Manuka Honey: Is it worth the hype?
Manuka honey has achieved a somewhat cult status over the past few years and some brands can cost up to £100 for a single jar. This might seem ridiculous when you can pick up a pot of supermarket honey for just a few pounds, but this particular type of honey is said to have many health benefits.
It can be hard to deduce what’s worth it and what’s not when we’re inundated with a new ‘superfood’ or health tip almost every day, but if you want to know more about Manuka honey and why it’s considered to be so special, see our handy guide.
Manuka honey is a type of monofloral honey produced from the nectar of the mānuka tree, which is native to New Zealand. This tree grows exclusively in New Zealand, which is partly what gives this type of honey its exclusive appeal and high price tag. When bees pollinate from this plant, their honey is more potent than standard honey bee honey due to a higher concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Manuka honey is often classed as a ‘superfood’ and is said to have many health benefits, including being antibacterial and bacterial resistant. Many people claim that it can be used both ingested and used externally for a range of benefits including:
●Clearing skin blemishes
●Helping to heal cuts and scrapes
●Improving digestion
●Boosting the immune system
●Increasing energy
It’s wise to approach any so-called superfood with a healthy dose of scepticism, but there’s scientific evidence to show that Manuka honey does have some health benefits. Research from the University of Otago in New Zealand showed that it can help reduce dental plaque and gum disease, however, this involved chewing a leather-like substance made from the honey under lab conditions.
Having said that, there seem to be no overwhelming benefits that can’t be gained from a healthy (and more affordable) balanced diet, and much of the Manuka honey being sold in the UK is of a weak, diluted quality. If you do choose to buy Manuka honey, it’s important to check that it contains high levels of methylglyoxal if you want to see any benefits.
We have bees to thank for the production of delicious Manuka honey, but there are times in life when bees might be a less welcome guest. If you’ve found a bee’s nest on your property and need it removed promptly and safely, get in touch with the experts at Mr Wasp. We have all the specialist equipment needed to remove the nest and securely move it to another location, so give us a call today or visit our website to find out more.
