Manuka Honey MGOs: What to Look for When Buying and Using

Manuka Honey MGOs: What to Look for When Buying and Using

Manuka honey is a type of honey produced by bees that pollinate the manuka bush, which is native to New Zealand and Australia. It is known for its unique antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been attributed to a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO).

MGO is a naturally occurring compound that is found in a variety of foods, including honey. However, the MGO content of manuka honey is significantly higher than that of other types of honey.

Manuka honey is available in a variety of MGO strengths, ranging from 250 to 1000. The higher the MGO content, the stronger the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the honey.

Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

• Improved wound healing: Manuka honey can help to promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and fighting infection. It has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of wounds, including burns, cuts, and ulcers.
• Reduced risk of infection: Manuka honey can help to reduce the risk of infection by fighting bacteria and fungi. It has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of infections, including sore throats, sinus infections, and skin infections.

• Improved oral health: Manuka honey can help to improve oral health by fighting plaque and bacteria. It has been shown to be effective in treating gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
• Improved digestive health: Manuka honey can help to improve digestive health by fighting bacteria and parasites. It has been shown to be effective in treating diarrhea, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Boosted immunity: Manuka honey can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. It has been shown to be effective in fighting off colds and flu.

Concentration of Manuka Honey MGOs

The concentration of MGO in manuka honey is important because it determines the strength of the honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The higher the MGO concentration, the more effective the honey will be at treating various conditions.

MGO concentrations of 250-500 are considered to be low-grade honey. It is still effective for wound healing and other general health benefits, but it may not be as effective for treating more serious conditions.

MGO concentrations of 750-850 are considered to be medium-grade honey. It is effective for treating a variety of conditions, including wounds, infections, and digestive problems.

MGO concentrations of 1000 or higher are considered to be high-grade honey. It is the most effective type of manuka honey for treating serious conditions, such as antibiotic-resistant infections and chronic wounds.

Choosing the Right Manuka Honey

When choosing manuka honey, it is important to consider the following factors:

• MGO concentration: The higher the MGO concentration, the more effective the honey will be at treating various conditions.
• Brand: It is important to choose a brand of manuka honey that is reputable and that tests its honey for MGO concentration.
• Price: Manuka honey can be expensive, but it is important to invest in a high-quality honey with a high MGO concentration.

Using Manuka Honey

Manuka honey can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Topical application: Manuka honey can be applied directly to wounds, skin infections, and oral health conditions.

• Oral ingestion: Manuka honey can be taken orally to treat digestive problems, boost the immune system, and fight off infection.
• Food additive: Manuka honey can be added to food and drinks to improve their flavor and nutritional value.

Pharmacist's Perspective

As a pharmacist, I believe that manuka honey can be a beneficial supplement for some people. It is a natural and effective way to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, infections, digestive problems, and oral health problems.

However, it is important to choose manuka honey with a high MGO content for maximum benefits. I recommend choosing manuka honey with an MGO content of at least 750.

It is also important to note that manuka honey is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are experiencing any serious health problems, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.

The concentration of MGO in manuka honey can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• The type of manuka bush: There are over 100 different types of manuka bushes, and the MGO content of the honey can vary depending on 
• the type of bush. Some types of manuka bushes produce more MGO than others.
• The climate: The MGO content of manuka honey can vary depending on the climate in which the manuka bushes grow. Manuka bushes that grow in warmer climates tend to produce honey with a higher MGO content.

• The soil: The MGO content of manuka honey can also be affected by the type of soil in which the manuka bushes grow. Manuka bushes that grow in nutrient-rich soil tend to produce honey with a higher MGO content.
• The beekeeping practices: The beekeeping practices used to harvest the manuka honey can also affect the MGO content. For example, if the honey is heated to a high temperature during processing, this can reduce the MGO content.

It is important to note that the MGO content of manuka honey is not always listed on the label. If you are looking for manuka honey with a high MGO content, you should choose a brand that tests its honey for MGO concentration.

Additional tips for choosing manuka honey:

• Look for manuka honey that is certified by a trusted organization, such as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Honey Association or the New Zealand Manuka Honey Association.
• Avoid manuka honey that is mixed with other types of honey or that is sold at a very low price.
• Store manuka honey in a cool, dark place.

I hope this information is helpful.