Manuka honey has marked its place in the culinary world and wellness spheres—captivating palettes and enriching wellness routines. Originating from the nectar of the New Zealand native Manuka tea tree, this type of honey has been used for centuries by the indigenous Māori people. A key factor distinguishing Manuka honey from its counterparts is its unique Methylglyoxal (MGO) content—a compound acclaimed for its antimicrobial properties. Clinical trials have also shown that Manuka honey has a positive effect in the treatment of various cancer tumors. The honey was effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and also proved to increase the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments 12. 10. Manuka honey for shingles

However, if you’re taking Manuka honey for a cold and don’t fancy it a la spoon, try mixing it into hot tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon to soothe that scratchy throat. All of these grading systems are ways to demonstrate the antibacterial properties, quality and potency of each batch of Manuka Honey, so you know exactly what you’re buying. MGO vs UMF vs NPA The MGO numbers are indicators of the Methylglyoxal (MGO) concentration of the honey, measured in mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram). A higher MGO number represents a higher concentration of Methylglyoxal. Our range doesn’t stop there; explore our trending products for more premium selections. Dive deeper into our world with July's Sweet Talks with Manukora , where we discuss everything from the intricacies of Manuka honey to tips like how to soften honey .A pertinent question arises — how does the MGO end up in the honey? It’s genuinely a marvel of nature. Bees produce MGO when they break down the Manuka nectar using enzymes in their stomachs. They convert a compound found in the nectar, known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), into MGO. One intriguing fact is that this transformative process of producing MGO continues even post-harvest. For a period extending between 12-24 months post-harvest, MGO concentration increases as DHA levels diminish. Understanding the MGO Rating — An Incomplete Measure The honey is then given a number from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+. The higher the UMF raring, the more antibacterial activity the honey has and the more potent it is. What is NPA in Manuka honey? Pure Manuka Honey has "antibacterial and antioxidant properties" which have been linked with a range of wellbeing benefits according to scientific journals [2]. The highest grade Manuka in the range with even higher levels of anti-microbial properties from MGO (Methylglyoxal) One study showed that both Manuka and clover honey, were able to treat the virus that causes shingles 13. For more information on that study, you can read my article on how to treat shingles with Manuka and clover honey.

Number: the unique signature compounds characteristic of Manuka honey, which ensure quality and purity. These include: Leptosperin, DHA and MGO. We’ve always insisted on seeing documentation proving Manuka honey sold in Holland & Barrett stores is genuine. The New Zealand government has now brought in more strict legislation around Manuka honey and how it’s labelled, and all Manuka honey exported from New Zealand must now be laboratory-tested to prove it’s authentic.

The antibacterial properties of honey are provided by hydrogen peroxide. In normal table honey, the hydrogen peroxide activity breaks down, meaning the anti-bacterial benefits are lost.

Learn more about Manuka honey by reading our blog , or explore Manukora’s range of Manuka honey products . The reason why Manuka honey is unique is because the bush contains strong antibacterial compounds found mostly in Leptospermum plants 1. Components of Manuka Honey Assess your needs: Define your purpose for purchasing Manuka honey. If it’s for general wellness and culinary use, lower MGO levels like 100+ or 250+ may suffice. For more specific uses regarding Manuka honey’s beneficial nutrients, you may want to opt for higher MGO levels, such as 600+, 850+, or above.

How to choose Manuka honey

In addition to fighting biofilms, MGO in Manuka honey has demonstrated potential in restricting the growth of dangerous pathogens. It’s proven effective against Streptococcus pyogenes, gram-negative bacteria including E. coli, and even hard-to-treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One of the causes of stomach ulcers is a certain type of bacteria known as H. Pylori. These bacteria are also responsible for other types of gastric problems. Research has shown that Manuka honey contains compounds which are effective against H. Pylori 8 . You can find more treatments for H.Pylori in my article on how to treat H. Pylori naturally. 6. Gastric Problems In addition, MGO acts differently in honey than in isolation, with other elements present in the honey that alter how this chemical interacts with bacteria. This highlights that MGO is only a part of the picture and not the sole contributor behind the significant non-peroxide antibacterial activity of Manuka honey. Ensuring Authenticity and Quality: MGO is Not the Only Factor

He wanted to find out what happened when he deliberately destroyed the Hydrogen Peroxide Activity (HPA) in honey. MGO is related to the strength of the Manuka Honey. The strength of Manuka Doctor honey is measured using the MGO grading system from 30 MGO to 1000 MGO. Scientists generally agree that MGO is the best way to establish a honey’s antimicrobial (bacteria killing) strength.The concentration of MGO in Manuka honey is a critical indicator of its potency. In fact, MGO levels are one of the ways in which Manukora certifies that its honey is real Manuka honey. MGO 100+: This is considered a lower MGO level, suitable for daily consumption and culinary purposes. It offers a distinctive Manuka flavor without being overly intense. Let’s look at the many uses and health benefits of Manuka honey and how it can be used as a natural treatment for many ailments. 1. Manuka honey has strong antibacterial properties All the Manuka honey we sell carries authenticity stamps, which shows that the honey has passed these stringent lab tests. Which Manuka honey is best? The MRSA bug highlights one problem facing the medical community; bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics. Professor Cooper from the University of Wales carried out research on how Manuka honey interacts with bacteria. She found that Manuka honey can actually help antibiotics be more effective and even reverse antibiotic resistence 5. 3. Manuka honey for strep throat