Manuka Honey, such as our Zea Gourmet Manuka Bioactive Honey from Flinders Island Tasmania, has a powerhouse of health benefits. It is especially renowned for its unique antibacterial, medicinal, and wound-healing properties. Derived from the nectar of the Manuka flower native to New Zealand and Australia, this golden elixir has captivated health enthusiasts and researchers alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the remarkable properties of Manuka Honey, its grading systems, diverse uses, and tips for optimal storage.

What Makes Manuka Honey Special?

Manuka Honey stands out due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound responsible for its potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, it contains leptosperin and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which further enhance its authenticity and efficacy. These unique components make Zea Gourmet Manuka Honey not only a delicious natural sweetener but also a versatile remedy for various health concerns.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

1. Antibacterial and Medicinal Properties

Manuka Honey's high MGO content gives it strong antibacterial properties, making it effective in combating human pathogens and preventing infections. Zea Gourmet's Manuka Honey has a high 200 MGO+ rating - indicating high activity and therapeutic benefits. It is particularly valuable for:

• Maintaining a moist wound environment that accelerates healing

• Creating a protective barrier to prevent infections

• Promoting the growth of new tissues

2. Wound Healing

Applying Manuka Honey topically can help:

• Speed up wound healing

• Reduce inflammation

• Clear infections

• Boost immune cell activity to release TNF-α, a healing substance crucial for tissue repair

An excellent complement to your skin's healing process is our Multi-Purpose Rescue Balm. It has been specially formulated to calm and repair distressed skin, it enhances the natural healing properties of honey, helping to soothe persistent wounds and reduce the risk of scarring.

3. Digestive and Oral Health

Manuka Honey has been shown to:

• Shorten the duration of bacterial diarrhoea

• Treat ulcers

• Act as an effective oral rehydration solution

• Improve digestive health by reducing harmful bacteria in the gut

4. Neurological Support

Manuka Honey contains polyphenols that:

• Protect brain cells from oxidative stress

• Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms

• Prevent memory disorders by lowering brain inflammation, particularly in the hippocampus

5. Cardiovascular Health

Manuka Honey's antioxidants, including flavonoids and vitamin C, help:

• Improve coronary vasodilation

• Reduce platelet clotting

• Inhibit LDL cholesterol from oxidising, lowering the risk of coronary heart disease

6. Diabetes Management

While honey is a natural sweetener, Manuka Honey has a lower glycemic index than sucrose and glucose. It has been shown to:

• Reduce plasma glucose levels

• Lower blood lipids and inflammation markers

7. Cancer Support

Research suggests that Manuka Honey can:

• Promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells

• Reduce mutation rates

• Alter cell cycles and immune responses to inhibit cancer cell proliferation in various cancers

How to Use Manuka Honey

1. Topical Application

For wounds, burns, or skin infections, apply a thin layer of Manuka Honey to the affected area. Cover with a sterile bandage and replace it as needed. Its antibacterial properties will help maintain cleanliness while promoting healing.

2. Oral Health

Take a teaspoon of Manuka Honey daily to support oral hydration, soothe a sore throat, or improve digestive health. Pair it with our Australian Native Bush Dukkah to boost your intake with a variety of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, supporting optimal digestive health.

3. Culinary Uses

Use our Zea Gourmet Manuka Honey, as a natural sweetener in tea, smoothies, or baked goods. Try it with our Wooden Honey Dipper, the perfect tool for your culinary creations. The organic nature and availability in 100+ MGO and 200+ MGO options ensure a premium addition to your diet. Its rich flavour and health benefits make it an excellent addition to your meals.

4. Skin Care

Incorporate Manuka honey into DIY face masks or skincare routines to reduce inflammation, moisturise the skin, and combat acne. For additional skin support, try our Original Kunzea Cream, specially formulated to nurture, nourish and promote healthy skin.  

Understanding Manuka Honey Grading

Manuka honey is graded using two primary systems: MGO (Methylglyoxal) and UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), both of which measure the potency and quality of the honey.

MGO Grading

MGO grading focuses on the concentration of methylglyoxal in the honey. The higher the MGO number, the stronger the antibacterial properties and overall potency of the honey. For instance, Zea Gourmet Manuka Honey is available in 100+ MGO and 200+ MGO, providing options for varying health needs. Explore our Zea Gourmet range to view our full selection of honey and the ideal additions for your kitchen.

UMF and MGO Categories

Both UMF and MGO grading systems help consumers choose the right honey based on potency and intended use. Let’s look at how these categories align:

• MGO 30+ / Everyday Strength: Supports a healthy lifestyle with its mild antibacterial and antioxidant properties. See our Zea Gourmet Flinders Island Blend.

• MGO 100+ / Extra Strength: Enhances everyday health and wellness, offering more potent antibacterial and healing benefits. See our Zea Gourmet Manuka Honey 100+.

• MGO 200+ / Medicinal Strength: Provides specific nutritional and medicinal support for targeted health needs. See our Zea Gourmet Manuka Honey 200+.

• MGO 500+ / High Medicinal Strength: Delivers maximum potency for advanced nutritional and medicinal applications.

UMF grading evaluates MGO levels alongside additional factors to ensure the authenticity, potency, freshness, and shelf life of the honey. The components assessed include:

• Leptosperin: Ensures authenticity

• DHA: Determines shelf life

• HMF: Ensures freshness by verifying proper storage and heat exposure

Tips for Storing Manuka Honey

1. Keep it Sealed: Ensure the jar is airtight to prevent exposure to air, moisture, or bacteria.

2. Room Temperature is Best: Store honey at room temperature to retain its flavour and prevent crystallisation.

3. Use Glass Jars: Glass is preferred as plastic or metal may cause oxidation.

4. Avoid Overheating: Overheating can destroy honey’s beneficial enzymes and change its flavour.

5. Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze honey to avoid crystallisation without compromising its quality.

Does Honey Expire?

Honey, when stored correctly, can last indefinitely. Its low water content and thick consistency make it inhospitable to bacteria and mould. However, improper storage or contamination can lead to spoilage. If honey crystallises, place it in a bowl of warm water for 15 minutes. Or gently warm it in the microwave in 10 second intervals to return it to its liquid state without overheating. 

Conclusion

Zea Gourmet's Manuka Honey is more than just a natural sweetener—it is a versatile remedy with powerful antibacterial, medicinal, and healing properties. From wound care to brain health, its benefits are backed by science and tradition. When choosing Manuka honey, opt for trusted brands like Zea Gourmet, which adheres to the highest standards in quality and potency - making it an excellent choice for both health and wellness. 

Incorporate this golden elixir into your lifestyle for improved health and wellness. Whether you’re looking to heal wounds, boost your immune system, or enjoy its rich flavour, Manuka Honey is an investment in your overall well-being.

Explore our complete Zea Gourmet range and treat yourself to the delightful flavours of our Kunzea Honey or Island Blend Honey—two unique varieties that are a must-have in every kitchen. 

References

1. Mandal, M. D., & Mandal, S. (2011). Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 1(2), 154-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6

2. Masterclass. (2021, December 2). How to store honey: 4 tips to extend the shelf life of honey. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-store-honey-explained

3. Samarghandian, S., Farkhondeh, T., & Samini, F. (2017). Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research. Pharmacognosy Research, 9(2), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.204647

4. Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. (2024). Unique Manuka Factor: The golden standard in Manuka honey. https://www.umf.org.nz/unique-manuka-factor/

5. Yoon, J. (2024, June 22). Does honey go bad?. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7962112/does-honey-go-bad/