Applaud the New Zealand Precious Little Bees for Their Big Benefits
Written by Juanita
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a special type of honey that comes from New Zealand. The precious little bees who make Manuka honey collect most of their nectar -- the base of all honey -- from the Manuka bush Leptospermum Scoparium. The native Manuka tree/Leptospermum scoparium is uniquely adapted to thrive in New Zealand’s challenging natural environment. Hardy and resilient, Manuka acts as a natural protector and regenerator of the land.
Manuka has a long history as a respected medicinal plant, traditionally used by the New Zealand Maori people as a remedy.
Manuka Honey Ratings Explained
MGO, UMF and are ways that Manuka honey can be classified and compared
MGO/Methylglyoxal:
One of the major antibacterial components of Manuka honey is a compound called methylglyoxal/MGO. MGO comes from the conversion of another compound in Manuka honey known as dihydroxyacetone/DHA, a high concentration of which is found in the nectar of Manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effect.
MGO is the most accurate way of measuring the potency of Manuka honey. Buyers should look for this number to ensure authenticity and bioactivity.
Below is a quote from PubMed.Gov commenting on the antibacterial and antimicrobial capacity of Manuka honey:
“Manuka honey has been found to have various biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-proliferative capacities. Scientists try to use Manuka honey in the area of tissue engineering to design a template for regeneration. Naturally derived antibacterial agents of Manuka honey are numerous mixtures of different compounds, which can influence antibacterial capacity. The non-peroxide bacteriostatic properties of Manuka honey are associated with the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO).
Conclusion: In addition to bacterial growth inhibition, glyoxal (GO) and MGO from Manuka honey can enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration by their immunomodulatory property. Further studies are needed to provide detailed information about active components of Manuka honey and their potential efficacy in different diseases.”
"Manuka has a long history as a respected medicinal plant, traditionally used by the New Zealand Maori people as a remedy."
UMF:
UMF stands for “Unique Manuka Factor.” UMF is a rating system directly correlated with MGO. It is an indicator of quality and purity of manuka honey. UMF is a quality mark identifying natural unadulterated manuka honey produced in New Zealand. It’s a trademark that ensures purity, quality and that the honey contains unique natural properties. UMF is independently tested, strictly enforced, and directly proportional to the methylglyoxal content and the honey’s corresponding antimicrobial effectiveness.
UMF tests for all naturally-occurring chemical markers of Manuka honey:
Methylglyoxal
MGO – the antibacterial element
Leptosperin the indicator of genuine Manuka which can only be found in honey from manuka pollen and cannot be fabricated.
UMF ranges from 4 to 25, the higher the rating, the more potent, and of course, the more expensive, the honey. Manuka honey that scores UMF 10+ is considered potent enough for medicinal use. Other rating systems that do not test for MGO or UMF are driving confusion in the marketplace.
MGO to UMF comparison table
MGO Level UMF Grade
50+ MGO 4+
100 MGO 6+
240 MGO 8+
600 MGO 16+
850 MGO 20+
For this month of October, we are featuring Manukora Premium, Raw Manuka Honey from the wilds of New Zealand. It is nonGMO, glyphosate residue-free, sustainably sourced, antibiotic-free, Trust Code traceability. All Manukora products are certified under the New Zealand government Manuka Standard, gathered from the biodiverse environment, and ensuring certified MGO activity.
Monofloral Manuka is certified to contain nectar, wholly or mostly, from the Leptospermum scoparium – Manuka – plant.
“Every Manukora product has its very own traceability QR code on it. If you scan this code, you will be able to track the exact remote New Zealand location your honey was harvested. It is here that Manukora provides test results, including MGO and UMF levels.”
Visit our Wellness Department and let me help you make a selection. I look forward to seeing you, again, or meeting you.