Honey has swayed humans for years. Sacred Cuneiform writings of Sumerian and Babylonian are evidence of the ancient use of honey as traditional medicine. From several varieties of honey, Manuka honey is one with the most benefits. The very precious product of New Zealand- Manuka honey is produced when the bees invade the flowers of indigenous Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). Anti-microbial and anti-oxidative properties of Manuka honey, makes it be used as broad spectrum activity.
Benefits of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey contains hydrogen peroxide methylglyoxal and dihydroxyacetone which makes it unique from other types of honey.Methylglyoxal is obtained from non-enzymatic conversion of dihydroxyacetone. Freshly produced honey, contains a low level of methylglyoxal and high level of dihydroxyacetone and with time dihydroxyacetone degrades to methylglyoxal, hence increasing its level. Previous studies have found that the levels of methylglyoxalvaries from 48 mg/kg to 743mg/kg and the concentration above 150mg/kg is considered to show anti-bacterial properties.
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Manuka honey as anti-bacterial
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A diluted form of honey prevents biofilm formation of Pseudomonaaeroginosa, Streptococcus pyrogens, Staphylococcus aureus and various other bacteria and prevents bacterial infection at site/wound.The honey has been found effective in acute as well as chronic condition. Manuka honey destroys the cell wall of the bacteria and causes swelling of the cell which further bursts bacterial cell at the site. It can directly affect bacterial cells embedded in a biofilm and exhibits anti-adhesive properties against common wound pathogens.
It also shows a synergistic interaction with vancomycin against S. aureus biofilms and an additive interaction with gentamicin against P. aeruginosin biofilms.
With the excessive and careless overuse of antibiotics, super bugs like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (or MRSA) are born which require invasive procedures- surgeries for removal. UK researchers have discovered that Manuka honey deactivate the most powerful genes of the MRSA bacteria and hence protects the patient.
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Nutritional value
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From infinite generations, honey is being used as traditional food to fulfill the body requirements. It is a rich source of Amino acids (proline, tyrosine, lysine, and phenylalanine in high quantities and valine, arginine, histidine and glutamic acid in traces), B vitamins (B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid)Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc. Fructose Sugars in honey are sweeter and give more energy than any other artificial source. Intake of Raw unfiltered Manuka honey on a regular basis can boost the immune system. This sweet, golden elixir, contains upto 4 times more mineral content than normal honey, proving its superiority over others.
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Immunity booster
High nutritional value of the honey, makes the body resistant to diseases and microbial activities. Various studies have shown that it enhances the production of cytokines which stimulates immune cells. A spoonful of Manuka honey can make a sore throat person feel better. Relief from Painful tonsillitis and sinusitis can be achieved by having few spoons of it daily.
Studies have shown that Honey stimulates antibody production during primary and secondary immune responses against thymus-dependent and thymus-independent antigens in mice injected with sheep red blood cells and E. coli antigen.
Animal studies have revealed that intravenous administration of manuka honey can prevents tumor growth and increases host survival when used in combination with chemotherapy.
` Cost effectiveness, negligible adverse effects (allergy or toxicity), quicker effects and broad-spectrum activity of Manuka honey makes it unique and valuable. As we all know natural treatment is always better than others, so why not get a jar of Manuka honey and live a happy and healthy life.