MANUKA HONEY – BACK TO BASICS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 30, 2011 --

Nature’s health remedy from 2000BC to present
Honey has long been used as an overall health aid, with its earliest recorded use dating back to 2000BC. By 1550BC, the Egyptians had recorded close to 350 different health uses for honey, both internal and external. It is mentioned in the Bible, Qur’an and Torah and was used as a wound dressing in both the first and second World Wars so its not surprising that honey continues to be one of the most widely used natural health remedies of the 21st century.
But what’s so special about Manuka honey?

Most honeys contain a special enzyme added by the bees in their hives called glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide - a well know antiseptic. However, this activity is easily destroyed when exposed to heat and light. Manuka honey made from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) native to New Zealand has also been found to have a unique phyto-chemical - an additional ‘active’ agent with anti-bacterial qualities. This additional ‘activity’ is called the Unique Manuka Factor1.
What are the main health benefits of UMF® Manuka Honey?
Laboratory tests have shown that UMF® Manuka Honey is effective against a wide range of bacteria including strains present in the gut and even wounds.
• Relieves stomach complaints - soothes the stomach and may assist in relieving dyspeptic symptoms (abdominal discomfort and bloating)2.

• Natural pre-biotic – contains naturally occurring oligosaccharides, a natural prebiotic. Prebiotics work because they feed the good bacteria, allowing them to grow. Taking honey when the digestive system is in a state of imbalance assists in stimulating and strengthening gut bacteria, helping the system to rebalance naturally3.
• Energy - is made up primarily of glucose and fructose which provide the body with a quick source of energy. Research suggests that this unique combination of sugars, works best in preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance.
• Aids absorption of nutrients –has been shown to aid in the absorption of calcium and magnesium, key nutrients in supporting, energy levels, bone health, blood pressure.
• Immune boosting - has been shown that it may have a stimulating effect on the immune system.

Anecdotally, history tells us that UMF® Active Manuka Honey has also been used to help combat sore throats and promote good oral health.
What is the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF®)?
The UMF® is a measure of this unique type of antibacterial activity which is naturally present at varying levels in Manuka honey. UMF® is the registered trademark of the AMHA (Active Manuka Honey Association) and can only appear on products that meet their strict criteria. This guarantees all Manuka Honey carrying the UMF® seal of approval is of the highest grade. Consumers should look out for this symbol to ensure they are getting value for money when purchasing Manuka honey.

John Rawcliffe of the AMHA (Active Manuka Honey Association) explains: “UMF identifies the small proportion of manuka honey that has this special, therapeutic property. Consumers should look out for the UMF® trademark on jars to differentiate between UMF® honey such as Comvita UMF® 10+ Manuka Honey and ordinary honeys from the region which do not meet our laboratory tested standards.”
What is MGO – is it the same as UMF®?
Some products now carry the MGO measurement, which is a new form of measurement used by some non AMHA members. MGO or Methyl Glyoxal is produced by the Manuka plant as it grows. There is a correlation between MGO and one of the active compounds which makes up the UMF but MGO does not take into consideration other elements of the measurement, including the toxicology of the honey, its exposure to moisture and light and the levels of filtration, which are all measured before the UMF® seal of approval can be applied.

Health by numbers – what do different UMF® levels stand for?
The mark UMF® is followed by a number that indicates the strength of the UMF® activity in a batch of UMF® Manuka honey. Manuka honey harvesting does not always produce Manuka honey with a high UMF® rating. Some regions, depending on sunshine hours, rainfall and soil type produce high rated honey consistently. Other regions produce excellent low activity Manuka perfect for the table. Very high activity Manuka is harvested in a very small region in Northland New Zealand and supply is very limited. Now here’s the technical bit...

The UMF® number equates to the percentage concentration of phenol, a chemically active compound found in plants, with the same antibacterial effect. i.e UMF® 10+ Manuka Honey will destroy bacteria to the same level as the 10% phenol solution. Only honey with a UMF® rating of 5 or above is allowed to display the UMF® rating. This ensures that all honey displaying the mark is significantly antibacterial and offers the associated health benefits. The higher the UMF® rating, the more potent the product e.g. a jar of UMF 20+ Manuka honey has twice the antibacterial activity of a UMF 10+ Manuka honey.
But which UMF® Manuka honey should you buy and when?
Comvita UMF® 5+ and 10+ = Recommended for the relief of minor upsets to the digestive system such a bloating, wind, mild indigestion or reflux. 1-2 teaspoons ½ hour before ingesting food
Comvita UMF 15+ = Recommended for the relief of more pronounced or persistent digestive disorders, such as stomach pain, nausea or mild diarrhoea. 1-2 teaspoons ½ hour before ingesting food

Comvita UMF 20+ = Recommended where a stronger, faster acting anti-bacterial and healing action for more acute digestive conditions is required, such as sharp stomach pains, sickness or a prolonged diarrhoea. 1-2 teaspoons ½ hour before ingesting food

Finally…how should you take it?
Take a teaspoon an hour before meal times up to four times daily to help improve digestive and overall health.



Comvita Active UMF® 5+ Manuka Honey (£6.99 for 250g, £11.99 for 500g), 10+ Manuka Honey (£16.49 for 500g), 15+ Manuka Honey (£19.99 for 250g) is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett and all good pharmacies and health food stores. For further information call 0800 652 3468 or visit www.comvita.co.uk.

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