The Buzz About Manuka Honey

If you’ve recently been inside a health food store, vitamin shop, or even certain farmer’s markets you’ve definitely seen the vast amounts of Manuka Honey labels that have taken over the ‘pollenated’ section. Yet, choosing one isn’t exactly simple, it seems more like a math equation than simply picking out some honey, with all the numbers like “5-8 Honey” or “+15 Honey”. What does it all mean? Well, that’s what we’re here for!

Manuka Honey does have some awesome health benefits, but knowing the difference between the numbers and brands can be tedious. So, we’re going to spell it out and make it a little more clear.

First of all, Manuka honey stipulates honey that has come from the Manuka flower. This kind of honey can have up to 4 times the nutritional content of normal flower honey according to researchers. The strength of the Manuka honey is measured using a rating system called the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor)… that’s those numbers you see on the jars saying “0-5″and so on. However, it is important to make sure that when buying Manuka honey your jar has the UMF stamp on it, which ensures the honey is “of medicinal quality” and not just regular honey with a pseudonym.

So what makes Manuka honey “medicinal”? Here are a few of the proven medical benefits of certain grades of Manuka honey:

  • honey-manuka_12_500g_f_1Reduction of acid reflux, regulation of bowels and the digestive system
  • Aids reduction of acne and eczema
  • Can help with the treatment of staff infections
  • Healing of burns, wounds, and ulcers
  • Fight tooth decay and gingivitis
  •  Sooth and repair sore throats
  • Reduce symptoms of allergies
  • Improves restful deep sleep
  • Energy booster and exfoliants (in organic face washes)

So what numbers should you be looking at in the stores? Here’s a breakdown to help you choose which is best for you:

0-4 Non-therapeutic

4-9 Maintenance level with general honey health benefits

10-14 Supports natural healing and bacterial balance

15+ Superior levels of phenols that are highly therapeutic but shouldn’t exceed taking 1 tbsp at a time

Whoever said being healthy couldn’t be totally sweet!

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