Health benefits of Mānuka honey

Mānuka honey has been found to have a variety of health benefits due to its unique composition. It's why the Māori call it taonga or 'treasure'! 

Antimicrobial properties:  Mānuka honey is known for its strong antimicrobial properties, which is due to the presence of a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO) and other chemical compounds. This makes it effective in inhibiting the growth of a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, such as MRSA, E.coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has also been found to have antimicrobial activity against some viruses and fungi, such as candida albicans. Studies have suggested that the antibacterial properties of Mānuka honey are significantly stronger than those of other types of honey. This makes it an interesting alternative to traditional antimicrobial agents and a promising solution in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Healing wounds:  Mānuka honey has been traditionally used for wound healing due to its unique antimicrobial properties.  Due to its antimicrobial properties, Mānuka honey is effective in inhibiting the growth of several types of bacteria. This is why Mānuka honey has been used in wound care to prevent infection, accelerate healing and also promote tissue regeneration. The honey's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce pain and inflammation in the wound area. Additionally, Mānuka honey has been shown to have a debriding effect, which means it helps to remove debris and dead tissue from the wound, thus promoting faster healing.

Great for your digestion: Mānuka honey is known for its prebiotic properties, which means it helps to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The prebiotics in Mānuka honey are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These bacteria are important for maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, which can help to support the immune system, improve digestion, and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. The prebiotic properties of Mānuka honey help to support digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and thus may help to improve overall gut health and function.

Skincare: It is often used in skincare products because of its ability to moisturize and soothe the skin. Its unique antibacterial properties is also known to have wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Our Happy Bee Co-op Mānuka honey makes a wonderful face scrub with antimicrobial properties that can help to cleanse and protect the skin from bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Using Mānuka honey as a face scrub can be a great way to gently exfoliate the skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Immune system support: Mānuka honey is known for its unique antibacterial properties, which are due to the presence of a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO). Mānuka honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to support the immune system. This is because antioxidant compounds help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, while anti-inflammatory compounds help to reduce inflammation, which can damage the body's tissues and suppress the immune system. The antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Mānuka honey help to support the immune system by protecting the body against harmful microorganisms and reducing inflammation.