Manuka honey: this is how the “super honey” from New Zealand works

We reveal what effect Manuka honey has on health, how it is made and how sustainable the exclusive natural product really is.

With an average price of over 70 euros per kilo, Manuka honey is a real luxury good. The honey comes from New Zealand and therefore has to be transported halfway around the world before it ends up in our stores. Regardless of the dubious ecological balance, Manuka honey is also an exciting natural product because of its effect.

Manuka honey: effect thanks to concentrated ingredients

Everyone honey has an antibacterial effect and supports the immune system. But the antibacterial and antiseptic effect in Manuka honey is said to be many times stronger than that of other types of honey. Studies of the TU Dresden attribute this to the high content Methylglyoxal back. Methylglyoxal is a metabolic end product that occurs in every organism during the digestion of sugar accrues. In healthy people, it is broken down by enzymes.

While other types of honey contain around one to two milligrams of methylglyoxal per kilo, amounts of 300-700 milligrams per kilo have been found in Manuka honey. The reason for this high concentration has not yet been conclusively researched.

Danger: For diabetics: inside manuka honey is according to the Deutsche ApothekerZeitung not recommendable. It is best to get medical advice before taking high-dose manuka honey.

Studies on the effects of Manuka honey

The individual effects of Manuka honey have not yet been proven beyond doubt. However, there are some studies that have examined the potential of honey:

• First studies like that of the University of Ottawa suggest that the honey from New Zealand is effective against pathogens from Sinus infections helps.
• Further Studies from New Zealand and the USA examined the antibacterial effects of Manuka honey. This should Gastrointestinal diseases that are caused by coliform bacteria. There is also evidence that the honey is involved Colds, respiratory infections or otitis media can help. The studies also showed that manuka honey can also be used Virus flu is effective because it also has antivirulent properties.
• Other studies have even found Manuka honey to have a beneficial effect on the dental care prove.

Real Manuka honey is only available from New Zealand

Manuka honey is made from the nectar of the South Sea Myrtle (Leptospermum scoparium), a tea tree species native to New Zealand. In the Maori language, the South Sea myrtle is called Manuka. In addition to honey, the Maori also used the leaves and flowers as traditional remedies.

Only honey obtained in New Zealand has the aforementioned high methylglyoxal content, which is essential for its effect. of Manuka honey should be responsible. Beekeepers take it within a few weeks after the flowering time of the South Sea myrtle in order to avoid mixing with other pollen. However, since it cannot be ruled out that bees pollinate other flowers as well, the methylglyoxal content may still vary.

Certified beekeepers: inside give the methylglyoxal content (MGO) on their glasses, partly also in the unity UMF (Unique Manuka Factor). If there is no methylglyoxal indication in either MGO or UMF on the honey jar, the Manuka honey is probably not from New Zealand. The indication alone does not guarantee that it is real Manuka honey.

The current high demand for Manuka honey – especially from Europe – exceeds the capacity in New Zealand, which is limited by natural resources. Samples of the TU Dresden discovered in 2015 Fakes on the market. The researchers concluded that only every sixth glass contains pure manuka honey.

Manuka honey for wounds and diseases

Thanks to his antiseptic Effect is said to be able to disinfect wounds. Traditionally, it is therefore applied to make small cut or Treat abrasions. If you want to take advantage of the effects of manuka honey, you should only use it medicinal honey Use from the pharmacy and preferably only after consultation with a medical professional.

In the clinical research Ointments based on Manuka honey are tested to treat wounds or diseases. The results are promising:

• The Bonn University Hospital used, for example, wound care based on Manuka honey in the children’s ward.
• Further studies of the Bonn clinic deal with the effect of Manuka honey in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome.
• It is also being researched whether manuka honey against antibiotic resistant Hospital germs the bacterial strain “Staphylococcus aureus” works.

Conclusion: Manuka honey with a questionable ecological balance

Even if the effects of manuka honey sound promising, you should think twice about buying the honey. Because the transport from New Zealand to Germany uses a lot of energy and releases emissions. In addition, the growing global demand is already exceeding natural resources.

So there are several arguments against consuming Manuka honey. Mainly because there are also many home remedies that are also good for your health. You can find them here, for example:

• 6 herbal home remedies for a cold
• These 7 medicinal herbs are natural pain relievers and antibiotics

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Preventing a cold: this is how you stay healthy
• Acerola: vitamin C bomb and superfood for the immune system?
• Regional alternatives to superfoods