Executive Summary:
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The nutrients in Manuka honey support immunity in multiple ways.
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These nutrients give way to general wellness support, digestive support, and antibacterial properties.
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Incorporating Manuka honey into your daily life is ultra-simple. Eat it directly from the spoon or drizzle a bit over top of your next meal or snack.
Can Manuka Honey Support Immunity?
We all want to keep our immune systems strong, especially when cold season rolls around or when we just want to feel our best every day. No one likes dealing with a scratchy throat or feeling under the weather.
Many people turn to natural foods and supplements to support their immunity. One of those is Manuka honey, a unique and powerful honey sourced from the remote landscapes of New Zealand.
But what makes Manuka honey special, and how does it help support immunity? Let’s take a closer look.
What Makes Manuka Honey Unique?
Manuka honey is harvested from the Manuka tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium), found exclusively in New Zealand. While all honey contains natural enzymes and beneficial compounds, Manuka honey has a distinct composition that makes it stand apart.
1. Methylglyoxal (MGO) – A Key Bioactive Compound
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MGO is the compound that gives Manuka honey its unique bioactive properties.
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The higher the MGO rating, the greater the concentration of bioactives in the honey.
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This makes Manuka honey more than just a sweetener—it’s a honey with distinct functional properties.
2. Antioxidants – Supporting Wellness at a Cellular Level
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Manuka honey is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body.
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70% of these antioxidants come from Leptosperin, a compound found only in Manuka nectar.
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Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune response and overall well-being.
3. Prebiotics – Supporting a Balanced Gut Microbiome
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Prebiotics are nutrients that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting better digestion and immune health.
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Manuka honey contains oligosaccharides like panose, which help feed and support good bacteria in the gut.
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A balanced gut microbiome plays an important role in maintaining immune function.
Because of this powerful combination, Manuka honey stands out as more than just a natural sweetener. It may help support your immune system, contribute to gut health, and even act as a natural source of clean energy.
"Manuka honey’s unique MGO content sets it apart from other types of honey, making it a valuable addition to a wellness routine."
How Manuka Honey Supports the Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense. While there are many ways to support it—like eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep—certain natural foods may help as well. Manuka honey has been researched for its potential to support the immune system in three key ways..
Provides General Wellness Support
A well-supported immune system starts with overall good health. Manuka honey is packed with antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and support the body's natural defense mechanisms. Oxidative stress can weaken the immune system over time, making it harder for the body to fight off external threats. By consuming antioxidant-rich foods like Manuka honey, you help your body stay resilient.
Manuka honey is also a natural source of clean energy. Unlike processed sugars, which cause energy crashes, Manuka honey provides a steady source of fuel without spiking blood sugar levels. When your body has enough energy, it functions optimally—including your immune system.
"Manuka honey’s unique MGO content sets it apart from other types of honey, making it a valuable addition to a wellness routine."
May Aid in Protecting Against Harmful Bacteria
The antibacterial properties of Manuka honey are one of its most well-researched benefits. Studies have shown that MGO can help decrease the presence of harmful bacteria, including streptococcus mutans, which is associated with throat discomfort.
A strong immune system needs support in keeping harmful bacteria in check. While Manuka honey is not a cure, research suggests that it may help create an unfavorable environment for certain bacteria, supporting your body’s natural immune defenses..
Supports Digestion and Gut Health
Did you know that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut? A healthy digestive system plays a major role in immune function, and maintaining good gut bacteria is essential for keeping immunity strong. Manuka honey contains prebiotics, which encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria while discouraging harmful ones.
Several studies have examined honey’s potential as a prebiotic food. Researchers have found that consuming Manuka honey may support higher populations of beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn enhances immune function. By including Manuka honey in your daily routine, you’re not just enjoying a delicious treat—you’re also taking a proactive step toward gut and immune health.
"A healthy gut is the foundation of a strong immune system. With its prebiotic properties, Manuka honey may help nurture beneficial gut bacteria."
Best Ways to Consume Manuka Honey for Immunity
Manuka honey is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. To get the most out of its immune-supporting properties, here are some easy ways to include it in your routine.
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It is recommended to take one to three heaped teaspoons daily straight from the spoon.
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Stir into warm water or tea (avoid boiling temperatures to preserve bioactive compounds).
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Drizzle over yogurt, oatmeal, or fruit.
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Use as a natural sweetener in smoothies.
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Add to salad dressings for a flavorful health.
Proper storage is essential to maintaining Manuka honey’s potency. Keep it in a cool, dry place between 64°F and 75°F and ensure the jar is tightly sealed to prevent contamination.
FAQs
How does Manuka honey compare to other immune-supporting supplements?
Manuka honey is a natural alternative to synthetic supplements, offering a unique combination of MGO, antioxidants, and prebiotics. Unlike supplements, it also serves as a natural energy revitalizer.
How much Manuka honey should I take for immunity support?
It’s recommended to consume 1-3 heaped teaspoons daily to enjoy its natural immune-supporting properties.
Can Manuka honey help with sore throats?
Studies suggest that the antibacterial properties of MGO in Manuka honey may help maintain throat health, though it should not replace medical treatments.
Why is MGO important in Manuka honey?
MGO (Methylglyoxal) is the key compound that gives Manuka honey its antibacterial and bioactive properties, making it more potent than regular honey.
Is there a specific Manuka honey grade best for immunity?
MGO 600+ and MGO 850+ are recommended for wellness and immune support.
Support Your Health with Manuka Honey
The unique nutrients in Manuka honey, including MGO, antioxidants, and prebiotics, may support a healthy immune response by promoting gut health, providing natural energy, and helping the immune system maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria. Not only does Manuka honey offer potential wellness benefits, but it also delivers a rich, creamy taste, making it an enjoyable part of your daily routine.
Choosing Manuka honey with MGO 850+, such as the MGO 850 10-Pack Stick Packets, means incorporating a natural wellness ally into your lifestyle.
At Manukora, we are committed to producing high-quality, traceable Manuka honey. Our MGO 1000+ and MGO 850+ varieties are carefully sourced from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand and created with ethical beekeeping practices. This ensures that our honey is pure, sustainably harvested, and meets the highest standards of quality.
Manuka honey may support throat comfort, as mentioned in our Honey Guide, and contribute to digestive health, as explored in our Digestive Support Collection.
Explore our full range of Manuka honey and discover how it fits into your wellness journey. If you’re curious about different ways to enjoy Manuka honey, take a look at our blog, where we cover the benefits of honeycomb and other insights into Manuka honey consumption.
At Manukora, we believe in sustainability, purity, and traceability, ensuring that every jar of our raw Manuka honey is crafted with care—for both you and the environment.
Explore our full collection of Manuka honey products and see the potential benefits of this super honey for yourself.
Sources:
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Adams, C. J., Boult, C. H., Deadman, B. J., Farr, J. M., Grainger, M. N. C., Manley-Harris, M., & Snow, M. J. (2008). Identification and quantification of methylglyoxal as the dominant antibacterial constituent of Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honeys from New Zealand. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(5), 1853–1860. Retrieved from PubMed Central
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UCLA Health. (n.d.). If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut. Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org
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The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State. (n.d.). Retrieved from PubMed Central
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Health Benefits of Manuka Honey as an Essential Constituent for Tissue Regeneration. (n.d.). Retrieved from PubMed Central
- Al-Waili, N. S. (2004). Streptococcus mutans in saliva of normal subjects and neck and head irradiated cancer subjects after consumption of honey. Journal of Medicinal Food, 7(1), 90–93. Retrieved from PubMed Central
