Honey has been used since ancient Greek and Egyptian times for its healing properties. All honey has some beneficial properties, and a great thing is that very few people are allergic to it, so most are quite fine to take.
However, there is a particular type of honey that modern science and research show contains additional natural healing and antibacterial properties. UMF® Manuka Honey from New Zealand is becoming famous for its usefulness as a natural remedy for a variety of diseases.
Most importantly, in any mention of manuka honey it is necessary to emphasize that NOT ALL manuka honey is the same, and certainly not all contain the levels of healing properties that have made it so famous. This is simply how it occurs naturally. Some of it is just the equivalent of standard honey, but with the manuka flavor (which is quite unique and tasty), and some of it only has small amounts of additional healing properties. That leaves just one serving of the manuka honey produced in New Zealand each year that actually contains the same levels of additional healing and antibacterial properties as used in research studies.
So how can you be sure which genuine manuka honey the supporting research is based on? UMF® is an internationally recognized independent quality standard, and it is the only quality standard that can be verified worldwide.
The term ‘UMF’ stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which represents the additional antibacterial properties found in some manuka honeys in addition to the hydrogen peroxide that is common to all honey. Unfortunately, the term UMF is now misused in advertising, so you have to look for it on the actual jar if you are looking for manuka honey for therapeutic use.
IIf you’re pregnant, here are 5 reasons why UMF® Manuka honey can help you:
1. Genuine UMF® honey is still only natural honey (and nothing additional has been artificially added to it). So if you can take honey, you can safely take it. No worries about possible side effects.
2. When you are suddenly pregnant (and breastfeeding afterward), you need to be very careful and cannot take many common medications for colds, flu, coughs, and other ailments. This honey is coming to rescue you.
3. Energy. When your body is working harder, the fructose in honey provides a great source of energy that is also released in a slower and more sustained manner compared to the refined sugar product (compared to chocolate, etc.).
4. Boost your immune system and fight bacterial infections. UMF® manuka honey is scientifically proven to contain unique natural antibacterial properties that work against a wider range of bacteria compared to other honeys. A good honey with UMF factor can help with stomach or peptic ulcers, bacterial infections in the digestive system, and is even quite helpful for diarrhea.
5. When and how often can you take it. You can have this honey at any time of the day, and you can have more if you want or need (within common sense, you really can’t take too much, but you don’t have to waste it either, and keep that in mind. It still contains natural sugars).
UMF® Manuka Honey brings you the best of nature and science. It is a natural product that has had and ongoing scientific research has been done.
Important note: Honey, i.e. any / all honey, should not be given to babies under two years of age. This is simply because their digestive systems are still developing and are not necessarily capable of processing honey yet. Actually, there is some debate as to whether you should have a minimum of a year or two before honey is administered, so we’ve been cautious and said two here. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.