Manuka Honey Benefits: What Makes It Different?

When we think of bees, we naturally think of honey. But not all honey is the same. From its distinctive flavour to the way it's produced, Manuka honey has become one of the most sought-after varieties in the world.

Originally from New Zealand, Manuka honey is known for its rich taste and naturally occurring compounds, particularly methylglyoxal (MGO). You'll often see jars labelled with different MGO or UMF ratings, but what do these numbers actually mean? And are the much-talked-about health benefits of Manuka honey supported by science?

Let's explore what makes this honey special, what the research tells us and how to choose the right Manuka honey for you.

What Is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), a flowering shrub native to New Zealand and also found in Australia.

The Manuka plant flowers for a relatively short period each year, making the timing of honey production particularly important.

Unlike many everyday honeys, Manuka honey has a thick, creamy texture and a distinctive earthy, slightly bitter-sweet flavour.

But it's not just the taste that makes Manuka honey different. Its natural composition has attracted considerable scientific interest.

Why Is Manuka Honey Different from Regular Honey?

All honey contains naturally occurring sugars and a range of plant-derived compounds. Manuka honey is particularly well known for containing methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound associated with its antibacterial activity in laboratory studies.

MGO develops naturally in Manuka honey from a compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is found in Manuka nectar.

While other types of honey can contain MGO, Manuka honey is notable for the concentrations found in many of its products.

This is why you'll often see an MGO rating prominently displayed on the jar.

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey has been studied for several potential properties, particularly its antimicrobial activity. However, it's important to distinguish between what researchers have observed in laboratories, what has been studied in clinical settings and what we can reasonably expect from eating Manuka honey.

1. Naturally Occurring Antibacterial Activity

One of the most extensively researched properties of Manuka honey is its antibacterial activity. Research has shown that certain Manuka honey preparations can inhibit the growth of some bacteria under laboratory conditions. MGO is one of the compounds associated with this activity. However, laboratory findings don't necessarily mean that eating Manuka honey can prevent or treat bacterial infections.

2. Research into Wound Care

Manuka honey has also attracted interest in wound care. Specially prepared, sterilised medical-grade honey products have been studied and are used in some clinical wound-care settings. Medical-grade honey is not the same as the Manuka honey you buy to eat. Ordinary food-grade honey should not be applied to wounds as a substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

3. Manuka Honey and Digestive Health

You may have heard claims that Manuka honey supports digestion or encourages beneficial gut bacteria. Although researchers have investigated the interactions between honey compounds and microorganisms, there isn't sufficient reliable human evidence to conclude that eating Manuka honey improves gut health, treats digestive conditions or increases beneficial gut bacteria.

Manuka honey can still be enjoyed as part of a varied diet, but it shouldn't be considered a treatment for digestive problems.

4. A Comforting Addition to Warm Drinks

Honey is a traditional ingredient in warm drinks, particularly during the colder months. A spoonful of honey in warm water or tea can provide a soothing sensation for an irritated throat. Evidence for honey in relieving cough symptoms generally relates to honey as a category, rather than demonstrating that Manuka honey is more effective than other varieties. Remember that honey should never be given to babies under 12 months.

Understanding Manuka Honey MGO Ratings

If you've ever compared jars of Manuka honey, you've probably noticed numbers such as MGO 100+, 250+, 400+ or 550+.

MGO stands for methylglyoxal, a naturally occurring compound found in Manuka honey.

The MGO number indicates the minimum concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram.

The higher the number, the greater the measured MGO concentration. However, a higher MGO rating doesn't necessarily mean greater health benefits from eating the honey. It's a measure of composition, not a recommended dose or guarantee of a particular health outcome.

What Is UMF in Manuka Honey?

Alongside MGO, you may also come across the term UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. UMF is a grading and certification system used for certain New Zealand Manuka honey products.

While MGO refers specifically to methylglyoxal concentration, UMF grading considers several markers associated with Manuka honey's authenticity, quality and composition.

These include:

• MGO: Methylglyoxal content.

• Leptosperin: A naturally occurring compound used as a marker associated with Manuka honey.

• DHA: Dihydroxyacetone, a precursor to MGO.

• HMF: Hydroxymethylfurfural, a compound monitored as an indicator of heating and storage conditions.

Both MGO and UMF can help you compare Manuka honey products, although they aren't identical grading systems.

How to Choose the Best Manuka Honey

With different brands, ratings and prices available, choosing Manuka honey can feel a little confusing. Here are a few things worth considering.

Check the MGO or UMF Rating

If you're comparing Manuka honey products, start by looking at the grading information on the jar. Higher-rated products typically cost more, but you don't necessarily need the highest rating to enjoy Manuka honey's distinctive flavour.

Look for Authentic New Zealand Manuka Honey

Authenticity matters when choosing Manuka honey. Look for clear information about the honey's country of origin, testing and grading. Reputable brands should provide transparent information about their products.

Choose a Format That Suits You

Manuka honey is available in different jar sizes and strengths, while some brands also offer products such as honey lozenges. Think about how often you plan to use it and which format works best for you.

Explore our Manuka Honey collection to compare the different products available at Evergreen.

How to Use Manuka Honey in Your Diet

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Manuka honey is simply to use it as you would any other honey.

Here are a few ideas:

• Stir a spoonful into warm tea or water.

• Drizzle over porridge or overnight oats.

• Add to natural yoghurt with fruit and nuts.

• Spread on toast or oatcakes.

• Mix into homemade salad dressings.

• Use a little to sweeten smoothies.

Manuka honey has a distinctive flavour, so a small amount can go a long way. Like other honeys, it contains naturally occurring sugars and is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manuka Honey

Is Manuka honey better than regular honey?

Manuka honey differs from many other honeys in its composition, flavour and MGO content. However, there's insufficient evidence to conclude that eating Manuka honey provides greater general health benefits than eating other varieties of honey.

What is the best MGO rating for Manuka honey?

There isn't one MGO rating that's best for everyone. Higher ratings indicate a greater concentration of methylglyoxal, but they don't guarantee better health outcomes. Your choice may depend on your preferences, budget and how you plan to enjoy the honey.

Can you eat Manuka honey every day?

Manuka honey can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, just like other types of honey. Because it contains sugar, moderation is important.

Is Manuka honey good for your immune system?

Although Manuka honey has been studied for its antimicrobial properties, there isn't sufficient clinical evidence to claim that eating it strengthens the immune system or prevents infections. For normal immune function, nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc have established roles when consumed in appropriate amounts.

Is Manuka honey suitable for children?

Manuka honey must not be given to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. For older children, it can be enjoyed in moderation, taking account of its sugar content.

Why is Manuka honey more expensive?

Manuka honey is produced from a specific floral source, with a relatively limited flowering season. Testing, grading, certification and demand can also contribute to its higher price compared with many everyday honeys.

Discover Manuka Honey at Evergreen

Whether you're exploring Manuka honey for the first time or looking for a particular MGO rating, Evergreen offers a carefully selected range from trusted producers.

Browse our Manuka Honey collection to discover different strengths and formats, or explore our Manuka Health collection for products from this New Zealand brand.

Evergreen – Good Health, Naturally.