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Manuka honey benefits: What you need to know about this wonder food

Manuka honey benefits: What you need to know about this wonder food

 

The health and beauty benefits of Manuka honey make this wonder food a serious must-buy.

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Manuka honey

Manuka honey

Manuka honey benefits: The facts

Manuka honey has been used by the Maori community in New Zealand for centuries because of its incredible anti-bacterial and healing properties (it can even be used as a hay fever remedy), and celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johannson are said to be big fans. Here are the reasons why you should consider stocking up on the gold elixir that is Manuka honey.

Whilst there are proven results to show that yes, even though it’s not a raw honey – a type usually associated with health benefits – Manuka honey works, perhaps because of the price, a lot of people ask if there any downsides to using Manuka honey. ‘There are some cons to using Manuka honey,’ says nutritionist Lorna Driver-Davies from The Nutri Centre. ‘It’s expensive, and all honey is a natural form of sugar, so anyone who needs to be careful around sugar (e.g. diabetics) should be aware of this.’

How to verify genuine UMF Manuka Honey

As you may have guessed, Manuka honey is specialist, and to see the benefits you need to get the proper stuff (sadly, not all honey is created equal). So, before you shop, make sure that you’re getting the real deal. Proper Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, and will have a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating of 10+ or more on its label.
Cheaper imitations are likely to be less effective.

Manuka honey uses: How much do you need?

Experts say that to reap the benefits of Manuka honey, you should take a dose of about 1-2 tablespoons of Manuka honey a day. The easiest way to do this is obviously just take it straight for an intense hit. However, you could incorporate it into your breakfast routine by spreading it on a slice of wholemeal or granary toast, adding it to your yoghurt, or spooning into a herbal tea for some added sweetness.

 

Manuka honey health benefits

From treating a sore throat, to using it topically on your skin, here are the best uses for Manuka honey…

1. HEALING

 

 

Manuka honey’s healing properties make it a great all-round wonder food. ‘It has anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, and can be used to boost the immune system to help fight off illness and improve skin conditions. It also soothes a sore throat, and can be used externally on cuts, wounds and ulcers to assist with the healing process,’ says Rick Hay, resident nutritionist at Xynergy.

How to use Manuka honey to treat a sore throat: ‘Manuka is perfect to treat and shorten the length and severity of a sore throat,’ says Rick Hay. ‘It fights bacteria and viruses while also boosting the immune system. It’s soothing, and a spoonful can be taken neat, with warm water and lemon juice, or just with warm water. Avoid boiling the water. When taken at the onset of a sore throat it can help prevent it from taking hold.’

 

2. IMPROVES DIGESTION 

Manuka honey is great for improving the health of your gut and banishing bloating. ‘It can help reduce inflammation from digestive disorders, relieving abdominal discomfort and bloating. It contains a natural pre-biotic, which is important for nurturing the gut’s good bacteria, and can therefore help the digestive system rebalance itself naturally,’ says Liliana Trukawka, nutritional therapist at Comvita.

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3. BOOSTS ENERGY

Pure Manuka honey is an ideal staple to give you a buzz when you’re feeling tired. ‘The honey’s high nutrient density makes it a great natural energy booster,’ says Rick Hay.

4. ENHANCES SKIN 

The Manuka honey health benefits are clear to see, however it also has beauty benefits, too. ‘Pure, organic Manuka Honey is the perfect natural alternative for curing acne and skin infections,’ says skincare expert Malvina Fraser. ‘It’s also a natural moisturiser that improves skin hydration because it’s able to absorb moisture directly from the air and draw it into the skin.’

Where to buy Manuka honey

Just because it’s a specialist product, doesn’t mean you can’t buy Manuka honey from the supermarket. Tesco stocks Manuka, as does Aldi and health shops such as Whole Foods and Holland & Barrett with one of the most popular brands being Manuka Doctor Active Manuka Honey, £24.95 and Rowse, £16.99.

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Manuka honey benefits

The Manuka honey flower

DIY Manuka honey face masks to try at home

Moisturising Mask  

‘Manuka Honey can be used on its own as a facial mask by simply applying the honey on a clean damp face,’ says Malvina Fraser. ‘However, my favourite Manuka honey mask includes coconut oil and avocado to intensely hydrate. This delicious smelling mask eradicates any dryness and leaves you with a healthy, luminous glow.’


 

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