Manuka Honey is known as 'Liquid Gold" due to its incredible healing properties. I have been a regular user of this SUPERFOOD, and I am so excited to share some of the hidden benefits of Manuka Honey that you may have never heard before!
Healthy Lifestyle
The last few years have seen me gradually gravitate towards a healthier lifestyle! It's not to say that I was a particularly unhealthy person before, but I was not so bothered about what I ate, and I most certainly did not like the idea of working out. But once my body started to reap the rewards of adopting a healthier lifestyle: eating more veggies & fruits, regular walks, exercise, great sleep, yoga, meditation etc., I knew I was going to stick with it for life.
Now, I am quite picky about what goes inside my body. And it is astonishing how much more energy you have and how much healthier you feel when you eat what is right for your body. The new boost of energy and an overall improvement in your health makes you want to adhere to this new routine. And not to mention the positive change in your mood, and as we all know how mental health is just as vital as physical health.
My Manuka Mornings
My daily routine is to start my day with a spoonful of Manuka Honey every morning! I discovered this particular type of Honey not too long ago, but I was quite intrigued by its health benefits and decided to give it a go. One thing I noticed after regular of this superfood use was that I didn't get any annoying episodes of cold and flu - even in colder winter months when it seems inevitable - and I had tons more energy. So there was something special about this type of honey which led me to dig deep into it, and I am happy to share my discoveries with you!
So What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is the produce of New Zealand and comes from bees who feed on Manuka trees. Native Kiwis have used the Honey as part of their traditional medicine for over 4000 years. It contains high levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO) - a magic ingredient with antibacterial properties - which is found in most kinds of honey in small quantities. But in Manuka honey, MGO can be up to 100x higher. But, Manuka Honey benefits go beyond this because it contains compounds that fight many types of viruses, fungi and bacteria. It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Given its miraculous healing properties, the Honey comes at a higher price point. It can cost you anything from £30 to a few hundred pounds for a regular jar of authentic high-grade Manuka Honey.
How to use Manuka Honey?
There are so many ways you can add this magic food to your daily diet routine:
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Right off the spoon (it is so delicious!)
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Drizzle over porridge, yoghurt or smoothies
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Stir a spoonful into a cup of coffee or tea as a natural sweetener
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Spread it on a slice of whole-grain toast
5 Health Benefits of Manuka honey
With its luxurious amber looks, earthy flavour and fantastic health benefits, it's easy to see why Manuka Honey is enjoying a star status. Here are some of its key health benefits:
Soothing Sore Throats
Honey and lemon in hot water is an ancient home remedy for a cold, but recent studies have supported this claim. A study found that Honey was more effective on cough in children than over-the-counter cough suppressants. If you take Manuka honey in a warm glass of water, it can provide great relief to a sore throat. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties help reduce inflammation and attack the pain-causing bacteria. Furthermore, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect.
In August 2018, Public Health England and the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence published guidelines advising that people with colds & flu should take honey first instead of going straight onto antibiotics.
Healing Wounds
Honey has been used since the ancient times to treat wounds, sores, burns and boils. In 2017 FDA approved Manuka Honey to be used as an option for wound treatment. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest that the miraculous Manuka Honey could tackle the bacteria that makes some wounds challenging to heal. When Manuka Honey and antibiotics are used together, they may be able to overcome some of the most difficult to treat wound infections that are usually resistant to antibiotics. When using this Honey for infections, it must be sterilised in a laboratory.
Treating Acne
When applied topically, Manuka honey has shown to soothe inflammation and irritation in eczema. Due to its immense infection-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be a beneficial treatment for acne and spots. It makes a great skin moisturiser when combined with coconut and shea butter oil. Here is a recipe for a DIY face mask for acne-prone skin. The ingredients are:
- 1 tsp Manuka Honey
- ¼ tsp Spirulina powder
- 1 drop Tea tree essential oil
Mix all the ingredients well to make a smooth paste. Then apply a thin layer to the affected area. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash the area with gentle soap and warm water. Repeat daily for the best results.
Not a DIY person? Fear not..here is a tried and tested Manuka Acne Clear Treatment Serum that can solve all your problems. It is formulated with the purest ingredients found in nature to reduce acne and restore beautiful, healthy skin. Supercharged ingredients such as Karanja and Red Thyme help to improve and restore your skin. Chamomile with nutritive Vitamin E nourishes and calms red, irritated skin.
Helping the Immune system
I can testify to this one myself. Manuka Honey has helped boost my immune system. It's antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can keep all those nasty bugs at bay. It also encourages 'good' bacteria to grow in the gut, thus promoting healthy digestion. Scientists throughout the world are researching, and there is a growing number of clinical trials that support the Honey's healing qualities. So next time you are down with flu, why not try Manuka Honey with lemon in hot water!
Promoting Oral health
It is essential to minimise harmful oral bacteria that can cause plaque formation. Our "bad" bacteria-fighting friend Manuka can also help rescue our gums and prevent tooth decay. However, Manuka honey needs a UMF factor of at least 15 to be effective to fight gum infections. The studies suggest that Manuka Honey can be useful in treating gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can affect teeth, bones, roots, gums and ligaments.
Is Manuka Honey for everyone?
It is generally considered safe for most people except infants. However, people with diabetes or those who have shown an allergic reaction to honey or bees and pregnant women should all take extra precaution and seek their doctor's advice beforehand.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The recommendations are based on my personal experience, traditional use and natural remedies. Seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
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