When researchers analysed six types of honey, they found that manuka contained the highest levels of antioxidant activity. ‘Manuka’s antibacterial potency comes from the fact it has a higher total number of phenolic compounds, which have an ability to scavenge superoxide free radicals,’ Wakeman says. 4. Assists with wound healing It’s important to note that the MGO content of Manuka honey changes over time. The MGO concentration initially increases rapidly during the first couple of years after harvest due to the chemical conversion of DHA to MGO. However, as the DHA supply gets used up, the rate of conversion declines. In fact, in honey nearing the end of a five-year shelf life, the MGO concentration begins to drop due to insufficient DHA availability. The manuka tree has been known for centuries to have special properties and has long been used in traditional medicine, so perhaps it is no surprise that the honey that is produced from the nectar of the tree should equally have unusual properties. Finally, if you’re looking for the ultimate punch against bacteria and other pathogens, we suggest MGO 829+. This honey has superior levels of both antibacterial activity and medicinal properties. MGO 850+, MGO 900+, and MGO 950+ are among the most common grades in this range. MGO, Antibacterial Properties, and the Growing Concern of Antibiotic Resistance

MGO concentrations in Manuka honey can range quite widely, from as low as 80 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to exceeding 1800mg/kg. To put that into perspective, Manuka honey generally contains nearly 100 times more MGO than conventional types of honey. The reason why Manuka honey is unique is because the bush contains strong antibacterial compounds found mostly in Leptospermum plants 1. Components of Manuka Honey The MGO rating system was pioneered by Manuka Health after the company discovered it was one of the key naturally occurring compounds that make manuka honey special. One study showed that both Manuka and clover honey, were able to treat the virus that causes shingles 13. For more information on that study, you can read my article on how to treat shingles with Manuka and clover honey. This was discovered by Manuka Health and a research team in Germany to be the special compound that needs to present for a honey to be classed as genuine manuka honey.The number on the front of the pot represents the mg per kg of MGO (Methylglyoxal) and the related strength of Antimicrobial Activity, which is known to kill certain types of bacteria. The greater the number, the stronger the Antimicrobial Activity. It is clear that Manuka honey has many health benefits when it comes to treating conditions that are caused by inflammation and bacterial infections. Manuka Honey – Precautions

Another lab study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology found that manuka honey increased amounts of certain Lactobacillus probiotics – the ‘good’ bacteria that boost your gut health – and decreased the prevalence of ‘bad’ bacteria like E. coli. Again, high quality human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn. 9. Boosts athletic performance One of the causes of stomach ulcers is a certain type of bacteria known as H. Pylori. These bacteria are also responsible for other types of gastric problems. Research has shown that Manuka honey contains compounds which are effective against H. Pylori 8 . You can find more treatments for H.Pylori in my article on how to treat H. Pylori naturally. 6. Gastric Problems Quality assurance is paramount when it comes to Manuka honey — an aspect that can’t solely rely on MGO measurement. Unfortunately, MGO can be produced industrially and added to honey. This practice gives birth to ‘fake’ Manuka honey, which can be misleading for consumers. Therefore, measuring only MGO doesn’t guarantee the authenticity and quality of Manuka honey. MGO Concentration Over Time and Storage Conditions The MRSA bug highlights one problem facing the medical community; bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics. Professor Cooper from the University of Wales carried out research on how Manuka honey interacts with bacteria. She found that Manuka honey can actually help antibiotics be more effective and even reverse antibiotic resistence 5. 3. Manuka honey for strep throat MGO in Mānuka honey is naturally made in the hive from DHA which is present in the nectar of the Manuka Bush. Within the hive DHA undergoes the Maillard reaction to naturally form MGO.It is the Methylglyoxal (MG) compound that sets Manuka honey apart from other types of honey. Other types of honey do contain some MG but in much lower quantities. The hydrogen peroxide in honey is not very stable and easily breaks down when exposed to light and heat. MG, on the other hand, is much more stable and doesn’t lose its antibacterial properties. Manuka honey has long been used as a treatment and protective barrier for burns, sores, and other wounds, thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Topical application has been shown to enhance the regeneration of tissue, reduce healing time, and even decrease pain in multiple studies. ‘Manuka honey has the ability to stimulate macrophages which are needed for reducing microbial infections and helping in tissue healing,’ says Wakeman. It may even help reverse resistance to antibiotics in bacteria such as MRSA, the Society for General Microbiology found. 5. Promotes oral health On the subject of plastic, we as a business we have considered switching to glass for our Manuka Honey for some years.