Her Manuka honey vs His Raw Honey
Should you buy Raw honey or Manuka honey?
The beloved Yogi Bear once ruled the Jellystone Park as a fearsome eater. Do you think he would stand upon the basket and ask himself, “Manuka honey vs. Raw honey? Hm…”
His greedy paws made sure no pic-a-nik basket was safe. Imagine if the Hanna-Barbera team made a scene where Yogi and his little friend Boo Boo open a basket, find two jars of honey, and cant’ decide which one to try first.
It’s not uncommon in our world, though!
In a world… where the bees are endangered, and the honey can be questionable comes a pot of delicious honey that can be delivered to your door.
The question remains… manuka honey vs raw honey?! Which one is the best?
Since you’re a manuka honey enthusiast, we will disentangle some info between manuka honey and raw honey.
Right here!
Raw honey vs. Manuka honey
Meet Oliver.
As a child, 40 years ago, he grew up in a country surrounded by farms. His family had a small orchard of apple, pear, peach, and cherry trees.
One of the neighbors, a kindhearted old German asked if he could set up some of his beehives at the edge of their orchard.
For this, he offered to give Oliver and his family some of the honey when he harvested it.
“He gave us honey every fall…much more than he should have.
The taste and aroma of that raw honey I would never forget. It was the best I had ever had… tasting grassy meadows, mountain wildflowers, lavishly blooming peach trees, or scrubby farm weeds.
And the love was born.
As you can imagine, over 35 years, I have had so many different brands of honey I can’t even begin to count.
Yet, none of them even came close to my childhood memory.
But it’s not just the taste.“
This is what Oliver had to say when we asked him about raw honey.
What are the benefits of raw honey?
Raw honey is exactly how it sounds. It’s the purest form of what a bee produces. There are no filters or heating involved in its making process.
Of course, like the best things on earth, this isn’t always an easy luxury to get your hands on. But those who can will enjoy its benefits.
1.Ancient healing properties
The medicinal benefits of raw honey have been documented since ancient times because of its healing properties and antibacterial characteristics.
2. Great source of energy for any athletes
It is an excellent source of energy for athletes as it’s full of carbohydrates. You can consume it before or after workouts. It is a way to replenish the body with enough carbs and ensure adequate stores during strenuous exercise periods.
3. Leads to a better immune system
Honey is rich in antioxidants and contains antibacterial properties. Those will help you strengthen the immune system. As a result, you will be more resistant to infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, many viruses.
4. Ensures good sleep
Honey contains a nutrient called tryptophan, a hormone that helps us relax and gives our body a signal that it’s ‘time to go to bed.’ Although our body needs this amino acid, it does not produce it naturally.
That is why we can get it through our diet by consuming products such as raw honey.
Also, honey contains glycogen which can help our body to release adrenaline and ensure sound sleep.
5. With cinnamon is safe for diabetics
It contains less than 10 grams of glycemic load. So, it is ideal for people with diabetes and those concerned about their blood glucose level. Besides, you can mix raw honey with cinnamon to reduce the risk that your blood sugars will spike after consuming a high-sugar snack.
6. Raw honey helps burn fat faster
As a result, raw honey can protect you from obesity by bringing anti-obesity, antidiabetic, and hypotensive activities.
By doing this, it limits the accumulation of fat storage, lowers blood glucose levels. It also raises the prevention of oxidative stress.
7. Tummy ache? Not with raw honey!
The study found that American raw honey from sourwood, alfalfa, and sage enhanced the growth of five strains of intestinal bifidobacteria. Additionally, these bacteria inhibited the development of some microflora when present in high numbers.
8. Anti-age properties
Rich in antioxidants, and responsible for skin cell renewal, raw honey has unique properties that make it an ideal ingredient for anti-wrinkle cream. Due to vitamin A, it is an exceptional ingredient that rejuvenates the skin and makes it fresh-looking and hydrated.
Besides, its rich content of antioxidants. And they are an excellent tool in the fight against freckles and blemishes, whether they are the result of age or sun exposure.
9. Full of immune-boosting nutrients
With 22 amino acids, raw honey is a complete protein. Also, it is rich in minerals, including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium.
It’s also rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and vitamin C.
10. Freshly harvested
If labels are not helpful, the best way to decide which honey is freshest for you would be to buy straight from a farmer’s market or a beekeeper. This ensures that the product has been harvested recently and won’t contain any preservatives or additives.
Also, talking to a seller face-to-face ensures that you will cut through his bs right away.
If you want to be sure that the honey you are buying is good for you, just ask yourself three questions before purchasing any honey.
Is it raw?
Is it certified?
Do I trust the supplier?
If you answered yes to all three questions, then go ahead and buy it. You’ll be fine!
But some people need to help themselves asap and fight the winning battle against some illness while cutting the dose of meds.
Therefore they are looking for benefits that may provide manuka honey.
Manuka honey vs. Raw honey
On the other side of the globe, in Christchurch, New Zealand, lives Mia.
This is her first introduction to the power of Manuka honey:
“I have a friend whose dog was in a fight and was bit by another dog. He overlooked the bite right away, and it turned worse. Then he took his dog to the vet, and they wanted about $1000.00 to fix up his dog. He told the vet there was no way he could do that.
The vet pulled him aside and told him to use 100% pure manuka honey on the bite and keep it covered as much as he could and change out the bandage every day. We were amazed at how fast the wound was healing up from just the honey.
So, manuka honey is a great pet remedy too!
When I started to go to a biochemistry college, I began to look up all the benefits from manuka honey….needless to say, the incident with the dog is what got me started.
I am glad that I did because there is much more than meets the eye.“
Is there any scientific evidence that manuka honey vs. raw honey is better?
Manuka honey is obtained by honey bees (Apis Mellifera) from the New Zealand manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) and is a complex mixture of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, and minerals.
In addition, it contains high levels of phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids that benefit health.
1.Methylglyoxal (MGO)
2.Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – a component of nectar from Manuka flowers
3.Leptosperine – a component of nectar from Manuka
When it comes to the antibacterial properties of Manuka honey, this is a crucial ingredient. Antibacterial properties may be present due to the content of hydrogen peroxide. But, they decompose in raw honey.
MGO in Manuka honey maintains these properties even after the hydrogen peroxide disappears.
One of the reasons that manuka honey is such a powerful antimicrobial agent as compared to other kinds of honey is because antibacterial activity in other kinds of honey is peroxidase-based.
This is neutralized by catalases present in the blood, serum, and wound tissues. The places where MGO in manuka honey remains active. (2)
1. 20th-century discovery
Manuka honey is present in all media. Also, it is recognized by FDA in the USA for its healing properties. Even so, it is not around very long. Professor Peter Molan first identified the unique properties of manuka honey in the 1980s.
2. Unique quality measuring factor
Manuka honey is tested by experts to check whether it has all the antibacterial properties. You can check at UMF rating on its label and make sure you have purchased the best kind of this type of honey. Raw honey doesn’t have this kind of quality check.
3. Unique antibacterial properties
Researchers from New Zealand discovered that Manuka honey vs Raw honey has considerably higher levels of beneficial compounds and enzymes.
According to studies, some strains of this honey are rich in hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal (MGO), and dihydroxyacetone.
These compounds have been shown to act as a natural antibacterial, potentially including certain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
4. Wound healing
Relatively new research suggests that manuka honey can help to speed up the healing process of wounds. But also regenerate reduce pain in patients with burns.
For example, a two-week study investigated the effects of manuka honey dressing on 40 people with non-healing wounds. The results showed that 88% of the wounds were reduced in size.
The first manuka honey-based product for wound dressings was approved by the FDA in 2007. (MEDIHONEY, DermaSciences, Plainsboro, NJ, USA). (3)
5. Fights superbugs
There is a study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Biomedicine, April 2011. It says that manuka honey may be a powerful topical treatment. especially for antibiotic-resistant infections like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium diff.
6. Better in fighting venous ulcers than meds
Manuka honey was effective in getting rid of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA from 70% of chronic venous ulcers. This can be beneficial to prevent cross-infection.(3)
7. Microneedle made from Manuka honey for enhanced wound healing
Yes, you read that right- microneedles are made from hardened manuka honey to deliver goodness into the body. The shape is materialized as needles to penetrate the skin and administer themselves on targeted cells in human bodies. (4)
8. Treats plaque and gingivitis
Volunteers tried manuka honey chewing ‘strap’ to chew for 10 minutes, three times a day after each meal. Plaque and gingival bleeding scores were recorded before and after the 21-day trial period.
The volunteers who consumed either type of manuka honey showed significant improvement in oral hygiene.
Analysis of the results indicated that there were significant reductions in the plaque scores. (0.99 reduced to 0.65; p=0.001)
The percentage of bleeding gums (from 48% reduced to 17%; p=0.001). (5)
9. A honey from manuka stops the growth of cancer cells
We still don’t understand the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of manuka honey. Yet, the possible mechanisms are due to its antiproliferative, antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF), antioxidant. But scientists would not omit anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, and immunomodulatory activities.
Go figure!
The results of this study show that if we mix 0,3% of manuka honey with cancer cells we got a decrease in their potency. And only in 24-48hrs. Besides, it inhibits tumor cells growth (breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, murine melanoma). (6)
10. May treat symptoms of cystic fibrosis
People with cystic fibrosis have a disorder that causes the bodies’ cells to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus.
This makes it difficult for them to breathe because their airways get clogged up by this excess mucus, affecting other organs in their body, like the digestive system.
In a study conducted on people with cystic fibrosis, researchers found that manuka honey could kill several strains of bacteria responsible for upper respiratory infections. In addition, results indicated that manuka honey stopped their growth and worked in conjunction with antibiotic treatment. (7)
“Flavor,” “Sturdiness” and “Value for money,” in Manuka honey and Raw honey
Flavor (manuka honey vs raw honey):
De gustibus non est disputandum” is a Latin saying that refers to the fact that in terms of taste, there can be no dispute. Every raw honey is different.
It compliments and is versatile and will suit your daily honey uses.
On the other hand the unique flavor of manuka honey is full and creamy. It has “perfume-y undertones from the flower, but not overwhelmingly so. Also, it has a slight earthiness with some mineral taste: nice medium sweetness but subtle and welcome bitter aftertaste.
To summarise, you’d have to taste it for yourself.
Sturdiness (manuka honey vs raw honey):
Raw honey can be a big sticky mess if you’re not careful. You know how it is with honey?! On the other hand, Manuka honey is denser than raw honey, but it’s not that hard when you stir.
That means no spills, no mess, but it could make holes in your bread when you try to apply it.
Manuka honey melts slightly when eaten and creates a velvety, smooth texture that spreads perfectly over the taste buds. In addition, it allows you to experience all of its naturally occurring flavors.
Value for money (manuka honey vs raw honey):
Honey counterfeits make massive amounts of money on fake products, thus deceiving people who are trying to please their health and wallet. So do your research and be sure to buy original manuka honey– or any honey.
Whether you buy raw or manuka honey, value is only in the need that you have.
In the end…
Do you think that manuka honey is the only raw honey on the market?
Raw honey comes in a variety of forms, including different flavors and variations.
Manuka honey has been receiving a lot of attention lately due to its healing properties. But not all raw honeys have this high level of antioxidants.
Some types are better for gut health, while others are best used as an anti-inflammatory agent. The kind you choose should be based on your own needs and wants as well as what’s available in your area!
So, in conclusion, you don’t have to spend $100 on a jar of honey for it to be suitable for you or your children. But, if you’re looking for a solution for a problem that just won’t go away, maybe you should try manuka honey.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED on blog.manukanatural.com