Eating a spoonful of manuka honey every day will boost your immunity. Your body will likely be better protected against bacterial infections, and able to fight them quicker when they arise. You might feel like you have more energy for the day, after taking a spoonful in the morning.
Even better news is you can utilize Manuka Honey, even on a budget! While you can definitely get many benefits from incorporating it into recipes, for general immune support it's recommended that you take 2-3 teaspoons per day.
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.
In fact, Manuka honey contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It also contains antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infections.
Manuka Honey - while this may seem like a disconnect, studies have shown that as an alternative to refined sugars, manuka honey can help you lose weight and reduce fat. Manuka honey is full of essential vitamins which allow the body to utilize food more efficiently.
Manuka Honey is full of B vitamins – click here to shop: Omega 3 encourages blood flow throughout the brain and is essential for its function and continued growth. Higher blood flow in certain areas may directly lead to better performance in certain cognitive tasks.
Manuka Honey has many health benefits. It's a natural anti-inflammatory, has antioxidant properties and can boost immunity. Lemons, in addition to offering vitamin C and fiber, can also improve immunity and digestion. Together, these ingredients create a great every day detox water.
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.
One of the great things about being a honey lover is there are so many ways you can eat it, and Manuka honey from New Zealand is no different. 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.
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.
It gets its antibacterial effects from an active ingredient called methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is created in manuka honey thanks to the conversion of another compound known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA). A high concentration of DHA is found in the nectar of manuka flowers.
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.
Manuka Honey can be consumed in various ways depending on personal preference. Taking it directly off the spoon is the most effective way as it won't dilute until it reaches the stomach. Manuka Honey can also be added to warm or cold water, or used as a sweetener in tea or coffee.
All honey contains antimicrobial properties, but Manuka honey also contains non-hydrogen peroxide, which gives it an even greater antibacterial power. Some studies have found Manuka honey can also help to boost production of the growth factors white blood cells need to fight infection and to heal tissue.
We don't want to lose any of the beneficial stuff that makes manuka honey special. Like with any biological compound, high sustained heat can destroy the methylglyoxal that is associated with antibacterial activity in manuka honey. So you don't want to spoon it straight into a cup of boiling water.
Manuka honey has been shown to promote restful deep sleep, acting as a natural sleep aid by slowly releasing the glycogen needed for essential bodily functions during sleep. Add honey to milk before sleep to help naturally release melatonin into the brain, which is necessary for deep sleep.
With hydrating properties to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, honey is an anti-aging solution for all skin types.
Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.
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.
Anti-aging effects
According to an older study , honey can help with improving the skin's appearance. The authors state that it can help stop wrinkles from forming, keep the skin looking young, and prevent infections on the skin that can accelerate aging.
Honey's natural enzyme activity gently exfoliates the skin to help to keep the pores clear of dirt, oil, and impurities, which can contribute to acne and blackheads. It also helps to reduce breakouts by managing bacteria on the skin.