6 health benefits of manuka honey

Did you know there are more than hundred different types of honey? Get introduced to the most powerful type of honey among all

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Updated: May 19, 2014 11:33 am

Since ancient times, honey has been used as a cure for various ailments due to its surprising healing powers. From being an instant energy booster to protecting against cancer, this sweet nectar has all the qualities and properties that make it an irresistible super food. There are hundreds of different types of honey but Manuka honey is considered to be the most powerful type among all of them. Also Read - Have blackcurrants daily to control your diabetes: A few interesting ways of adding it to your diet

Manuka honey is raw honey but it is obtained from bees that produce nectar by feeding on the Manuka tree (scientific name: Leptospermum scoparium). The Manuka tree is traditionally indigenous to New Zealand and earlier the leaves of Manuka tree were used for medicinal purposes, especially to reduce fever and heal wounds. After several years of research, scientists could figure out what makes Manuka honey so different from other types of raw honey and what additional effects it can have on health of an individual. Here are some amazing benefits of manuka honey you should know: Also Read - Black raisins: Just a handful every day will keep the doctor away this winter

1. Powerful antibacterial properties: Raw honey already has antibacterial properties but manuka honey has proven to the most effective and powerful antibacterial agent. In addition, manuka honey works twice as fast in antibacterial action compared to other types of honey. It has been found to destroy several deadly bacteria including Streptococus pyogenes (causing sore thorat), Staphyloccocus aureus (causing skin infection), Helicobacter pylori (causing gastritis) and Clostridium (causing sepsis). A study by Dr Molan of the Waikato University identified that manuka honey has higher non-peroxide activity (UMF) than other types of honey, making it more powerful. Also Read - Can eating applesauce protect against chronic disease?

2. May fight superbugs: Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to all of us. But the solution to fight organisms resistant to medicines could lie in manuka honey. In a study conducted by the Sydney University’s School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, manuka honey was found to inhibit almost every type of bacteria, including the antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs.’

3. Fights cancer: There are several cancer protecting compounds like phenols present in manuka honey. A study found that intravenous injection of manuka honey reduced tumor growth by 33 % in skin tumors, breast tumors and in colorectal tumors. The study also showed that manuka honey in combination with other anti-cancer drug reduced the tumor size by 61%.

4. Fights dental plaque: Because of its potent antibacterial property, manuka honey can be used to prevent tooth infection. The results are demonstrated in a study published in the Journal Int Acad Periodontol. Participants of the study of took manuka honey (in a chewing gum form) showed statistically significant reduction in dental plaque formation and bleeding sites compared to those who didn’t take it.

5. Fastens wound healing process: Being extra viscous in nature, manuka honeys creates a strong physical barrier to organisms that could enter open wound sites and cause an infection. Dr Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, also created a database of clinical findings on the types of wounds honey can heal. The list starts with minor injuries like cuts and cracked lips and ends with major wound conditions like amputation, malignant ulcers and septic wounds.

6. Boosts immune system: A teaspoon of manuka honey in warm milk or lemon drink would be enough to get rid of recurring cold and cough. Honey has also been found to proliferate the cells of the immune system (T and B cells) and regulate immune responses that help you fight infections more effectively.

References:

The Honey Prescription: The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine By Nathaniel Altman.
Hammond EN, Donkor ES.Antibacterial effect of Manuka honey on Clostridium difficile.
English HK1, Pack AR, Molan PC. The effects of manuka honey on plaque and gingivitis: a pilot study.
Fernandez-Cabezudo MJ et al. Intravenous administration of manuka honey inhibits tumor growth and improves host survival when used in combination with chemotherapy in a melanoma mouse model.
English HK, Pack AR, Molan PC. The effects of manuka honey on plaque and gingivitis: a pilot study.

You may also like to read:

For more articles on healthy foods, check out our healthy food page. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.