The honey's unique properties stem from its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Unlike regular honey, which relies on hydrogen peroxide for antimicrobial action, manuka honey uses a stable non-peroxide mechanism, according to registered dietitian Tina Alexander, as quoted in The Epoch Times.
Manuka honey is derived almost exclusively from the nectar of the manuka bush, which flowers for only a few weeks each year in remote parts of New Zealand, according to the report. This rarity, combined with the thixotropic properties that make it solid at room temperature and liquid when stirred, contributes to its higher cost, which can range from $20 to $200 per jar depending on purity and antibacterial activity.
The grading system for manuka honey is administered by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. Products are rated from UMF 5+ to UMF 25+, indicating the concentration of MGO and the strength of antibacterial activity. Tina Alexander told The Epoch Times that regular raw honey fights bacteria using hydrogen peroxide, which degrades quickly when exposed to heat, light, or body fluids, while manuka honey's non-peroxide antimicrobial activity remains stable under difficult conditions....<<<Read More>>>...
