Manuka honey: liquid gold at different prices
Manuka honey is considered the world’s finest medical-grade honey. Scientific literature abounds with articles demonstrating its beneficial effects on health. This honey has unique antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Several studies show that it works faster and at lower doses than other medicinal honeys, and that no bacteria can resist it at high doses. Manuka honey is also effective for external application, notably in the treatment of burns, eczema and chronic acne.
However, there are several versions of this honey on the market, including some blends that have little or no impact on health. Several brands have been found to claim anti-bacterial activity, when in fact the contents of the jar have little or no effect. The different names and figures on the jars can therefore raise a number of questions for consumers; and at the price this product costs, the question must be asked, which Manuka Honey to choose from all these brands!
Let’s take a step back: every year, beekeepers send samples to an independent laboratory for certification and measurement of an antibacterial agent unique to this honey. This agent is called Methylglyoxal (or MGO), and is measured in milligrams per Kg. The higher its concentration, the greater its therapeutic impact, as demonstrated by the scientific work of Dr. Peter Molan (1943-2015).
The first thing to check is certification. In New Zealand and around the world, UMF® (Unique Manuka Factor) certification has rapidly become the most widely accepted among industry professionals over the years. It is advisable to check that the company potting the honey is a confirmed member of the UMF Honey Association, with a unique license number.
The UMF® system measures the concentration of MGO in the harvest and then issues a grade at the time of potting, which ultimately determines the price of your jar. In the case of UMF 5+ Manuka Honey, a nutritious, dense and extremely tasty honey, the minimum guaranteed MGO index is 87, compared with 550 for UMF 15+, or 829 for UMF 20+. In other words, it would take around ~10 spoonfuls of UMF 5+ to have the same therapeutic effect as 1 spoonful of 20+, or ~6 spoonfuls of 5+ to have the same effect as 1 spoonful of 15+. Note that there is little difference in taste whatever the MGO concentration. UMF® certified honeys are all 100% natural and raw.
We hope this article has helped you make a better purchasing decision. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this honey or any other product we have in stock.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions. Thank you for your trust and loyalty! ☺️
The Gourmiel team
www.gourmiel.ca
☎️ 514-466-1868
Info@gourmiel.ca
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