Is Manuka honey good for the gut? Mānuka honey, a unique honey native to New Zealand 1, has gained global recognition for its remarkable health benefits, and recent research is increasingly revealing its importance for gut health. Produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), this honey is not just a sweet treat but a potent natural remedy. Our Pouatu Manuka Honey is certified and 100% traceable.
Gut Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
- Antibacterial Properties: Manuka honey is renowned for its powerful antibacterial effects, primarily due to the complex synergies of its bioactive components including methylglyoxal (MGO). This compound helps combat harmful bacteria in the gut, such as Clostridium difficile and Helicobacter pylori, which are linked to gastrointestinal issues. 4, 2
- Prebiotic Effects: While Manuka honey does not contain probiotic bacteria, it acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This helps maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, which is crucial for digestion and overall gut health3
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey can soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms of conditions like gastritis and acid reflux. Regular consumption can help alleviate inflammation and discomfort in the gut 4
- Healing Gastric Ulcers: Emerging research suggests that Manuka honey can aid in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers by targeting Helicobacter pylori bacteria and reducing inflammation in the stomach lining 2
Why Choose Certified New Zealand Manuka Honey?
When seeking the gut health benefits of Manuka honey, it is crucial to choose certified New Zealand Manuka honey. Here’s why:
- Authenticity and Quality: Certified New Zealand Manuka honey is subject to stringent quality controls and testing to ensure its purity and potency. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) quality mark and rating system is a trusted certification that guarantees the honey’s levels of bioactivity, purity, authenticity, freshness and overall quality 5
- Traceability: Certified Manuka honey from New Zealand comes with traceability, ensuring that you are getting genuine Manuka honey. This traceability helps prevent the purchase of counterfeit products that may not offer the same health benefits 6
- Sustainability: Supporting certified New Zealand Manuka honey also means supporting sustainable beekeeping practices. This ensures the preservation of the Manuka bush and the health of bee populations, which are vital for the environment
- Scientific Backing: The health benefits of certified New Zealand Manuka honey are backed by scientific research. Studies have consistently shown its effectiveness in promoting gut health and overall well-being 7
In conclusion, Manuka honey is a powerful natural remedy for gut health, offering antibacterial, prebiotic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, to ensure you reap these benefits, it is essential to choose independently certified New Zealand Manuka honey. This guarantees authenticity, quality, and the full spectrum of health benefits that this unique honey offers.
al Somal N, et al. “Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to the antibacterial activity of manuka honey.” J R Soc Med. 1994 Jan;87(1):9-12. https://oi: 10.1177/014107689408700106
Lane, Jonathan A et al. “Oligosaccharides Isolated from MGO™ Manuka Honey Inhibit the Adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus Aureus to Human HT-29 cells.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,10 446. 1 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/foods8100446
Mohan, A.et.al., Effect of honey in improving the gut microbial balance, Food Quality and Safety, Volume 1, Issue 2, 1 May 2017, Pages 107–115, https://doi.org/10.1093/fqsafe/fyx015
Mohan, A. et.al. Sensory, Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterisation of Functional Manuka Honey Yogurts Containing Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DPC16. Foods 2020, 9, 106. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9010106
Schell, Kathleen R et al. “The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 9 957932. 28 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.957932
Yordanov, Daniel et al. “Influence of Dietary Factors on Helicobacter pylori and CagA Seroprevalence in Bulgaria”, Gastroenterology Research and Practice, 2017, 9212143, 7 pages, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9212143
Courtesy of Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA) NEW ZEALAND
