Manuka Honey: A Natural Source of Pre-Workout Energy

Manuka Honey: A Natural Source of Pre-Workout Energy
Krista Bugden

Krista Bugden

6 minutes

Fuel up for your workout with nature’s energy gels – Manuka honey boasts vital nutrients not found in any other honey on Earth. Its natural carbohydrates boost and sustain energy levels while its antioxidants and prebiotics support performance, immunity, and overall wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

  • Manuka honey contains glucose and fructose that provide an excellent source of low-GI, pre-workout energy
  • It has unique nutrients like methylglyoxal and antioxidants that support immune health and wellness
  • Manuka honey can be enjoyed before workouts in many ways – straight from the jar, with fruits, in smoothies, etc.
  • It helps enhance performance, focus, and recovery during and after exercise

Comparison of Manuka Honey and Regular Honey

Manuka Honey

Regular Honey

Unique MGO and antioxidants

No special nutrients

Supports immune function

General health benefits

Where do the natural carbohydrates, antioxidants, and prebiotics in Manuka honey come from?

Manuka honey is produced by bees that collect unique nectar from the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) in New Zealand. This allows Manuka honey to contain special beneficial nutrients like the prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides for gut health, antioxidant compounds like Leptosperin for immunity support, anti-inflammatory Methylglyoxal (MGO), and low glycemic index natural sugars (glucose and fructose) for energy.

Executive Summary:

  • Manuka honey isn’t just a source of energy, it contains a wealth of beneficial nutrients that support immune function, digestion, and general wellness.
  • The body requires the right fuel to release energy and work hard. The glucose and fructose in Manuka honey, as a low-glycemic energy source, boost and sustain energy levels during a workout. 
  • The unique nutrients, including potent antioxidants, found in Manuka honey support an active lifestyle.
  • Manuka honey can be enjoyed in a variety of ways before a workout: as a delicious snack straight out of the jar, drizzled over fruit, or added to a simple meal.

Should You Try Honey as a Pre-Workout?

Food is fuel when it comes to working out. The best pre-workout Snack: 

  • Provides the energy your body needs
  • Enhances your performance
  • Helps your mind stay focused
  • Supports your muscles during and after your workout

Manuka honey is a rich and beneficial source of low GI (slower-release) energy. The unique nutrients hidden inside this liquid gold support general wellness—even after the stress of intense exercise. 

The Unique Components of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is a rare honey native to New Zealand. It is produced from the complex nectar of the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium). As a result, it contains beneficial nutrients that set it apart from any other honey in the world. 

Besides being an excellent source of energy, vitamins, and minerals, Manuka honey contains the following nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle:

  • Methylglyoxal (MGO): This unique nutrient has anti-bacterial properties that support your body’s natural immune response and maintain general well-being.
  • Leptosperin and Methyl Syringate: These two compounds are potent antioxidants present in Manuka honey. They have anti-inflammatory properties and together support a healthy immune function.
  • Prebiotics: Manuka honey contains fructo-oligosaccharides that help maintain digestive health. 

Understanding Energy Release in the Body

To appreciate how Manuka honey impacts your workout, it’s helpful to understand how energy is released in the body. 

  • When food is digested in the body, it is broken down into small particles that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Simple sugars (like glucose and fructose) are vital sources of energy for each cell in your body.
  • During a workout, your body requires more energy to activate your muscular tissue.
  • Glucose is absorbed quickly in the intestines, rapidly increasing your blood sugar. 
  • This sugar is transported to each cell where it is converted into water, carbon dioxide, and energy. 
  • This fuels the cell to do its necessary work. Fructose, however, is absorbed more slowly, sustaining energy release over a longer period (low-glycemic energy source).

Manuka honey is an organic and natural source of glucose and fructose which makes it a great pre-workout snack. It provides both glucose (energy to get you started) and fructose (energy to keep you going).

Manuka Honey and Its Role in Everyday Wellness

Manuka honey is so much more than a delicious energy source. The unique beneficial nutrients present in this golden nectar support general wellness and an active lifestyle. 

Together, the nutrients (like MGO) support a healthy immune function—even after the stress of training. Its powerful prebiotics (oligosaccharides) support gut health. 

The potent antioxidant properties of Leptosperin neutralize damaging free radicals, maintaining your general health at a cellular level.

Not all honey holds this kind of potential but Manukora is passionate about providing a honey that retains all its natural attributes. 

That promise makes Manukora Manuka honey a smart choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and love the flavors of Mother Nature. 

Incorporating Manuka Honey into Pre-Workout Routines

You might be tempted to work out on an empty stomach but the right pre-workout snack can elevate your performance and help you stay alert. Here are a few ideas on how to include golden nectar into your pre-workout routine—the possibilities are endless! 

Best snacks just before you work out

You don’t want to hit the gym with a full stomach of food, but a little snack goes a long way.

  • Enjoy a teaspoon of delicious Manuka honey straight out of the jar. This is especially helpful if you’re short on time but still need a healthy snack before your workout.
  • Drizzle a teaspoon over a piece of fruit to enhance its flavor and boost your energy levels—bananas are a great option.

Best Snacks 30 - 60 minutes before you work out

If you have some time before your workout, your body will benefit from a little protein and fat—with a healthy balance of beneficial carbs.

  • Enjoy a bowl of yogurt with blueberries and Manuka honey drizzled over the top. It’s delicious and a healthy source of protein and the necessary carbs required to boost your energy.
  • Oatmeal or your favorite cereal pair well with Manuka honey and are easy to prepare.
  • The age-old favorite, toast with peanut butter, pairs perfectly with Manuka honey—simple and delicious. 
  • A fruit smoothie sweetened with Manuka honey gives you dozens of choices and is an easy way to nourish your pre-workout body.

Did you know that you can support your body with the beneficial properties found in Manuka honey at almost any meal? Find more inspiration here.

Conclusion

When you nourish your body with the best fuel, you get the best results. Manuka honey provides the perfect blend of carbohydrates to support your energy levels and elevate your workout performance. Unlike ordinary table sugar, the unique nutrients found in Manuka honey support your overall health and general well-being. 

Discover more about the nourishing benefits of Manuka honey and its role in a healthy lifestyle by exploring Manuka Tree Characteristics and the Manuka Tree itself.

At Manukora, we ensure that our Manuka Honey 20+ MGO 850 comes from bees that are minimally disturbed, adhering to our principles of The Art of Ethical Beekeeping.

Learn how to best store and preserve your honey for optimal benefits through our guides on How to Store Honey and Can You Freeze Honey, ensuring that each spoonful from our Manukora Dose Spoon is as pure and beneficial as nature intended.

Here at Manukora, we understand your body’s need for pure, organic, and high-quality Manuka honey. That’s why we harvest our honey in remote locations and disturb our honeybees as little as possible. The Art of Ethical Beekeeping is a standard we hold fast to—preserving the purest quality Manuka honey for future generations to enjoy.

If you’ve never experienced Manuka honey, be sure to incorporate the only Honey with Superpowers™ into your daily routine. Manukora’s Manuka honey will provide a boost of energy and sustain you. Its beneficial nutrients will support your immune function, digestion, and everyday wellness—keeping you active for longer. 

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