Is there a difference between Honey and Manuka Honey?

Honey, a delicious liquid gold sweetener.

Is the honey we pour over our pancakes different to Manuka Honey?

Short answer, yes.

The long answer read below!

The importance of honey for medicinal purposes is well documented in some of the world’s oldest literature. It has been used in many cultures for its medicinal properties, as a remedy for burns, cataracts, ulcers and wound healing because it exerts a soothing effect when initially applied to open wounds (1).

Manuka honey is a monofloral honey derived from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It has greatly attracted the attention of researchers for its biological properties, especially its antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities (1).

The antibacterial potency of Manuka honey was found to be related to the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, which is correlated with the methylglyoxal and total phenols content (2).

Research has shown that Manuka honey of different UMF values has medicinal properties of interest and it can be beneficial when used as a combination treatment with other antimicrobial agents (2).

In addition to antibacterial activity (2) UMF honey has the ability to stimulate macrophages which are needed for reducing microbial infections and helping in tissue healing. Evidence from clinical trials shows that UMF honey may be useful for the treatment of burns injuries (3).

To sum all that up, Manuka honey has wound-healing benefits, in particular for the treatment of burns and also contains antibacterial properties for reducing microbial infections.

Written by our in house Nutritionist.

If you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 9318 3455 or come visit us in-store.

References:

1. Alvarez-Suarez JM, Gasparrini M, Forbes-Hernández TY, Mazzoni L, Giampieri F. The Composition and Biological Activity of Honey: A Focus on Manuka Honey. Foods. 2014;3(3):420-432. Published 2014 Jul 21. doi:10.3390/foods3030420
2. Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, Owusu-Apenten R, Nigam PS. Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview. AIMS Microbiol. 2018;4(4):655-664. Published 2018 Nov 27. doi:10.3934/microbiol.2018.4.655
3. Wijesinghe M, Weatherall M, Perrin K, et al. Honey in the treatment of burns: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its efficacy. NZ Med J. 2009;122:47–60.