka honey, it is important to buy honey with a high MGO (methylglyoxal) rating. Manuka honey with a high MGO rating has stronger antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
The Science Behind Manuka Honey and Immunity
Although there is still ongoing research on the specific mechanisms of how Manuka honey boosts the immune system, scientific studies have already highlighted its potential benefits. According to a 2016 paper, Manuka honey possesses powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, making it an ideal choice for increasing resistance to diseases and supporting the respiratory system.
Additionally, a 2017 review suggested that raw honey, including Manuka honey, is highly protective of various body systems such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems.
One of the fermented sugars found in Manuka honey, called “nigerooligosaccharides,” has been shown to modulate and boost the immune response. A recent 2020 study provided evidence that Manuka honey may increase the production and release of cytokines, which play a critical role in assisting white blood cells in identifying and removing infected tissues.
How Does Manuka Honey Boost Your Immunity?
Now that we know Manuka honey can boost your immune system, let’s explore how its unique health properties can help you stay healthy during the winter months.
1. Better Digestion
Regular consumption of Manuka honey can improve digestion and promote gut health by increasing the number of good bacteria in your gut. It also has the potential to be an effective treatment against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections and stomach ulcers.
Honey acts as a natural prebiotic, providing nourishment for healthy microflora and helping to rebalance your digestive system. It can also help manage digestive issues such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. By promoting good digestion, Manuka honey ensures better absorption of nutrients, which are essential for strengthening your body and immune system.
2. Antioxidant-Rich Source
Oxidative stress is a leading factor in weakened immunity, as free radicals can damage your body’s healthy systems. Manuka honey serves as an excellent source of antioxidants, which help eliminate free radicals, prevent cellular damage, protect against chronic diseases, combat premature aging of cells, suppress lipid peroxidation, and reduce oxidative stress.
The polyphenols present in honey possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your body from health complications caused by oxidative stress.
3. Fighting Infections
Manuka honey is treasured for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. These traits make it an excellent choice for boosting immunity and fighting off infections. It can kill harmful bacteria, eliminate disease-causing viruses (including the influenza virus), and help you get rid of fungal infections.
Furthermore, Manuka honey increases the number of immune cells responsible for immune responses, such as lymphocytes, monophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils. It also provides enzyme protection, further strengthening your immune system. With its antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey can be considered an excellent alternative to antibiotic treatments.
4. Powerhouse of Phytonutrients
Manuka honey contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which are phytonutrients that enhance immunity and offer various health benefits. These compounds have antioxidant, anticancer, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, helping to shield your body from pathogens and strengthen your immune system.
5. Energy Booster
Manuka honey not only boosts your immune system but also provides an energy boost. Regular exercise is known to kick bacteria out of your lungs or airways, reverse inflammatory stress hormones, and stimulate the production of infection-combatting white blood cells. However, physical activity requires energy, and being sick often leads to decreased energy levels. By incorporating Manuka honey into your diet, you can maintain stable energy levels and support your overall well-being.
Organic Pure Manuka Honey with Natural Goodness
To harness the immune-boosting benefits of Manuka honey, it is crucial to choose high-quality honey with a higher MGO rating. Nature’s Blends offers a range of Manuka honey products with different MGO ratings, including 83+, 263+, 514+, and 800+.
Produced in the lush hillsides of New Zealand, our raw Manuka honey is a specialty that promotes good health and wellness. With its mild to medium sweetness, dark cream to dark brown color, and smooth texture, this luscious honey can be used as a healthy sweetener or incorporated into your skin and beauty routine.
In conclusion, Manuka honey is a powerful ally in boosting your immune system, especially during the winter months. Its natural goodness, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant content, and phytonutrients make it an excellent choice for strengthening your body’s defenses and protecting against infections. By incorporating Manuka honey into your daily routine, you can enjoy its numerous health benefits and support your overall well-being.
So why wait? Start reaping the benefits of Manuka honey for your immune system today!
