2024.10.16 column

What is Manuka honey? A detailed introduction to its effects and recommended ways to eat it




Among the many different types of honey, have you heard of Manuka honey, known as the king of honey?

Manuka honey is a food that we recommend not only to those who love honey, but also to those who are concerned about their health.

In this article, we will introduce you to all the charms of Manuka honey, from basic information to its effects and recommended ways to eat it.

If you would like to receive the gifts of nature and spend the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons feeling cheerful, be sure to read to the end.



What is Manuka Honey?




Manuka honey is honey collected from the Manuka flower by Western honeybees.

It has a rich flavor with a herbal aroma, and is also called the “king of honey” and “miracle honey.” Manuka is a shrub that grows only in a very small area of New Zealand.

The leaves and bark of the Manuka tree have long been used as a panacea by the indigenous Maori people. Manuka flowers only bloom for about four weeks between November and February. The flowering period varies slightly depending on the region, but is always very limited. Because the period during which the nectar can be harvested is limited, Manuka honey is said to be highly valuable.

Furthermore, numerous studies by biologists and botanists have revealed that Manuka honey contains ingredients that support beauty. It is now attracting attention as a food that supports our health.

参照元:Japan Manuka Honey Association "What is the antibacterial ingredient MGO (methylglyoxal)?"

CycloChem Co., Ltd. "Manuka Honey Research History"



Ingredients contained in Manuka honey




The secret behind the fact that Manuka honey is said to be a food that supports people's health lies in its ingredients.

Ingredients contained in Manuka honey

  • Methylglyoxal

  • ・Vitamin B ・Vitamin C

  • ·mineral

  • ・Fructose glucose

  • Protein

  • Flavonoids

  • ・Phenol compounds

  • ·amino acid


As mentioned above, Manuka honey contains a wide variety of compounds.

These ingredients in Manuka honey can only be produced when nectar combines with the saliva and enzymes of the Western honeybee. In other words, unless both conditions of "Manuka nectar" and "Western honeybees" are met, Manuka honey rich in ingredients cannot be produced.

Among the many types of honey, methylglyoxal is a component found only in Manuka honey. It is said to be a protective component that supports daily health.

参照元:SUGI BEE GARDEN Online Shop "About SUGI BEE GARDEN 's Manuka Honey"



What you can expect from Manuka honey




Here we will explain what kind of effects you can expect from consuming Manuka honey.



Supports a healthy everyday life


First of all, Manuka honey is said to support daily health.

As mentioned above, Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal, which helps support daily health. The action of methylglyoxal helps keep you energized.

This effect has attracted attention in the medical field, and medical products using Manuka honey are currently being developed overseas. Although it is still in the research stage and has not yet been approved in Japan, once the effects of Manuka honey as a medical product become clear, it may be used in many situations.

In addition, Manuka honey is expected to support the development of a strong body.

If you consume Manuka honey on a regular basis, you can live each day feeling full and energetic.

参照元:Journal of the Japanese Society of Home Economics "Characteristics and Functionality of Manuka Honey"

Pure Honey Direct "Manuka Honey for Medical Device Use"



It supports beauty


Manuka honey can also help support your beauty.

The polyphenols and amino acids contained in many types of honey are thought to promote beauty.

Polyphenols help you get ageless skin that you'll be praised for, while amino acids help you maintain moisture. Plus, Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal, so it's likely to give your skin a radiant glow.

However, be careful not to eat too much Manuka honey as it can have the opposite effect if consumed in excess.



Is it okay to eat Manuka honey every day?




The bottom line is that it is fine to eat Manuka honey every day, as long as you don't eat too much.

When consuming Manuka honey, regardless of how often, be mindful of the amount you consume. There is no strict rule on how much you should consume, but a good rule of thumb is to consume about one teaspoon 1 to 3 times a day.

If you are thinking of eating it every day, keep in mind that Manuka honey is also a type of "sugar." Too much sugar can lead to high blood sugar levels, obesity, and lifestyle-related diseases. Manuka honey is not a medicine, nor is it a food that should be consumed on a daily basis, so it is important to eat it at the right time.

If you do not exercise frequently, it is advisable to consume less than the above recommended amount.



Key points to fully enjoy the benefits of Manuka honey




If you want to get the full benefits of Manuka honey, consume it unheated.

Adding Manuka honey to your cooking will add richness and make it delicious. However, heating it can destroy all of the properties of Manuka honey. This is because the "enzymes" contained in Manuka honey are sensitive to heat.

Therefore, it is best to consume Manuka honey without heating it too much. If you want to use it in hot dishes or drinks, we recommend letting it cool to body temperature before adding it.



Delicious ways to eat Manuka honey




Here, we will introduce three recommended ways to eat Manuka honey, from ways to enjoy it to your heart's content, to ways that even those who don't like honey can try. We hope that you will find an opportunity to eat delicious Manuka honey and live a healthy life.



Eat as is


If you want to enjoy Manuka honey to your heart's content, try scooping it up with a spoon and eating it as is. We also recommend combining it with other foods, but this is a way of eating that we recommend you try first.

Manuka honey is viscous and has a unique herbal scent that tickles your nose. Some people may not like it, but those who like rich sweetness will find it addictive.



Sprinkle on yogurt


If you are reluctant to eat it on its own, try combining it with other foods.

Among them, Manuka honey and yogurt is a classic combination. All you have to do is pour Manuka honey on top of the yogurt, so it doesn't take much time and effort.

Also, depending on how you arrange it, you may be able to realize your desire to "live a refreshing and pleasant life every day." For example, if you add kinako to manuka honey and yogurt, you can manage your health in a delicious way. You will definitely become addicted to the exquisite balance of the sweetness of manuka honey and the aroma of kinako.



Mix into drinks


Another recommended way to enjoy Manuka honey is to mix it into drinks such as tea, coffee, and smoothies. By adding Manuka honey instead of sugar, you can enjoy your tea or coffee with the usual sweetness, and you can also tone down the unique herbal flavor.

One of the most recommended combinations is Manuka honey and smoothies. There is no need to add heat, so it goes perfectly with smoothies.



Why is Manuka honey so expensive?


Although Manuka honey has a positive impact on our lives, it tends to be relatively expensive.

Why does Manuka honey tend to be so expensive?

There are several reasons for this, but one is the rarity of Manuka honey, due to the fact that it can only be produced in limited areas and the period during which Manuka nectar can be collected is short, at around four weeks.

Other possible reasons include the low production volume of Manuka honey compared to demand and the transportation costs of importing it.



Manuka honey is a rare type of honey that helps to revitalize the body.




This time, we have provided a detailed overview of Manuka honey, which supports daily health. Manuka honey is a precious honey that is only produced in certain areas of New Zealand. It is rich in nutrients and is expected to have the effect of cleansing the body from the inside. In addition to enjoying it as it is, we also recommend eating it with foods such as yogurt and smoothies.

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