Why is Manuka Honey Good for You? Unveiling the Health Secrets

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies have confirmed Manuka honey's potent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful natural remedy. This special honey's unique composition is the key to understanding why is Manuka honey good for you, setting it apart from regular honey in both potency and therapeutic uses.

Quick Summary

Manuka honey, hailing from New Zealand, possesses exceptional health benefits due to its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other bioactive compounds. It is highly regarded for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The honey is commonly used for wound healing, digestive support, oral health, and skin care. Its quality is verified through the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating system, which assures its authenticity and potency.

Key Points

Unique Active Compound (MGO): Manuka honey's potent antibacterial properties come from high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), setting it apart from regular honey.
Wound and Skin Healing: It is FDA-approved for treating wounds and burns, fighting infection, and promoting tissue regeneration.
Digestive and Gut Support: Manuka honey's antibacterial and prebiotic properties help balance gut flora and soothe digestive inflammation.
Oral Health Benefits: It can combat dental plaque, helping prevent gingivitis and promoting overall oral hygiene.
Immune System and Soothing Effects: It acts as a natural immune booster and provides effective relief for sore throats and coughs.
Choose Authenticity: Always look for UMF™ or MGO ratings on the label and verify the product's New Zealand or Australian origin to ensure you buy genuine Manuka honey.
Rich in Antioxidants: Beyond its antibacterial action, Manuka honey contains polyphenols and flavonoids that provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The Science Behind Manuka Honey's Potency

While all honey has natural antibacterial qualities due to hydrogen peroxide, Manuka honey is unique because it also contains high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO). This compound provides an additional, stable antibacterial effect known as Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA), which is more resistant to degradation. The concentration of MGO directly correlates with the honey's potency; the higher the MGO number, the stronger its antimicrobial effects.

Grading Systems: MGO vs. UMF

When purchasing Manuka honey, you will encounter different grading systems that indicate its strength and purity. The two most prominent are MGO and UMF.

MGO (Methylglyoxal): This system measures the concentration of methylglyoxal in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). It is a straightforward indicator of antibacterial strength. For example, an MGO 550+ honey contains at least 550mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor): This is a more comprehensive system regulated by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA). It tests for four key markers: MGO, Leptosperin (a definitive Manuka marker), DHA (a precursor to MGO), and HMF (a freshness indicator). A UMF rating ensures the product's authenticity, purity, and potency, with higher numbers indicating greater antibacterial activity.


Feature	Manuka Honey (UMF Certified)	Regular Honey
Origin	Nectar from the Manuka bush (`Leptospermum scoparium`), native to New Zealand and Australia.	Nectar from various floral sources, depending on location and season.
Key Antibacterial Agent	High, stable levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO).	Primarily hydrogen peroxide, which can be easily broken down.
Potency Measurement	Tested and graded using MGO and UMF ratings, ensuring standardized potency.	No standardized grading system for potency, relying on general floral source characteristics.
Antimicrobial Activity	Potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens, including some antibiotic-resistant strains.	Exhibits general antimicrobial properties but is far less potent and stable than Manuka.
Taste and Consistency	Rich, earthy, and often thick with a slightly bitter or medicinal aftertaste.	Varied, milder flavor profiles depending on floral source and generally thinner consistency.
Cost	More expensive due to limited production season and specialized testing.	Widely available and generally more affordable.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

Wound Healing and Skin Care

Manuka honey's potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it exceptionally effective for wound care. Medical-grade Manuka honey is approved by the FDA for use on wounds and burns and works by:

Fighting Infection: The MGO inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, creating a hostile environment for pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA).
Reducing Inflammation: It soothes redness and swelling, creating an optimal environment for the healing process.
Promoting Regeneration: It stimulates tissue regeneration and new blood vessel formation, aiding in faster healing and minimizing scarring.

For skincare, Manuka honey is praised for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used in masks to help calm acne, balance pH, and moisturize the skin. The antioxidants also help protect against environmental damage and signs of aging.

Digestive Health and Gut Support

Research suggests Manuka honey can support a healthy digestive system, particularly for individuals experiencing issues like IBS, acid reflux, or ulcers.

Balances Gut Bacteria: It can help balance the gut microbiome by inhibiting harmful pathogens while promoting beneficial bacteria.
Soothes Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritation in the digestive tract, which can provide relief from conditions like acid reflux.
Protects the Gut Lining: As a prebiotic, it nourishes the gut microbiome and can strengthen the gut lining, which may help manage issues like leaky gut syndrome.

Oral Health

Manuka honey's antibacterial effects also extend to oral health, where it can be used to combat dental plaque and support healthy gums. Studies suggest it may be beneficial in preventing gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.

Soothing Sore Throats and Coughs

For centuries, honey has been used as a natural remedy for soothing sore throats and coughs. Manuka honey's thick consistency and potent antimicrobial properties help coat and calm the throat, providing relief from irritation. Research has even found honey to be an effective alternative to over-the-counter cough medicines in children over one year old.

Immune System Support

Manuka honey acts as a natural immune booster. The combination of its antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory compounds, and antioxidants helps strengthen the body's defenses against infections and fight off harmful pathogens.

How to Choose Authentic Manuka Honey

Given its high demand and cost, counterfeit Manuka honey is a concern. To ensure you're getting genuine, high-quality Manuka honey, look for these markers:

UMF™ Certified: The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) logo guarantees that the honey has been independently tested and certified for purity, authenticity, and potency. Higher UMF™ ratings indicate a more potent product.
MGO Rating: An MGO rating on the label confirms the level of methylglyoxal, the key antibacterial compound. A higher number indicates a higher concentration and stronger effect.
Country of Origin: Authentic Manuka honey comes from New Zealand or Australia. The label should clearly state its origin. Look for a traceable QR code on products from reputable brands, which offers transparency about the honey's source and testing.

Conclusion

Manuka honey stands out from regular honey due to its unique and potent antibacterial compound, MGO, and its resulting Non-Peroxide Activity. This gives it significant therapeutic potential for treating wounds and skin conditions, supporting digestive and oral health, and boosting the immune system. While the evidence for its benefits is strong, it is crucial to purchase authentic, certified products to ensure quality and potency. When sourced correctly, incorporating Manuka honey into your daily wellness routine can offer a range of science-backed health benefits. For more in-depth scientific reviews on its components and activity, consult publications from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is Manuka honey's potent antibacterial activity from the high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), an active compound not present in regular honey at such high levels. Regular honey’s antimicrobial effect, based on hydrogen peroxide, is less stable and powerful.

MGO (Methylglyoxal) measures the concentration of the primary antibacterial compound, while UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a comprehensive certification that verifies the presence of MGO and other key markers to ensure authenticity and potency. A higher number in either rating indicates a stronger product.

For wound healing, it is recommended to use medical-grade Manuka honey, which is specially sterilized and formulated for topical application. Applying it as a dressing can help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue regeneration.

No, honey should not be given to children under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious condition. Their digestive systems are not mature enough to handle the bacteria spores that can be present. It is generally considered safe for healthy children over one year old.

Manuka honey is a sugar and can affect blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should consult their physician before incorporating it into their diet, especially in large amounts.

To ensure authenticity, look for a UMF™ or MGO rating on the label, verify that the product originates from New Zealand or Australia, and purchase from reputable brands. Many authentic brands also provide a traceable QR code on the packaging.

Side effects are rare but may include an allergic reaction, especially for those with bee allergies. Large consumption could also cause a spike in blood sugar. Manuka honey can also potentially interact with certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs.