Honey is no stranger to most nutritionists and food buffs around the world. Most people are already aware of how nutritious and delicious they are. However, not all honey is the same. While natural honey is already widely known to be nutritionally beneficial, some types of honey are healthier and possess more medicinal properties than others.
One such honey is Manuka Honey. Native to New Zealand and Australia, this honey is created by honeybees that feed on Manuka trees and bushes. It is darker in colour and features a stronger, more earthy flavour compared to other types of honey. Although its healing and medicinal properties have long been known among the indigenous cultures in New Zealand and Australia, Manuka Honey is now regarded as one of the healthiest and most medicinal honeys available.
Anti-viral properties of manuka honey
There is strong scientific evidence that manuka honey is a very potent agent for killing influenza (flu) virus and has also been reported to exhibit antiviral activities against the rubella virus and varicella-zoster virus. Scientists looking at the anti-viral effects of honey have shown strong anti-influenza activity with manuka honey, in particular, showing strong inhibition.
One research team, led by Professor Ken Watanabe from Nagasaki University in Japan, has reported that honey actually inhibited the replication of the flu virus. When the influenza virus was pre-treated with manuka honey before infection of cells, the virus was rendered inactive.
Wound healing properties of manuka honey
Manuka honey has been shown to have multiple wound healing properties. The mechanisms by which manuka honey assists in wound healing have been published in a comprehensive review in the academic journal "wounds".
Medical grade manuka is used across the industry for a whole array of other serious skin conditions and wounds including surgical wounds, abrasions, first- and second-degree burns, pressure ulcers, leg and foot ulcers, and recurrent herpes simplex lesions just to name a few.
How does it work?
These positive effects are mostly due to the strong antibacterial properties manuka honey possesses and the extremely high levels of hydrogen peroxide found in honey (a highly potent antibacterial compound). Manuka honey, however, takes it a step further. Recent research has shown that it not only contains high levels of hydrogen peroxide like other types of honey, but it also contains higher amounts of a compound called methylglyoxal (MG), another compound with antibacterial properties.
There has been a lot of press surrounding seasonal pandemic flu's and virus this year with the world in chaos over the novel coronavirus. While different strains of virus have their own unique mutation’s and adaptions within the human body, the way these viruses infect their victim’s remain consistent, they attack the immune system. So anything that can help to build up a strong immune system is beneficial. Especially in these pandemic times.
In addition to eliminating stress, eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, and staying well rested and hydrated, natural superfoods such as manuka honey can aid in the essential building and maintenance of a strong immune system.
References:
http://honeycentre.com/Manuka_Honey_Info.php
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/use+manuka+honey+to+heal+yourself,8321
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2013/04/26/all-about-honey-raw-wild-manuka-what-kind-is-best-for-health
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