Holistic healing

Discover the health benefits of Manuka honey

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From easing inflammation to aiding digestion, discover the health benefits of Manuka honey, and why we need to protect the bees that produce it

The health benefits of Manuka honey are widely known. Produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, this rich honey is regarded as one of the most beneficial forms of honey, with benefits ranging from soothing sore throats to easing inflammation.

Helping to spread a message about the health benefits of Manuka honey as well as the importance of protecting the bees that produce it, Egmont Honey, who produce authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand, has announced a new partnership in the UK with The British Bee Charity, supporting the charity’s ‘BeeBombs For Schools’ initiative.

The British Bee Charity will be sending out educational packs to junior schools in the UK, together with BeeBombs; native, wildflower seedballs. The education pack will include a presentation that explains to pupils about the plight of bees and how we can each do our bit to help them.

Why do we need to protect bees?

Bees are crucial for the pollination of plants. In fact, according to the Woodland Trust, bees pollinate one-third of the food we eat and 80 percent of flowering plants.

Many of the world’s food crops depend on insect and animal pollination to some degree – there are around 70 crops in the UK that depend on or benefit from the bee population.

Bees produce honey! Research shows that honey can be more effective at relieving the symptoms of coughs than other treatments, including antibiotics. The golden liquid is a valuable product not only due to its sweet taste, but its medicinal properties too.

What is Manuka honey?

We know that it’s touted as a healthy ingredient, but why is Manuka honey good for you?

Made in New Zealand, Manuka honey is harvested by bees from the nectar of the indigenous Manuka shrub (Leptospermum scoparium). It contains methylglyoxal (MGO), which is a key compound that sets Manuka honey apart from other varieties from honey.

Today, Manuka honey is appreciated all over the world and used as a way of supporting daily routines – from eating it straight from a spoon, to mixing it into a warming drink when you’re feeling under the weather.

What are the health benefits of Manuka honey?

These are just some of the main benefits of Manuka honey and how incorporating it into your daily routine could benefit your wellness routines…

Soothing aching and sore throats

If you are suffering from a sore throat, Manuka honey may provide some relief. Many people find that it has a soothing effect on the lining of the throat.

Supporting digestive health

The gut is one of the most important organs in our body and keeping it healthy is essential for our overall wellbeing. Manuka honey can help relieve a range of common digestive symptoms and support overall digestive health.

Easing inflammation

Excessive or prolonged inflammation can affect our overall health and prevent healing by damaging tissue in the body. Manuka honey contains a range of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which play a key role in our health, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why Egmont Honey?

Now run by father and son duo Toby and James in South Taranaki, New Zealand, Egmont Honey was founded by the Annabell family in 2008. Egmont Honey is committed to creating authentic Manuka honey of the best taste, all while protecting and enhancing the bee population.

As well as looking after its people, James and Toby are also committed to looking after the bees. Egmont’s bees are left in remote rainforests all year round, meaning its Manuka honey is some of the purest in the world. What’s more, a share of Egmont Honey’s proceeds go back into helping increase bee populations.

The team is also dedicated to growing hive numbers, and do this by splitting hives and introducing new Queens during the spring, before the Manuka flowering season commences in summer.

From hive to home, Egmont is able to pin every jar back to its original source, plus all of its honey is independently tested and certified for its levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other unique properties – ensuring purity and quality with every jar.

How to use Egmont Manuka honey

There are many ways to use Manuka honey, including eating it straight from the jar, stirring it into smoothies and using it in raw desserts and treats.

One of our favourite ways to enjoy Egmont Honey is in this Chickpea & Falafel Salad recipe – it’s low in saturated fat, a source of fibre, vegetarian and ideal for enjoying alfresco in the sun!

For further recipe inspiration and information, visit egmonthoney.co.uk or follow @emont_honey on Instagram and @egmonthoney on Facebook.