WHY MĀNUKA
Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium), is unique to New Zealand and flowers for only 4-6 weeks of the year.
During that period, we place our hives in the remote and untouched parts of New Zealand’s pristine environment where Mānuka flower is in abundance and the air and water is fresh, pure and clean.
This allows our bees to do what they do best, that is produce the highest quality genuine Mānuka honey.
Antibacterial & Antimicrobial
Interestingly all honey contains some antibacterial benefits, this is due to its high sugar content, acidity and hydrogen peroxide content which is formed by glucose oxidisation. The problem is that with most types of honey this antibacterial content can be compromised or completely eliminated when it is exposed to heat or comes into contact with water, saliva, blood or other bodily tissue.
With Manuka Honey, in addition to the regular honey antibacterial benefits, it also contains the non-peroxide activity, which is not affected or compromised when it is exposed to heat or comes into contact with water, saliva or other bodily products. For this reason, Manuka Honey is preferred over regular honey when utilised for antibacterial benefit, because it is stable and the quality is not compromised when used or consumed.
This information is based on research conducted by Dr Peter Molan - http://waikato.academia.edu/PeterMolan
The antibacterial activity of honey and its role in treating diseases
Whats special about Active Manuka
How the antibacterial activity of manuka honey is rated
Anti-inflammatory
Manuka Honey has been recognised for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammation is an essential part of the bodys response to infection or damage of tissue and it is what triggers the immune response to infection but excessive inflammation can cause pain, damage to tissue and scaring.
Research has found that Manuka Honey contains potent anti-inflammatory activity which does not slow the healing of wounds and can also be used safely on eye’s. They have found that it can also minimis scarring.
This anti-inflammatory benefit is not only thanks to the Native Manuka plant but also our clever little bees. When the bees collect the nectar they add a protein to it called Apalbumin 1, this protein suppresses the action of white blood cells engulfing bacteria and other particles, which is the start of the inflammation process. It was found that high levels of MGO (Methylglyoxal, the key marker of Manuka Honey) react with Apalbumin 1 to make it even more effective in suppressing white blood cells.
This information is based on research conducted by Dr Peter Molan - The anti‐inflammatory activity of honey - http://waikato.academia.edu/PeterMolan
Antioxidents
All Honey, not just Manuka has been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants compared to other foods. Antioxidants are important to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Although honey contains high levels of antioxidants, the quantity of honey consumed when only used as a spread makes it quite low compared to other foods.
However, if honey is used as an alternative to refined sugar (which contains no antioxidants) the benefit can be quite substantial.
Making those changes can be very easy, replace refined sugar in hot drinks with a teaspoon of honey. If you haven’t tried this already you should, its delicious. Its also a great substitute for refined sugar in baking, and is a great addition to smoothies, cooked meals, desserts, salad dressing, platters, all sorts!
Research about the antioxidant contents of honey was completed by Dr Peter Molan - The antioxidant activity of honey - http://waikato.academia.edu/PeterMolan
