Introduction:
Honey is one of the most commonly used substitutes not only for table sugar in many recipes but also as a common sweetener for many dishes and has innumerable uses in the field of medicine, with its roots in the fields of ancient or traditional medicine. However one would know that there are many different types of honey available across the world and its varieties tend to be available based on the region. One such variety of honey is called Manuka honey, which hails from New Zealand and Australia. This sweetener derived from the Manuka bush, which is known to grow regionally, only in these southern hemisphere nations has been widely touted in media and scientific literature as well for its purported antibacterial and wound healing properties. These medicinal benefits that are attributed to this honey are probably the reason why it is marketed at such a high price for even a single jar, almost 10 times the price of regular honey.
What Are the Health Benefits of Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is said to have healing properties, especially in terms of wound healing and treating skin burns or sores, based on some medical research. However, there is not enough evidence to fully support these claims.
Based on the data provided by the Cochrane Library, a comprehensive scientific review database, it has been determined that Manuka honey does not possess any significant or distinctive advantages compared to regular honey. Despite the widespread belief in the benefits of Manuka honey, the Cochrane Library's findings indicate that the scientific research conducted thus far is inconclusive even regarding these health benefits. Therefore, it is imperative to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before utilizing this honey for skin application or topical treatment of wounds or sores.
In terms of the nutrition content, honey, and Manuka honey are almost equal in terms of the natural sugars or the number of calories (around 60 to 65 calories per tablespoon). However natural honey has a lot of health benefits that have been studied through medical research and science extensively, whereas the benefits of Manuka honey have not been deeply investigated by nutrition experts.
It is also unlikely that the attributed anti-bacterial properties or wound-healing properties of this variety of honey would be useful when consumed through diet. For instance, drizzling honey over pancakes oatmeal, or breakfast cereals can be a good option to boost food flavor. Nevertheless, when considering the nutritional aspect, it remains classified as a sweetener, contributing to the overall calorie intake regardless of whether it is regular honey or Manuka honey. Consuming Manuka honey does not provide any specific health advantages in terms of antibacterial benefits.
What Does the Scientific Evidence Reveal Regarding Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is not known for any specific benefit such as regular honey in tackling a cough or seasonal allergy, as recommended by some physicians. Honey could potentially be beneficial in preventing coughs or seasonal allergies in children, as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Though honey would help thin respiratory mucus, it is not recommended for young infants or children below two years of age because of the risk of Clostridium tetani spores contamination. More scientific research is needed to establish the full-fledged benefits of honey in children for the reduction of seasonal allergies and coughs, even as a home remedy. Current research reports of Botulism spores in honey causing poisoning in young infants are often reported across the globe.
What Are the Differences Between Manuka and Regular Honey?
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In comparison between Manuka and regular honey, regular honey is much more economical and affordable than Manuka. It is to be noted from a nutritional perspective that medical-grade Manuka honey is different in composition from the food-grade Manuka honey that is available commercially. Medical grade Manuka honey should not be substituted in any other varieties or preparations of honey as its safety is questionable in both food and beverage preparations, for which food grade Manuka honey is only preferred. Be sure to check the nutrition label of the Manuka honey one is purchasing to find out or determine whether it is food or medical-grade, for safety reasons. Manuka and regular honey both have different grading systems and it depends on what grade of honey one is purchasing, which is why it is important to check the nutrition label for complete information. The quality of honey, whether it is classified as A, B, or C, is determined by various factors including its consistency, clarity, absence of defects, and the percentage of soluble solids present. Additionally, Manuka honey is graded based on its composition, which can be categorized as either food grade or medical grade. This classification is based on the content of three key compounds found in Manuka honey, namely leptospira, dihydroxyacetone, and methylglyoxal.
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Manuka honey exhibits a significantly thicker consistency compared to regular honey or other commercially available honey varieties. Additionally, it tends to have a higher level of opacity than typical honey products. When it comes to flavor, Manuka honey offers a distinct earthy or nutty taste in contrast to other honey types, while still maintaining a similar level of sweetness. Both Manuka honey and regular honey can be used interchangeably in various culinary recipes or preparations, depending on the desired consistency and flavor profile. However, if one intends to use a sweetener for cooking or baking purposes, regular honey would be a more cost-effective option. Moreover, Manuka honey can be incorporated into breakfast cereals, oat meals, smoothies, and even used to add sweetness to meat dishes.
Conclusion:
Manuka honey has been praised for its numerous health benefits, such as its ability to heal wounds, prevent seasonal allergies and sore throat infections, and even fight bacterial infections. However, the downside of Manuka honey is its high cost in commercial markets, making regular honey a more affordable and irreplaceable option for everyday culinary recipes. While Manuka honey may be delicious and beneficial, it is important to note that, like regular honey, it is primarily made up of natural sugars. Therefore, it should be treated as a favorable substitute for table sugar. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid giving honey to children with food sensitivities, allergies, and especially infants under one-year-old, even when it is used in cooked or baked preparations.
