​Hello and a warm welcome from all of us here at The Healthy Juice and Diet Life to another spotlight-on article.

​It's great to have you with us as we delve deep into the oozing world of a most wonderful, sticky delicacy our lovely planet provides - MANUKA HONEY!

If you haven't already been fortunate enough to have had this awesome, medical grade, New Zealand-born honey cross your path then you sure are in for an eye-opening, sweet treat today! 

Read on below to get the full raw Manuka honey lowdown covering questions such as what is Manuka honey, where and what to look out for when buying Manuka honey, how to use Manuka honey, a look at some of the best Manuka honey products available and, of course, why there's such a buzz around the benefits of Manuka honey.

We've even thrown in a bonus Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipe from our post 'The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes for you to Try!' Be sure to bookmark the rest for later.

OK, so we know there are some awesome honey's out there, but what makes Manuka honey so particularly unique?

In short, manuka honey is simply a mono-floral honey from New Zealand. Simple!

But what does that mean for us?  The honey is harvested from bees that ONLY collect pollen from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium). The Manuka bush is a tough, hardy, perennial flowering evergreen, native to New Zealand, whose countless benefits, from medicinal applications to aromatherapy and therapeutic uses, have been known to the original inhabitants of New Zealand for thousands of years. 

​However, despite the long-dating use of Manuka honey in its native region, it was only since the 1980's when a Dr Peter Molan of Waikato University began researching into the healing and antibacterial properties of manuka honey that the way was paved for today's centralized understanding of its commercial application and global benefits! Thankfully so as manuka honey is one of the worlds most rewarding researched honeys' to date!
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As such a beneficial plant in terms of health-improving ingredients and uses, coupled with the focus of modern research it comes as no surprise that we have managed to find ways to incorporate these benefits into not just Manuka Honey as food!
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Methylglyoxal is the active ingredient responsible for setting manuka-based products apart in the antibacterial game. Its powerful antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties lead to it traditionally being used for wound healing, soothing of sore throats, improved oral hygiene from prevention from tooth decay and boosting the digestive function as well as reversing many digestive issues!

The mild antiviral and antibacterial benefits of your typical honeys comes in the form of peroxide-based agents, which are susceptible to breaking down when exposed to heat, light and moisture, thereby reducing the effectiveness of desired therapeutic benefits. The antibacterial and antiviral agents found within manuka honey, however, come in a non-peroxide form, in a significantly higher concentration. Manuka honey ratings sometimes use NPA (non-peroxide activity) as a measure of strength - more on this later.

Today these benefits can be seen across the board with Manuka Essential Oils as well as cosmetic and beauty products such as Manuka Lip Balms, Hair Washes, Facial Masks and more. The manuka bush is set to be one of the most rewarding rediscoveries of the 20th century in a range of fields from culinary and medicinal applications, to cosmetic and therapeutic practices!
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​Not just a sweet treat, manuka honey comes packed full of healthy goodness! ​Manuka Honey is the natural product produced by the bees after collecting the nectar from the Manuka Bush. 
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​The health benefits of manuka honey far outweigh that of any other honey thanks to its higher concentration of the ingredient Methylglyoxal.

​Used for culinary purposes and consumption this hugely taste-packed ingredient can sway the flavour of an entire meal, visually enhance that perfect, mouth-watering glaze or give a natural, nutritious immunity boost to any slap up meal or smoothie! But don't make the mistake of thinking that pot in the cupboard is only for your stomach!

Here are a few of the fantastic health benefits of Manuka honey:
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• ​IMPROVED DIGESTIVE FUNCTION
  Clostridium Difficile (often called C. diff) is a particular bacteria responsible for causing severe diarrhoea and inflammation of the bowel. Manuka honey has been observed to kill C. diff strains. Common digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and more complex issues such as Ulcerative Colitis and Diverticulitis will find effective soothing and analgesic effects (pain relief) using Manuka Honey. Manuka honey has been proven to  improve antioxidant status and reduce inflammation.
  
  
• WOUND, BOIL, BLISTER AND SORE TREATMENT
  Since ancient times, honey has been used as a remedy to treat ailments from burns to blisters and sores. In more recent years the US FDA approved Manuka honey as an option for wound treatment (since 2007). Studies across the world have corroborated the findings which all indicate that wounds treated with Manuka honey not only benefited from an increased rate of tissue regeneration  but also were noted to be less painful and, further, where scarring occurred, it was more malleable and less stiff.
  
  
• IMPROVED ORAL HEALTH
  Wait a minute! I thought sweet things were bad for your teeth!? While it may seem counter-intuitive using something sticky and sweet as a means of improving oral health, due to the antibacterial properties of Manuka Honey, that is exactly what it does! In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums we must minimise the bad bacteria while trying to keep the good ones intact. Manuka honey is not your typical candy made from refined sugars. Research shows the high antibacterial activity is effective at inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria like P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans, while not contributing to cavities. Provided use was not excessive results observed were not detrimental. Awesome!
  
  
• SORE THROAT AND TICKLY COUGH RELIEF
  Manuka honey has been found to decrease the bacteria Streptococcus Mutans, a type of bacteria responsible for sore throats. Not only working as an antiviral and antibacterial reducing pain and inflammation. Manuka honey also physically lines the throat and digestive tract for immediate relief and a soothing effect, reducing symptoms of tickly cough and dry, sore throat.
  
  
• MANUKA HONEY FOR ACNE
  At one time or another many of us have had the unpleasant joy of waking up to somewhat of a 'rough patch'. While acne usually presents itself around puberty as a result of hormonal changes it is also true our diet, hygiene and stress play an important role in their popping up. While more research is needed to confirm the current findings, Manuka honey's antibacterial properties have been seen to reduce inflammation associated with sore spots by cleansing bacteria from clogged pores thereby reducing recovery time.
  
  
• PREVENTION OF GASTRIC ULCERS
  Stomach ulcers are one of the leading afflictions of today's poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that is responsible for the majority of gastric ulcers. Once again Manuka honey's powerful antibacterial properties act as both a symptomatic cure and preventative. With the research still in its infancy the cat is still in the bag with this one but we have every confidence the correlation is true.
  
  
• SYMPTOMATIC RELIEF FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS
  An inherited condition affecting the respiratory tract and lungs, Cystic Fibrosis affects the cells responsible for producing mucous causing it to be abnormally thick and sticky. For this reason upper respiratory infections are unfortunately commonplace for those with Cystic Fibrosis. Manuka honey has been shown to attack the harmful bacteria and inhibit their growth leading to significant relief in observed patients. 

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Did you ask? Probably not! ... Do you want want one? DEFINITELY YES!

Naturally, here at the Healthy Juice and Diet Life we like to do our bit to take things that one step further, breaking free from the typical boundaries and limitations to the possible health benefits we can squeeze out of any situation - Manuka Honey doesn't escape our grasp!

As avid lovers of mouth-watering, nutritious smoothies we just couldn't miss out on such a fantastic opportunity to play around and make a few of our own. Below is a smoothie recipe taken from our post 'The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes for you to Try!' -which we fully recommend you check out! Each smoothie has been uniquely designed as a perfect blend of intense, distinctive flavour and nutritional content to leave your thirst quenched, and taste buds dancing, with a stoked immune system, and rejuvenated bodily function! What more could you ask for!?
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​INGREDIENTS

• 35g Oats
• 1 Large Pear
• 3/4 Banana
• 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
• 100g Greek Yogurt
• 150 Ml Milk
• 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey

​PREPARATION
Simply toss the ingredients into a blender and blend until an even consistency throughout. Pour and enjoy!​

Check out our other manuka honey smoothie recipes in our post 'The 5 Best Manuka Honey Smoothie Recipes for you to Try!'

​There has been some controversy between the authentic original manuka honey manufacturers and those looking to make a quick buck under the Manuka name. You can be sure you are buying authentic manuka honey by looking at the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating, also referred to as the Non Peroxide Activity (NPA). A rating over 10 UMF is considered to be authentic manuka honey or 'Active Manuka Honey' that is potent enough for the therapeutic effects to be effective.

Typical honey attributes its mild antibacterial properties to the hydrogen peroxide antiseptic released when the enzyme glucose oxidase produced by the bees as a preservative in the honey comes in contact with moisture in the body. However, this activity is easily destroyed by heat, light and other fluids. In Manuka honey the antibacterial effects come from Non-Peroxide Activity which is more potent and stable - leading to our immense list of benefits.

WATCH YOUR RATINGS!
A WORD OF WARNING. Be wary of other rating systems. UMF / NPA is the only official standardised rating system to measure the actual effectiveness of the Manuka by means of both concentration and potency.

For example one company, Wedderspoon, have created their own KFactor rating system which they say is to measure the 'purity' of the honey. While we would hope that all products already are arriving in their jars in a pure state regardless of the ingredients, the main issue here is the rating system disregards measurement of the active, beneficial ingredient responsible for the effects you probably wanted the honey for in the first place, namely the Non-Peroxide Activity agents.

However, as a cheaper 'Manuka honey' alternative it is easy to see why many are choosing to buy it as it serves as a great introduction at a more accessible cost. However, make sure you know that what you are buying falls into the category of 'premium honey' rather than 'medical grade', which cannot promise to deliver on the therapeutic benefits with a honey with UMF 10 or above.

Thankfully it couldn't be easier for you to get your very own pot of New Zealand Manuka wonder-honey in your cupboard regardless of whether you live half way around the world or just next door to the apiary!

IN STORE
If you're the kind of person who likes to visit a store for your purchases we are pleased to say this is possible!

• For our USA readers you can find Manuka Honey in Walmart, Whole Foods and most large stores.
• For those in the UK Manuka Honey can be found in most larger supermarket stores: Boots, ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco etc.

*Just beware of the rating system as we mentioned previously and you should be well on your way!

ONLINE (recommended)
In the digital era it's hard not to see the benefits the internet has afforded us. When it comes to grabbing something as specific as a medically graded honey we would always recommend doing so online from a trusted source. No where else can you so specifically search out a particular product and have all the customer feedback in one place that you can trust is both accurate and up to date.

What's more we've already done the leg work and found the best Manuka honey products available online!
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Find our recommended Manuka Honey products listed below. The New Zealand Honey Co. and Kiva are two of the most respected names in the Manuka Honey industry, with a select few other organic honey manufacturer names cropping up repeatedly. Other brands such as Comvita and Wedderspoon are not to be completely ruled out, however in a comparison of price versus reward, we preferred the following for introducing Manuka Honey into your diet and regular consumption for desired effect. These brands also offer higher concentration alternatives for those looking for a real power-packed, super-strength manuka honey.

Well that's it for our look at manuka honey - thanks for sticking around! We hope you've enjoyed this article and can't wait to hear how you choose to add manuka honey into your culinary experience!

If you did like this article, please feel free to share this information with friends, family and anyone you know that likes their honey or could benefit from a little extra bang for their buck!​

​Manuka honey is a nutritiously rich honey produced by bees that only collect pollen from the Manuka Bush - a tough, hardy, evergreen known for its medicinal, therapeutic and aromatic uses. As a result, manuka honey packs a real punch with its various medicinal applications including antibacterial and antiviral properties as well as many other unexpected health benefits - Learn all about manuka honey in our article: Manuka Honey? From New Zealand? What is this Delicious, Medical Grade Honey all about!? Health Benefits, Uses, Smoothie Recipes and more... (opens in new tab).

If you like honey and haven't already heard of Manuka Honey then boy have we got a deliciously sweet surprise in store for you today with our Manuka honey smoothies!

Being such a potent ingredient with a fantastically rich and complex flavour, it's obvious to see how manuka honey can be used to work wonders in our smoothies! For those familiar with the sweet, rich, nectar prepare to be left with your mouth watering and taste buds tingling as we bring you the 5 best manuka honey smoothie recipes for you to try!

First up on our list is a beautiful blend of forest berries in a liquid velvet fondue.

INGREDIENTS

• 45g Strawberries
• 45g Raspberries
• 40g Blueberries
• 1 Scoop Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tsp Manuka Honey

​PREPARATION
Simply slice up the ingredients and blend into a rich, nutritious burst of phytonutrients, antioxidants and immune-boosting antivirals.
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A deliciously energy-packed, creamy and smooth manuka honey smoothie recipe in our take on one of the all time classic varieties Banoffee Pie!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Large Banana
• 2 Scoops Greek Yogurt
• 1.5 Tbsp Manuka Honey
• and/or 1 Optional Extra*

*OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• 250 Ml Apple Juice
• 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
• Hemp Protein Powder
• 30g Frozen Summer Berry Mix / or made up of Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries etc.

​PREPARATION
Making this delicious manuka honey smoothie recipe couldn't be easier - simply decide on your optional extras for which way you want to sway the flavour, blend the ingredients to the blender, serve and enjoy!
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Next on our list of Manuka Honey Smoothies comes this fantastic immune-boosting, refreshing and revitalizing vitamin C-packed recipe! This is the perfect remedy to rid yourself of those pesky colds and sticking flu-like symptoms.

Combining the awesome antibacterial and antiviral effects of the Manuka Honey with other immunity-serving ingredients we arrive at the glorious and gorgeous Orange Vitamin Sea.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Carrots
• 1 Peeled Orange
• 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey
• Lemon Juice (1/4 Lemon Squeezed)
• Lime Juice (1/4 Lime Squeezed)
• 1/2 Cup ice

​PREPARATION
Wash the carrots, peel the orange and chop the lemon and lime ready for use. Add the carrots and orange to the blender followed by the freshly squeezed citrus juices. Scoop one healthy tablespoon of raw manuka honey and blend!
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Experiment with the amount of ice to vary consistency to your preference - Enjoy!
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Who doesn't love a tasty cinnamon kick on their palate!? We know we certainly do! This tasty manuka honey smoothie recipe gives you just that - the perfect balance of flavour in a wholly filling and nutritious refreshment - what more could you ask for? Definitely one of our favourites this one.

INGREDIENTS

• 35g Oats
• 1 Large Pear
• 3/4 Banana
• 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
• 100g Greek Yogurt
• 150 Ml Milk
• 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey

​PREPARATION
Simply toss the ingredients into a blender and blend until an even consistency throughout. Pour and enjoy!
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Brought into the limelight by Kourtney Kardashian as one of her sworn by favorites, (hey, the limelight is good for something!) the Avocado Pudding is a fantastic, healthy, energy-packed burst of goodness that will leave you satisfied for hours!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Avocado
• 1 Cup Coconut Milk
• 1 Tbsp Manuka Honey​​

​PREPARATION
Prepare the avocado then simply chuck all the ingredients in the blender and blend until rich, creamy and smooth! Delicious!
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​We know it can be hard keeping the kitchen cupboards fully stocked and ready for all those wonderfully nutritious delicacies we at The Healthy Juice and Diet Life love to promote so much (sorry, not sorry!). Thankfully there are some great ways you can keep on top of all your grocery shopping, and even make a few savings along the way!

We Recommend you Try These Manuka Honey Brands

No Time To Shop? Try AmazonFresh - Grocery Delivery.
Readers from select US States and London, UK can take advantage of a fantastic growing service provided by Amazon - namely Amazon Fresh. Amazon Fresh is a subsidiary of Amazon that specializes in delivering whatever you fancy be it your fresh groceries, everyday essentials, or items from your favorite stores including Whole Foods (US) and Morrisons (UK).

They offer both attended and unattended delivery so for those who just simply cannot find the time to shop this could be your answer! It is a revolutionary service that is still in its early days however for those that this opportunity is available to we would whole heartedly recommend you trial. 

Clicking the picture or button below will take you to a page where you can find out more information and even begin a free trial for the AmazonFresh service if you wish to do so! Neat, huh?

Looking to Save? Try These Product Repeat Purchase Subscription Discounts!
You will, no doubt, have heard of the concept of a subscription service before we are sure, however, did you know that many online sellers now offer these kinds of discounts for everyday products as well including fresh vegetables, herbs, spices as well as other kitchen cupboard items including honey, jams and spreads and other therapeutic consumables? A growing number of online businesses are offering what they call 'subscription discounts' on a range of items that previously you would just have had to simply replenish at full price once gone!

So not only do you save yourself the hassle of having to replenish each item as it runs out, but also helps on the bottom line, making a little saving along the way!

All the products below are such examples, relevant to the manuka honey smoothies above and offer savings from 5% - 15% depending on the overall quantity of orders placed. Done right, it can work out to generate some quite lucrative and considerable savings!​ Definitely worth checking out.

With such a sumptuous set of manuka honey smoothie recipes we're certain you'll find something you'll absolutely love in no time at all! Be sure to slurp your way through them all.. And, of course, please feel free to experiment - playing around as your flavors and fancies take you! We'd love to hear what sumptuous concoctions you create!
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This hugely healthy smoothie recipe contains two, great, nutritionally dense superfoods (Avocado and Pineapple).

Pineapple
As well as being rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C and fiber, as well as trace elements manganese and copper, pineapples contain bromelain - an enzyme with many great health benefits including the digestion of proteins and anti-cancer properties. It is fantastic in the treatment of digestive disorders, improved surgery recovery times, sinus infection control and reducing joint pain.

Avocado
To get an appreciate of just how nutritionally dense Avocados are, here is a breakdown of a typical 100g (3.5 Oz) serving.

• Vitamin B5: 14% of RDA.
• Vitamin B6: 13% of RDA.
• Vitamin C: 17% of RDA.
• Vitamin E: 10% of RDA.
• Folate: 20% of RDA.
• Vitamin K: 26% of RDA.
• Potassium: 14% of RDA.
• Also trace amounts of of Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin).

High in potassium and loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly Oleic acid). Oleic acid has been linked to beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer and reducing inflammation. Avocados are also high in both soluble (25%) and insoluble (75%) fiber and are great in the treatment of digestive problems. 

The health benefits of Avocados really are astonishing with benefits ranging from Cardiovascular and Cholesterol effects, Anti-cancer properties, Weight Loss, Antioxidants, Eye and eyesight improvements, Nutrient uptake and many more. In the coming weeks we will be releasing a dedicated article on avocados and their immeasurable health benefits. We will link this HERE once published.
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• Digestive and Gut Problems
• Healthy Skin and Anti-aging Properties
• Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Management
• Detox and Metabolism Boosting
• Immunity Booster
• Weight Loss

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While we do always encourage an alternative natural, fresh source for your fruits and vegetables we recognize that sometimes this just isn't feasibly possible. Whether due to bodily intolerances or simple taste incompatibilities don't panic! You can always turn to supplementary extracts to add to your chosen smoothies and juice recipes in their place to get these great health benefits.

Just bear in mind that the final result itself may have varying consistency to your expected smoothies and juices without the usual mass and plant matter going in - but for the positives it's worth it.

Here are some great supplementary options and alternative sources to turn to if you suffer the above. To be taken alongside your smoothie mix, or added as an ingredient, depending on the product.

Another great tasting smoothie recipe to try out. Green and Red Apples, Pears and Carrots blended to a refreshing sweet puree! This recipe is full of fiber and antioxidants - great for digestion / gut issues and a natural defense against many illnesses and chronic conditions!

Wash all the ingredients under cool, running water to remove any unwanted contaminants from the production and sale process making their way into your delicious smoothie. 

Depending on the strength capabilities and size of your blender/juicer slice the ingredients to an appropriate size and then one by one add the ingredients ensuring the carrots are included between the other ingredients so that a more complete blend is easily obtained.

With a blender you will have the benefit of the full fiber intake as all the material is included in the smoothie created. You may wish to add ice according to taste as a way to alter the thickness of your smoothie or extend the yield of a particular batch.

Juicers, on the other hand, typically remove the pulp from your returned yield, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of fiber retained in the final juice mix, leading to a more liquid 'juice' in the end. Bear this in mind when using the ingredient mix as a therapeutic aid for digestive issues where fiber is your focus.

Apples, pears and carrots are all high high in dietary fiber which is great for the gut and digestive health.

Apples: Rich in fiber and important antioxidants, and flavanoids. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Pears: Another great fiber and antioxidant containing fruit, with an abundance of vitamins - calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, folate etc.

Of important note: A new analysis of the Nurse's Health Study showed that across all fruit and vegetables analyzed for flavonoid content, the combination of apples and pears produced the most consistent ability to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Carrots: An excellent source of beta-carotene, fibre, and antioxidants. Rich in Vitamin A, C, K, B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper and manganese, carrots are a truly nutrient rich veg.