Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option.
A maximum of two teaspoons a day (15g) is a good portion size of manuka honey, as while it has many impressive health benefits, it is still high in sugar. If you are using manuka honey as part of a balanced diet, try drizzling it over porridge, overnight oats or natural yogurt.
The ideal serving per day of our Manuka Doctor honey is 21g. This roughly equates to a tablespoon daily – because Manuka honey is a heavy substance! Or if you prefer, you could take approximately 3 teaspoons per day. Some customers like to spread their Manuka throughout their meals.
If you are using Manuka for healing internal infections or aiding the digestion process, it's recommended to consume it with food, which slows down absorption so the honey can work it's magic on your stomach. You may take up to 4 spoons daily.
From supercharging your breakfasts, stirring into hot drinks, or simply taken off the spoon every morning or night – there is no right or wrong way to take Manuka honey. It is simply a question of your own personal preference and getting into a routine that suits you.
Swirl into hot water or tea
If your throat is sore, one of the best ways to enjoy Manuka honey is to stir it into hot water or tea. A study by The Journal of Oral Rehabilitation highlighted that consuming Manuka honey can significantly lower the level of Streptococcus mutans – aka the bacteria that causes sore throats.
Manuka honey produces a prebiotic called fructo-oligosaccharides, which helps probiotics in the gut to stay healthy. Emerging research has also found Manuka to be effective in eradicating more than 50 species of harmful bacteria, many of which specifically target our digestive system!
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night.
Possible Side Effects of Manuka Honey. These may include: Allergic reaction, especially in people who are allergic to bees. A rise in blood sugar if large quantities are consumed.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of manuka honey for wound treatment. Manuka honey's antioxidant and antibacterial properties are key players in treating wounds. It's also worth noting that manuka honey has a lower pH than most honey, which can help promote optimal wound healing.
Its most notable attribute is its effect on wound management and healing. Manuka honey also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat numerous ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, periodontal disease and upper respiratory infections.
Manuka honey, as with other honeys, has a high sugar content. This may cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Some researchers are also questioning whether Manuka honey slows the healing of chronic wounds in people with diabetes.
We recommend the lower levels of MGO Manuka Honey for daily use, while the higher strength Manuka is used when you need more support in your daily diet - such as during cold and flu season.
Manuka honey consumed before bedtime can help the body to release melatonin into the brain which is necessary for a deep sleep and helps to reduce the risk of more serious sleep-related health issues.
Honey is still a form of sugar and intake should be moderate. The American Heart Association recommends that women get no more than 100 calories a day from added sugars; men no more than 150 calories a day. This is a little over two tablespoons for women and three tablespoons for men.
The non-peroxide bacteriostatic properties of Manuka honey are associated with the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO). Conclusion: In addition to bacterial growth inhibition, glyoxal (GO) and MGO from Manuka honey can enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration by their immunomodulatory property.
Manuka Honey Exerts Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities That Promote Healing of Acetic Acid-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats.
The significant levels of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory bioactivity found in high, medicinal-grade manuka honey have the ability to markedly improve digestion and protect your gut health, making this natural superfood a significant probiotic.
Manuka honey is full of essential vitamins which allow the body to utilize food more efficiently. It is also an excellent source of the crucial B-vitamins which aid in weight loss, fat burning and glucose metabolism.
In 1994, Professor Molan and his team suggested taking a teaspoon of manuka honey three times a day to relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion and gastritis. They concluded that manuka's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce the pain of these stomach complaints.
Like most bio-ingredients, the enzymes including the very important antibacterial methylglyoxal present in Manuka UMF honey are destroyed by high heat or prolong exposure to high temperature. Therefore it is not advisable to mix manuka honey in hot water. As a general rule, manuka honey is best consumed directly.
NEVER put Manuka Honey into boiling or very hot water as once the water has reached 40deg centigrade, it will have killed most of the active enzymes, the reason you brought the Manuka Honey in the first place!
Manuka may be great for reflux sufferers, and it may also potentially help heal Barrett's esophagus. Some of my patients have reported improved stomach and reflux symptoms after eating the honey or drinking it in hot water as tea.