5 Reasons You Should Eat Manuka Honey Daily

Made exclusively in New Zealand, manuka honey not only tastes great, it’s good for you too.  Manuka honey boasts powerful health benefits due to its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.  Read on to learn about manuka honey health benefits and see why you should eat manuka honey daily. 

Manuka Honey Health Benefits 

It’s hard to believe that something so sweet and delicious can be healthy, but it’s true.  Manuka honey’s health benefits come from methylglyoxal, a unique compound that naturally occurs in nectar from flowers of the manuka bush.  

Methylglyoxal (MGO) contains powerful germ fighting properties, which is why manuka honey is used for healing and pain relief.  The more methylglyoxal in the honey, the stronger the germ fighting effect is. 

You know how much methylglyoxal is in the honey by looking at the jar. For manuka honey, the MGO level is always listed on the label.  The higher the number, the more methylglyoxal is in the honey. 

1. Improves Digestion

Eating manuka honey can improve digestion. In studies, manuka honey has been proven to attack harmful gut bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, commonly known as C. Diff. This bacteria causes inflammation of the bowel and severe diarrhea.  

Furthermore, researchers have found that in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, consuming manuka honey has improved digestive symptoms. This is due to methylglyoxal’s powerful anti-inflammatory and bacteria fighting properties. 

2. Promotes Oral Health

You wouldn’t think that something so sweet could be good for your teeth and mouth, but manuka honey can actually improve your oral health.  That’s because manuka honey attacks harmful oral bacteria that causes plaque, tooth decay, and gum inflammation.

Manuka honey has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. These two bacteria are responsible for periodontal disease.  Also, because of its antibacterial properties, manuka honey does not contribute to cavities like refined sugar.  

3. Soothes Cough and Sore Throat

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Common URTIs are influenza, bronchitis, and the common cold. Symptoms of URTIs are cough and sore throat.  

Manuka honey is a well known natural remedy for both cough and sore throat.  When eaten, manuka honey coats the inner lining of the throat, reducing irritation.  If the cold is caused by bacteria, manuka honey not only soothes the throat, but it also will attack bacteria.  

Studies have shown that manuka honey has been effective in treating post infection cough.  Manuka honey has even been found to be more effective in relieving cough severity and frequency than over the counter cough suppressants. 

4. Prevent Gastric Ulcers

Not only does manuka honey aid in digestion, it can also prevent gastric ulcers.  Gastric ulcers occur when sores form on the lining of the stomach. It is a common condition causing pain, bloating, and nausea.  

Gastric ulcers are caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Studies have shown that manuka honey is effective in inhibiting the growth of this bacteria.  In fact, people that consume honey at least 5 days a week have a significantly lower risk of H pylori infection than those who don’t. 

5. Boost Your Energy

If you’re feeling a little sluggish, skip the energy drinks and try manuka honey instead.  The unrefined, raw sugars in manuka honey provide a natural energy boost.  

The glucose in manuka honey is absorbed quickly, which gives an initial energy boost.  Meanwhile, the fructose in honey keeps blood sugar levels stable, so you get a more prolonged feeling of energy. 

Manuka Honey Daily Dosage

While there is no set daily dosage, eating 1 tablespoon a day is adequate to get manuka honey’s nutritional benefits. One generous spoonful a day is enough to boost your immune system and provide your body with natural energy. 

Some people enjoy eating manuka honey straight from the jar, while others prefer it mixed into drinks or drizzled over yogurt. For those on the go, manuka honey sticks are really convenient, as they are pre-measured and easy to eat anywhere. 

Summary

Manuka honey health benefits include improved digestion, better oral health, soothing cough and sore throat, preventing gastric ulcers, and providing an energy boost.  The daily dosage of manuka honey is about 1 tablespoon.