The one-phrase answer to that is the Unique Manuka Factor!
But to understand the #story in detail, read on…from the beginning of #Civilization, #Honey has been known as a #Natural #Medicine. It’s known primarily for its #antibacterial and #health enhancing #properties all over the world, with #grandmothers and #mothers advocating its treat-all properties.
Healing Power of Honey
Honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that #honey has natural #Antibacterial qualities. Some honey also stimulates production of special cells that can #repair #tissue damaged by #Infection. In addition, honey has an #AntiInflammatory action. Once applied, it quickly reduces #pain and #inflammation.
The Uniqueness of Manuka Honey
And then at the end of the last century, a breakthrough happened! In 1981 Dr #PeterMolon, Associate Professor of #Biochemistry at #Waikato University discovered that honey from some strains of the #NewZealand Manuka bush contained a unique antibacterial factor not contained in any other variety of honey. Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate this native bush.
Manuka honey’s #highsugar content creates a waterless environment in which the #bacteria are unable to survive. Also an enzyme called #glucose #oxidase makes it #acidic, adding to its unique antibacterial properties. Most people who buy Manuka honey simply put it on their toast or in their tea, but where it really comes into its own is in #treating #wounds.
Components of Manuka Honey
#HydrogenPeroxide in honey gives it its antibiotic quality. In Manuka honey, the major antibacterial component is #methylglyoxal (MG). In manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of dihydroxyacetone, found in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger is the antibiotic effect.
Honey producers have developed a scale for rating the #potency of manuka honey. The rating is called #UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®). The UMF rating corresponds with the #concentration of #MG. In fact, only some strains of the New Zealand Manuka bush produce honeys containing this #UniqueManukaFactor. Manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF.
How Manuka Honey Is Used
Its main medical use is for treating minor wounds and burns. It also:
- Prevents and treats cancer
- Reduces high cholesterol
- Reduces systemic inflammation
- Treats diabetes
- Treats eye, ear and sinus infections
- Treats gastrointestinal problems.
So you see, what’s special about Manuka Honey is its UMF! Check out a special discounted cost for Manuka Honey at #Natural Mantra’s #FreedomSale only this #Week.
August 11, 2014 at 16:08
Hello there,
Almost good post, only mistake is that the potency of Manuka Honey is not given by the UMF but by the NPA (Non Peroxide Activity). Mentioned in the research of Pr. Peter Molan http://www.academia.edu/2187608/Pdf_7_Whats_special_about_Active_Manuka_Honey
UMF is just a trademark that lobbying companies try to stick in the head of consumers so that small independent producers have to pay in order to use it on their labels.
So what’s unique about Manuka Honey?
The one-phrase answer to that is the Non Peroxide Activity (NPA).
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August 14, 2014 at 13:27
Hi!
Thank you!
As you can see, we have mentioned Dr Peter Molan’s research findings in this context and have also mentioned that Honey Producers have given the UMF rating. Our endeavor is to simplify benefits from the end-user point of view…and thus Hydrogen Peroxide as a factor is also mentioned in the blog.
However, we thank you for the in-depth clarification, and for your keen interest. Do keep chatting with us. A pleasure!
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August 14, 2014 at 13:27
Hi!
Thank you!
As you can see, we have mentioned Dr Peter Molan’s research findings in this context and have also mentioned that Honey Producers have given the UMF rating. Our endeavor is to simplify benefits from the end-user point of view…and thus Hydrogen Peroxide as a factor is also mentioned in the blog.
However, we thank you for the in-depth clarification, and for your keen interest. Do keep chatting with us. A pleasure!
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