Honey has been known for its medicinal properties since antiquity. In fact, experts discovered medicinal reports of honey's healing effects in Chinese manuscripts dating to 2000 B.C., according to the "Journal of ApiProduct and ApiMedical Science." Roman pharmacopoeia describe honey as useful for pneumonia, stomachaches and afflictions of the mouth and throat.
Recent research conducted by the University of Waikato indicates that manuka honey is superior even to regular raw honey in antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Please consult your health-care provider before taking any supplement.
Prevents Liver Damage
According to an article in "World Journal of Gastroenterology," regular honey is rich in flavonoids, or plant-based antioxidants. Yet, research conducted at the University of Waikato demonstrates that manuka honey has more antioxidants than regular honey. Antioxidants slow oxidative damage in our bodies. For example, obstructive jaundice from a blocked common bile duct results in severe oxidative damage and inflammation of liver tissue. Manuka honey protects the liver against damage caused by oxidation and inflammation.
Treatment of Intestinal Issues
Research conducted by the University of Waikato indicates that manuka honey has strong antibacterial effects on Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. Bacteria that cause gastroenteritis are also inhibited by manuka honey, thus reducing the course of bacterial diarrhea. Microbial species that are sensitive to manuka honey's effects include Escherichia coli---more commonly known as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, vibrio and Yersinia enterocolitica.
Other Benefits
Manuka honey's other beneficial effects include wound healing, blood vessel protection, treatment of upper respiratory infections, heart healing, antifungal properties and weight management. For instance, according to a study published in the "Journal of Food Science," honey-fed rats gain less weight than rats fed sucrose and other mixed sugars. Manuka honey's healing and weight-loss properties are reported to be stronger than regular honey, according to the University of Waikato.
References
- "The Science Advisory Board"; Honey: An Anti-Aging Remedy to Keep You Healthy in a Natural Way; Tahira Farooqui, Ph.D.;
- "World Journal of Gastroenterology"; Honey Prevents Hepatic Damage Induced by Obstruction of the Common Bile Duct; Imge Erguder, Ph.D., et al,; June 21, 2008
- "Journal of ApiProduct and ApiMedical Science"; Honey and Healing Through the Ages; Richard Jones, Ph.D.; 2009
- "Waikato Honey Research Unit"; Manuka Honey as a Medicine; Peter Molan, Ph.D.; July 2001
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacologyl"; Therapeutic Uses of Honey and Honeybee Larvae in Central Burkina Faso; Ethnopharmacological Communication; November 2004
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