It’s not just a candy; a natural powerhouse with praises for its healing properties and unique flavor. Be it sore throat, immunity enhancer, or skin treatment, the benefits of manuka honey are plenty. But with the different brands riding the market tide, how do you know which manuka honey is the best for you? When you are looking for the best, it means you have arrived at the right place.
In this article, we present to you what you need to know about the best manuka honey in Australia, including the science behind it and a well-rounded ranking of manuka honey brands to help you make an informed decision.
What Makes Manuka Honey Special?
There is something about manuka honey that distinguishes it among the other honeys; more specifically, it has a molecular composition that includes methylglyoxal (MGO), which qualifies manuka honey for its medicinal properties. Regular honey can boast the same beneficial enzymes and antioxidants, only to lessen the odds; manuka honey is simply that much stronger with MGO, giving it an incredible advancement in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory areas. It also holds other compounds important in health such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Leptosperin.
The best manuka honey is collected from the food of the Leptospermum scoparium plant, native shrub of New Zealand and some parts of Australia. With the nectar of this plant, the bees produce honey with super-strength antibacterial and healing potency, which makes it a choice of everyone for its happiness and therapeutic plus sweet taste.
Reasons Why People Prefer Manuka Honey
Manuka honey has gained a lot of popularity in the last decade, due to the following health benefits it claims:
- Antibacterial properties: Manuka honey has an exceptional efficacy in killing bacteria that cause infections and wounds.
- Digestive health: It supports gut health by enhancing the growth of good bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Skin benefits: Is a biological anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. For this reason, it is widely used in healing and preventing acne by skin care products.
- Immune support: With routine intake, one is likely to augment their levels of immunity thereby making it an excellent intake during periods when cold and flu are rampant.
- All these are extra features to the good taste and rich flavor of manuka honey and make it a more prized thing around the world.
How to Select the Best Quality Manuka Honey
Here is a guide for what to keep in mind when selecting the best manuka honey:
MGO and UMF Ratings
The potency of manuka honey is determined by the amount of MGO, or methylglyoxal, present in the honey. The greater the MGO, the stronger the antibacterial activity and health benefits. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is another rating system, which guarantees and certifies the manuka honey. It also ensures that the honey has the right balance of MGO, DHA, and leptosperin present in it. The MGO rating should be around an MGO of 100+ for general health, whereas for specific medical applications, one may use much higher MGO ratings.
Source and Origin
Manuka honey can come from different regions, with the best quality often found in remote, untouched environments. When choosing the best manuka honey australia, look for honey harvested from manuka bushes in Australia or New Zealand, where the nectar is of the highest quality. You should also check for transparency regarding the sourcing of the honey to ensure it is sustainably harvested.
Top Manuka Honey Brands in Australia: A Comprehensive Brand Ranking
With so many manuka honey brands available in Australia, it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs. Here is our manuka honey brand ranking, featuring some of the top contenders known for their quality, authenticity, and high standards.
1. Comvita
Comvita is one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the manuka honey market. Known for its high-quality, UMF-certified honey, Comvita is often considered one of the best manuka honey brands globally. The company offers a wide range of MGO and UMF ratings to cater to different health needs, and its honey is sourced from remote regions in New Zealand and Australia.
2. Manuka Health
Another heavyweight in the manuka honey world, Manuka Health offers UMF-certified products that are widely regarded for their purity and potency. The brand sources its honey from New Zealand’s pristine landscapes, ensuring that every jar is rich in the beneficial compounds that make manuka honey so special. Manuka Health is especially well-known for its clinical-grade manuka honey, used for both therapeutic and everyday consumption.
3. MediHoney
MediHoney is a medical-grade manuka honey brand that specializes in honey products for wound care, skin conditions, and general health. Their honey is carefully sourced from remote Australian regions, ensuring the highest levels of purity. MediHoney is often recommended by healthcare professionals for its reliable antibacterial properties and its use in treating burns and other skin ailments.
4. The True Honey Co.
For those who prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing, The True Honey Co. is a standout. This Australian brand produces some of the finest manuka honey available, harvested from wild manuka bushes in remote areas of the country. With an emphasis on small-batch production and transparency, The True Honey Co. offers pure, raw honey that has been tested for its MGO and UMF content.
5. Kiva
Kiva is an emerging manuka honey brand that has gained attention for its high-quality products at competitive prices. Their honey is UMF-certified, and they offer a variety of MGO levels to suit different preferences. Kiva’s honey is sourced from New Zealand’s untouched wilderness, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking authentic, potent manuka honey.
How to Enjoy the Best Manuka Honey
Now that you’ve found the best manuka honey for your needs, it’s time to enjoy its benefits. Here are some simple ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- As a sweetener: Use manuka honey to sweeten your tea, smoothies, or desserts.
- On toast: Spread it on toast for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
- In skincare: Apply manuka honey directly to your skin for its healing and moisturizing effects.
- For immunity: Take a spoonful of manuka honey daily to boost your immune system and combat cold symptoms.
Conclusion:
The plethora of options available in the market for various brands of Manuka honey can be overwhelming. However, if you look for authentic brands that offer honey with a high MGO or UMF rating, check for purity, and ensure its origin is pristine, you can sure pick one top-quality product that fits your needs: whether as a natural sweetener or, for therapeutic use, some of the best Manuka honey brands from Australia give you the best nature has to offer. So, the next time you wish to reap the benefits of Manuka honey, just grab any one of these top brands and say hello to all the goodness this wonderful superfood has to offer.