Making A Difference Wound Management

Manuka Honey Vs. Regular Honey: The Buzz After All

Many different types of honey are available in the market, but indisputably, the most famous kind is manuka honey, and rightly so. When it comes to honey, there's more than just the sweet taste that meets the eye. It offers tons of health benefits. However, the choice between manuka honey and regular honey may be difficult to make if you don't know how they are different.   

If you, too, are confused between these two types of honey and would love it if somebody breaks it down and uncovers the differences between manuka honey and regular honey, you've landed on the right page. But first, let's see what manuka honey is.

What Is Manuka Honey?  

The world is now recognizing the benefits of manuka honey. Leptospermum Scoparium, a.k.a manuka honey, is derived from the manuka bush nectar in New Zealand. It is a dark honey that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

But how is it different from our good old regular honey? Does regular honey not have health benefits?   

The Good Ol' Regular Honey   

Regular honey is the honey you are most likely to find on your local supermarket shelves. It's collected from a variety of flowers and does offer some health benefits, but not as many as Manuka honey.    

Manuka Honey Vs. Regular Honey: Let's Dive into Details   

One of the most evident differences between manuka honey and regular honey is the fact that the former undergoes more stringent quality control measures as compared to any other type of honey.  

It is tested for the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), a hallmark for potency and effectiveness. The UMF sets it apart from all other types of honey, including regular and raw honey. Other differences include -   

1. Origin  

As mentioned above, Manuka honey is derived from a particular Manuka plant in New Zealand, while regular honey comes from various flower sources worldwide.  

2. Medicinal Properties  

All types of honey possess some antibacterial properties due to the release of natural mild hydrogen peroxide when an enzyme in the honey encounters moisture in the body.   

However, many research papers on Manuka honey have elaborated on its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an excellent choice for wound care, skin care, digestion, and has plenty of other health benefits. Whereas regular honey, though beneficial for wound care, falls behind in comparison with Manuka honey.   

3. Consistency  

The consistency of these types of honey varies a lot. While manuka honey is thick and dark, the regular honey is extremely light in color. You can spot manuka honey by its yellowish-brown color, which looks rich and smells earthy.  

4. Taste  

Unlike sweet regular honey, Manuka honey has a unique, robust flavor and a bitter aftertaste. That is because the taste of regular honey can vary based on the flowers the bees have collected nectar from.   

5. Nutritional Value  

Both Manuka and regular honey are abundant in nutrient and bioactive compounds. Some of these include -    

Regular Honey vs. Manuka Honey Sugar Content   

If you thought manuka honey had no sugar, you're highly mistaken. Manuka honey does contain sugars like regular honey, primarily glucose and fructose. It's the other components like Methylglyoxal (MGO) that make a huge difference between manuka honey and regular honey.  

These additional components make manuka honey a preferred choice, especially if you are closely monitoring and cutting your daily sugar intake.    

In essence, there are many, many, many differences between regular honey and Manuka honey, and the one you pick will depend on the purpose of it. So, the next time you happen to go to the honey aisle, you'll know the buzz about Manuka honey vs. regular honey and be able to make a well-informed choice.  

Best-In-Line Honey Products  

If you are looking for honey-infused products for wound care and skin care, HPFY has a variety of products made with manuka honey for better healing. We carry honey dressings, manuka honey moisturizers, and edibles, to name a few. Explore today to find all that you need to stay in the pink of health. 

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