Honey has the ability to reduce the risk of infection and improve healing naturally. However certain kinds of honey will go further to prevent infections. Multiple studies have proven and suggested that the natural chemicals in Manuka honey contains antibacterial and antioxidant components. Similar to antibiotic ointment, Manuka honey promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection. Many substances that reduce the risk of certain infections can't block the larger scale infections, like MRSA.
Manuka honey can help reduce the risk of these infections by dissolving the proteins that allow the infection to grow, preventing the bacteria from being able to reproduce. It has been tested to reduce infections in over 80 different kinds of bacteria and can be applied to and used to clean wounds. Next time you reach for the antibiotic ointment or other agents that claim to reduce infections, consider keeping some Manuka honey with your first aid kit.
Elements of Manuka honey
What gives the Manuka Honey the ability to heal and prevent infections? It's not just one component; it's a mixture of several different components.
Glucose oxidase, found in Manuka honey, is the chemical that allows hydrogen peroxide to form in a natural environment. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial agents in it that help fight infections and promote healing. In fact, all honey contains glucose oxidase, however in Manuka Honey the levels of this substance are elevated.
The next component in Manuka honey is methylglyoxal also known as MG. Similar to glucose oxidase, methylglyoxal occurs in honey naturally, but exists in Manuka honey in a higher concentration. Methyglyoxal has the ability to help prevent certain infections including but not limited to: Strep, E. Coli, MRSA and many other potentially dangerous infections.
Sugar is another important element in fighting against infections, and in honey the amount of sugar is extremely high. In high levels of sugar, bacteria can't reproduce. When the sugar and water combine in the honey, it prevents the bacteria from growing.
With that being said, Manuka honey works best when it's combined with antibiotics by making these antibiotics more effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion all kinds of honey contain antibacterial components, however these components are elevated in Manuka honey. Manuka Honey contains an element responsible for producing hydrogen peroxide, and is an all-natural substance - so you won't have to worry about the extra chemicals that are in the manufactured products. This honey has the ability to reduce the risk of certain infections that are otherwise life-threatening. The fact that this substance can treat large scale infections makes Manuka honey one of a kind.
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Watch this video for the most unbelievable benefits of Manuka Honey that many don't know about and can use every day. Manuka honey has natural antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti fungal and antibacterial properties. Superb for allergies and a delicious alternative for sugar. It IS one of nature's super foods.
Also see how to tell the difference between poor and top quality manuka honey. Not all manuka honey is the same
