22
Sep
Probably the most interesting thing about Manuka honey, that catches the attention of the wide global public, is the fact that this honey is a product made exclusively in Australia. Not because Australians are the only ones that know how, or have the technology to do it, but because the plant, the Manuka bush is native to Australia. So, Manuka honey in Australia is practically considered a local treasure. The fact that it is extremely healthy, only adds to its immense popularity. See what all the hype is about.
Manuka Honey in Australia has been used since the 19th century, when researchers first discovered that it has antibacterial qualities. The honey was actually used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions, but never bacterial infections, which happened to be its greatest quality. Manuka honey offers protection against many bacterial infections by stimulating the production of cells that can repair the damaged tissue. In addition to this, Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory properties, so if applied properly, it can quickly reduce pain and inflammation. Of course, not all Manuka honey is the same; depending on the type of plant, and the time of harvest, some Manuka honey can be 100 times more potent than other types of Manuka honey in Australia.
There really isn’t a secret ingredient; there’s just a combination of the right amount of different ingredients needed to create such a powerful food. The basic component is the same as in all types of honey, hydrogen peroxide, which gives it antibiotic properties. Next, there is the methylglyoxal, a compound which is also present in most types of honey, but in very small quantities. In Manuka honey, this substance comes as a result of the conversion of another substance, the dihydroxyacetone, found in large quantities in the nectar of flowers of the Manuka bush. Since MG (methylglyoxal) in Manuka honey is present in far larger amounts than in other types of honey, it is believed that it’s responsible for the huge antibacterial power this honey has.
Manuka honey in Australia has its rating system for easy determination of how potent the honey is. It’s based on the concentration mainly of MG, but on other components as well. So, according to this rating system, in order for the honey to be considered therapeutic, it needs to have a rating of at least 10 UMF. At this level, or higher, the Manuka honey is considered to be “UMF Manuka Honey” or “Active Manuka Honey”.
