Executive Summary:
- Manuka honey is rich in methylglyoxal (MGO) and Leptosperin, which can help support energy levels and physical performance.
- There are many benefits of Manuka honey for sports performance, including supporting recovery and maintaining energy levels.
- Manuka honey can be incorporated in various ways into your sports nutrition, contributing to sustained energy and performance.
Boost Your Workout: Manuka Honey for Energy & Performance
Manuka honey surpasses other honey varieties due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) and Leptosperin, an antioxidant unique to Manuka honey. These natural compounds are the reason this honey has gained popularity worldwide—and continues to be ever-popular.
Yet, for athletes or sports players, Manuka honey also has tons to offer. Manuka honey’s unique composition supports energy levels, making it an excellent natural supplement for athletes. For example, its carbohydrates provide a sustained energy release, crucial for endurance during exercise. But its goodness doesn’t stop there.
In this article, we take a closer look at how Manuka honey can support a healthy and active lifestyle. Should you add this unique and yummy honey to your pre or post-exercise meals or snacks?
Manuka Honey as a Natural Energy Booster
Commercial honey is typically composed of a combination of fructose (fruit sugar) and glucose (regular sugar). Yet, Manuka honey has more fructose. Fructose has a lower glycemic index, meaning it can provide energy over a longer period than regular honey. It also contains additional oligosaccharides, which are digested slower than simple sugars.
The variety of sugar types present in Manuka honey means that it may support immediate and longer-term energy levels—making it useful for both short and endurance workouts.
In addition to the variety of sugars, Manuka honey’s high concentration of antioxidants also supports mitochondrial function. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells in our bodies, responsible for making energy. Healthy mitochondrial function means that muscles can produce energy more efficiently, which may contribute to reduced muscle fatigue and even better performance!
Benefits of Manuka Honey for Exercise and Sports
Manuka honey’s nutrients benefit exercise and sports performance in many different ways, including supporting muscle function and recovery and even maintaining good gut health.
Supports Muscle Function and Recovery
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This can lead to increased inflammation, making it tough to recover after an intense workout. Luckily, Manuka honey is packed with plenty of antioxidants to help maintain healthy inflammation levels and potentially support recovery.
Manuka honey’s high methylglyoxal (MGO) content further helps regulate the levels of inflammatory cytokines, which are chemical messengers in your body that incite or increase inflammation. In turn, this may help support muscle recovery.
Maintains Good Gut Health
Good gut health is crucial for overall good health and performance. In fact, recent research into the gut-brain axis shows that the gut is responsible for much more than we previously thought. Inevitably, poor gut health can significantly impact performance.
However, MGO in Manuka honey is known for its antimicrobial effects, which can support good gut health. Additionally, Manuka honey contains prebiotics, which also contribute to a healthy microbiome.
Incorporating Manuka Honey into Sports Nutrition
Adding Manuka honey to your sports nutrition regime can be lots of fun. There are so many ways to enjoy this sweet treat. Manukora even has convenient stick-packs that can be easily used before, during, or after a workout for a quick energy boost.
However, if you prefer to consume honey as part of a pre-workout snack, some great options include:
- Fruits like apples, strawberries, or blueberries with honey
- Toast with peanut butter and honey
- Honey and nuts
- Honey and cheese
Honey can further support proper hydration during or after your workout; try making a honey-enhanced beverage like these to support your recovery:
- Honey lemon sports drink (honey, lemon, water, and salt)
- Fruit-infused water with honey (great fruits for this include citrus fruits, berries, and tropical fruits)
- Iced tea with honey
- Fruit smoothie with honey
Manukora’s Commitment to Quality
At Manukora, we’re committed to providing authentic and yummy Manuka honey to health-conscious individuals across the globe. As such, we work hard to ensure each and every batch is free of chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs.
In fact, every jar of Manukora Manuka honey has a QR code that will tell you where in New Zealand your honey is from, who your beekeeper is, and test results that reflect its potency and purity. We believe in transparency every step of the way!
Use Manuka Honey To Support Your Athletic Performance
Incorporating Manuka honey into your sports and exercise routine offers numerous benefits that support your athletic endeavors. Overall, Manuka honey is a natural and effective addition to any fitness regimen. Consumed before, during, or after workouts, it can support energy levels and performance in more ways than one.
Curious about trying Manuka honey? Well, we’re not surprised; it’s a creamy, delicious indulgence unlike any other. Try Manukora’s MGO 850+ or browse our other products. If you’re not sure which honey is right for you, take our MGO quiz to get started.
Sources
Original article The glycaemic index of Manuka honey
The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems
