UMF ranges from 10 to 25, the higher the rating, the more potent, and of course, the more expensive, the honey.
Low grades, between UMF 5 and UMF 10 are Table Grade mānuka honey. These honeys are safe for daily ingestion. Low to mid grades of UMF 10 to UMF 15 are called Therapeutic Grade. These honeys are good for short term consumption.
Certified UMF® Manuka Honey with a 10+ or higher rating is medical grade and therapeutic for the skin.
With discovery of MGO and its role in antimicrobial activity in Manuka honey, UMF grade is now primarily based on the measured level of MGO such that UMF 5+ honey has ≥ 83 mg/kg MGO, UMF 10+ has ≥ 263 mg/kg MGO, and UMF 15+ has ≥ 514 mg/kg MGO [15].
Generally, higher grade UMF 15+ or UMF 20+ manuka honeys are more effective at killing active bacterial infections.
We also know that each jar must have a substantial amount of MGO to be an authentic Manuka, so we would recommend buying a minimum of 100+ MGO. Which Manuka honey should you buy? We recommend Manuka honey with a minimum of 100+ MGO.
The highest UMF produced in the world - therefore "the best" Manuka honey in terms of its antibacterial activity is UMF 28+. Precious and difficult to source, it is available in limited supply here. MGO - is short for methylgloxyl and correlates to the strength and potency of antibacterial properties in Manuka honey.
Medical grade honey is honey that has been deemed suitable for medical use based on its chemical composition. Typically this is manuka honey, graded at least UMF™10+.
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. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
When it comes to the anti-bacterial health benefits of honey, these are measured using a NPA (non-peroxide activity) rating, where 5+ is the lowest strength and 20+ is the best. Aldi's honey has a 5+ rating.
Is manuka honey worth the money? Manuka honey is worth the cost if you're looking for the health benefits that have made it famous. With its high levels of antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, manuka honey is used in foods, skincare, and medicine throughout the world.
Are UMF™ and MGO the same? No. UMF™ is a complete and advanced grading system. It includes the measurement of MG (MGO) (methylglyoxal) levels, but also includes additional testing of authenticity markers of the Manuka Honey.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) level 458 mg/kg correlates with UMF 14 grade. Active Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 13+ can be taken to help build the immune system or applied topically as an effective antibacterial treatment.
Most people can safely consume manuka honey.
Research shows that raw Manuka honey is full of antioxidants and nutrients that predominantly come from the pollen it contains. Manuka honey also has strong antibacterial properties and other enzymes that are highly beneficial for the immune system.
Manuka Honey is considered as a natural healthy way of acid reflux treatment. Why prefer Active Manuka Honey over another acid reflux treatment ? Active Manuka Honey as acid reflux treatment is more effective in the long run.
UMF ranges from 10 to 25, the higher the rating, the more potent, and of course, the more expensive, the honey. Manuka honey that scores UMF 10+ is considered potent enough for medicinal use.
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 comes in a range of MGO ratings. The higher the number on the label, the better the health benefits and anti-bacterial properties are.
Research seems to conclude that the minerals and antioxidants found in honey have a positive correlation, meaning darker honey has higher amounts of both. Minerals found in honey come from the environment and soil, and then into the plants that bees pollinate.