Manuka honey has the potential to ease conditions such as acne and arthritis, according to consumer information writers in Germany.
Patrick Hauser and Alina Wagner from the Münchner Merkur newspaper say that the product from New Zealand and Australia could help against acne and foot fungus but also arthritis and arthrosis by being applied to the skin.
Manuka honey, which is usually significantly more expensive than other kinds of honey, has been hyped for some years due to several studies confirming its beneficial effects.
Prof Stefanie Joos from the University Clinic Tübingen told the Münchner Merkur: “Certain elements of the honey seem to be capable of killing bacteria, fungal enzymes and viruses.”
The newspaper, which reports that eating manuka honey may also help to prevent tooth decay, warns: “Due to its high sugar level of more than 80 per cent, you should consume honey moderately.”
Three teaspoons have been named as the recommended daily dose of the product which has, as any pure honey, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Due to the great demand, the short blooming period of the tree of the same name and the great distance when it comes to exports, manuka honey is one of the most pricey items on the shelves of drugstores and supermarkets.
Manuka honey has gained increasing attention due to an ingredient called methylglyoxal (MGO).
Experts from the Cleveland Clinic explained: “MGO is created in manuka honey thanks to the conversion of another compound known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA).”
The experts from the institution in the US State of Ohio added: “A high concentration of DHA is found in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MGO, the stronger the antibacterial effects of manuka honey.”
The Münchner Merkur journalists advise anyone interested in purchasing manuka honey to watch out for the MGO level of the different products on offer as well as for the ‘Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association’ seal of approval.
They said: “Many products on sale in Europe are being falsely labelled as manuka honey. The MGO level of manuka honey should be at least 100. MGO rates of 400 and more guarantee outstanding quality.”
