Executive Summary:
- Manuka honey contains an abundance of Methylglyoxal (MGO), unlike other types of honey.
- In the production of Manuka honey, MGO—a potent antimicrobial nutrient—is derived from the Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) chemical that naturally occurs in the nectar of the Manuka tea tree.
- MGO levels range from 200 to 800+; the higher the concentration of MGO in Manuka honey, the greater the general wellness and health support.
- Manukora strives to produce high MGO Manuka honey through ethical beekeeping and honey production practices. Each jar is authentic and traceable via QR codes.
Manuka Honey MGO Levels: Understanding Their Impact
In the remote forests of New Zealand, honey bees feast on the rich and chemically complex nectar of the native Manuka Tea Tree. The result? A monofloral honey unlike any other. Authentic Manuka honey boasts an abundance of Methylglyoxal (MGO)—a powerful antimicrobial compound.
The concentration of MGO correlates with the potency of the honey and its general wellness support. So, let’s take a closer look at this nutrient, understand its chemistry, and learn about the various MGO grades—and their benefits.
What is MGO?
Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a fascinating nutrient that results from chemical reactions in the formation and storage of Manuka honey. Unlike regular honey, which contains trace amounts of MGO, Manuka honey boasts a high concentration.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is derived from sugar and is abundant in the nectar of the Manuka tea tree. The wonder lies in what happens next. As honey bees collect and process the nectar—in the presence of enzymes and other chemicals—and store it in their hives to mature, DHA is dehydrated to form MGO.
What makes MGO so special, you ask? MGO is a powerful antimicrobial nutrient—it has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that are still under investigation today. Due to its role in wellness support, Manuka honey is graded according to its MGO content—the higher the MGO, the greater the support.
Measuring MGO Levels and Their Implications
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has provided a strict definition and required testing of Manuka honey products before they can be exported. Due to the abundance of fake honey in the global market, these actions protect New Zealand’s vital Manuka honey trade—and the consumers who value authenticity and traceability.
The MGO rating is established by chemical testing in independent third-party laboratories. This is important because the MGO content can vary greatly from batch to batch. Hive placement, honey storage time, and the maturity of the hive all influence the final DHA and MGO content of Manuka honey.
The greater the MGO rating, the greater the overall beneficial nutrient content—and the better the wellness support.
Still not entirely sure what this all means? Here’s a quick guide:
- MGO 600+: A higher concentration of MGO boasts increased antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory support that support a healthy immune response.
- MGO 850+ and beyond: This Manuka honey—the best of the best—offers maximum wellness support that includes antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive health benefits.
3 Benefits of Higher MGO Levels
Manuka honey with high MGO levels, like 850+, offers intense wellness support, so let’s take a closer look. This high MGO Manuka:
1. Maintains General Wellness
A high MGO content in Manuka honey corresponds to a higher concentration of other beneficial nutrients like powerful and unique antioxidants—leptosperin and methyl syringate. These nutrients—alongside MGO—support cellular health, a healthy stress response, and general, overall wellness.
2. Supports Immunity
MGO is a powerful antimicrobial nutrient; it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In high concentrations (above 800), MGO, together with the many other phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in Manuka, support the body’s natural immune response.
3. Aids Digestive Health
Potent Manuka honey (MGO 800+) contains a significant concentration of oligosaccharides—which behave as prebiotics in the gut. MGO, combined with prebiotics, supports healthy gut bacteria and a healthy microbiome. The result? Natural digestive support which also aids a healthy immune response!
Manukora's Commitment to High MGO Levels
Here at Manukora, we understand the importance of high MGO levels in Manuka honey—that’s why we’re passionate about our ethical beekeeping practices and gentle production philosophy.
Our hives are carefully placed in the dense Manuka tea tree forests—away from other floral sources—so our bees can access an abundant supply of Manuka tea tree nectar. We avoid disturbing the hives and allow the honey to mature naturally—and the DHA to convert to MGO.
We prioritize the health of our bees by only harvesting surplus honey and disturbing them as little as possible. Organic methods—rather than harmful chemicals—ensure healthy colonies. By caring for the bees, we protect the future of the delicate ecosystem where the Manuka tea tree flourishes—and uphold the excellence of Manukora Manuka honey.
The quality of our Manuka honey is the perfect indication of the beekeeping and honey production ethics we cherish. All our products are third-party tested, and the nutrient and quality values—even the name of the beekeeper who handled your honey—are available via a QR code on each jar.
Each jar is proudly authentic, traceable, and trusted.
Practical Tips on Using Manuka Honey with High MGO
There are many ways to include Manuka honey in your lifestyle. It is a calorie-dense food, so we recommend enjoying it in moderation—as little as a teaspoon or two a day can support your health in various ways.
Manuka honey is the perfect addition to your breakfast routine as a delicious and creamy sweetener. Whether you eat it straight out of the jar, or drizzle it on toast, over cereal, or in a smoothie—you won’t be disappointed.
Other ideas include eating it plain or with fruit as a pre-workout snack. You can also add it to salad dressings, cold beverages (iced tea, anyone?), or make it a bedtime treat—before you brush your teeth!
Note: Avoid baking and cooking with Manuka on the stove top—its delicate nutrients degrade above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
Manuka Honey and MGO—Natural Wellness Support
MGO is the nutrient that sets Manuka honey apart from regular honey. This powerful compound—a result of the delicate balance of nature, chemistry, and the resilient Manuka tea tree—has powerful antimicrobial properties. MGO and the other potent antioxidants and prebiotics in Manuka honey offer various support for your overall health.
Manukora is passionate about providing the highest MGO grading of Manuka honey and protecting the bees that make it possible. The result? High-quality Manuka honey that is authentic, organic, traceable, and trusted.
There’s only one way to experience the goodness of Manuka MGO 800+ honey, and that’s to try it for yourself. It may be the smartest—and most delicious—investment you make in your wellness journey!
Sources:
The origin of methylglyoxal in New Zealand manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey - Pubmed
Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview - Pubmed
DHA and MGO: The Most Common Testing in Manuka Honey - New Zealand Beekeeper
