Executive Summary:
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Manuka honey is rich in methylglyoxal (MGO) and Leptosperin, which support sustained energy levels and aid in maintaining physical performance.
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There are many benefits of Manuka honey for sports performance, including supporting recovery and maintaining energy levels.
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Manuka honey can be incorporated in various ways into your sports nutrition, contributing to sustained energy and performance.
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 contains nutrients that support energy levels, making it a valuable natural addition for active lifestyles. 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?
Natural Energy Support from Manuka Honey
Manuka honey contains a natural mix of sugars including a higher amount of fructose compared to most commercial honey. Fructose has a lower glycemic index, which means it releases energy more gradually. This makes it a great option when you need sustained energy, whether you're doing a quick training session or going the distance.
It also contains oligosaccharides, natural carbohydrates that are digested more slowly than simple sugars. These can help support your energy levels throughout your workout or activity.
But it’s not just about the sugars. Manuka honey is also rich in unique antioxidants, which support healthy cell function. These nutrients help your body work efficiently, including the cells responsible for producing energy. When your body efficiently produces and uses energy, it supports sustained performance and helps you feel more balanced during exercise.
If you’re looking for something simple, natural, and tasty to add to your routine, a spoonful of Manuka honey could be just the thing.
Benefits of Manuka Honey for Exercise and Sports
Wondering how Manuka honey fits into your fitness routine? Let’s look at how its nutrients can support your body before and after a workout.
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 that help support a balanced inflammatory response, which contributes to natural recovery.
Manuka honey’s high methylglyoxal (MGO) content further helps regulate the levels of inflammatory cytokines, which are chemical messengers in your body that plays a role in supporting the body’s normal inflammatory response, which can be helpful after strenuous activity.
Recovery starts from within. Manuka honey contains antioxidants that help your body maintain balance after intense activity.
Maintains Good Gut Health
A healthy gut plays an important role in supporting energy, mood, and overall well-being. In fact, recent research into the gut-brain axis shows that the gut is responsible for much more than we thought. Inevitably, poor gut health can significantly impact performance.
Manuka honey offers prebiotics nutrients that help nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These friendly microbes help maintain a balanced microbiome, which plays a big role in supporting everything from digestion to sustained energy.
A healthy gut supports more than just digestion—it plays a key role in energy, mood, and performance too.
Easy Ways to Add Manuka Honey to Your Sports Routine
Looking for simple ways to enjoy Manuka honey around your workouts? You’ve got options.
Manukora’s convenient stick packs make it easy to enjoy honey before, during, or after a workout no mess, no prep. They’re great when you need a quick and natural energy source on the go.
If you prefer pairing honey with food, here are a few easy snack ideas:
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Apple or banana slices drizzled with Manuka honey
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Whole-grain toast with peanut butter and honey
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A handful of nuts with a touch of honey
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A piece of cheese with a light honey drizzle
Want to stay refreshed and support recovery? Try stirring Manuka honey into a homemade drink:
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Honey lemon water with a pinch of salt
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Fruit-infused water with a hint of honey
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Iced herbal tea with honey
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Smoothies blended with your favorite fruits and a spoonful of honey
Whether it’s straight from the stick pack or added to your favorite pre- or post-workout snack, Manuka honey is an easy and tasty addition to your active lifestyle.
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.
When you choose Manukora, you're not just getting honey—you’re getting transparency, purity, and traceability from hive to jar.
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 contains nutrients that support energy and recovery as part of an active lifestyle. Overall, Manuka honey is a natural 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.
FAQs
Is Manuka honey good before a workout?
Yes, Manuka honey is a great pre-workout option. It contains natural sugars like fructose and glucose, which provide a steady energy release—helping support endurance, focus, and performance during physical activity.
Can I use Manuka honey after a workout?
Manuka honey can be a smart post-workout addition. Its antioxidants and nutrients help support your body’s natural recovery process and may support energy replenishment as part of your post-exercise routine.
Does Manuka honey help with muscle recovery?
Manuka honey contains antioxidants and MGO, which help maintain healthy inflammation levels. Supporting a balanced oxidative state may assist your body’s natural repair process after exercise or muscle strain.
How can I use Manuka honey in my sports routine?
You can enjoy Manuka honey straight from the spoon or add it to toast, smoothies, or tea. Manukora’s stick packs make it easy to use before or after workouts.
Is Manuka honey safe to take daily?
Yes, taking 1–3 teaspoons of Manuka honey daily is recommended. It’s a simple way to support your energy, digestive health, and overall wellness with a naturally delicious product.
Sources
Original article The glycaemic index of Manuka honey
The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems
