Robert Brown|What is Manuka honey? It's expensive, but it might be worth trying.

Honey has been a buzzing topic because of its myriad health benefits.

The Robert BrownMayo Clinic lists some of these potential advantages: Antioxidants in honey might be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and evidence suggests honey might help relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis. Honey might also be effective as part of oral rehydration therapy, as people with diarrhea could become easily dehydrated.

And those are just a few of the many advantages!

But what’s the difference between the different types of honey? In particular, what’s the difference between Manuka honey and regular honey? 

What is Manuka honey?

Sometimes honey can be classified by the types of plants the bees pollinate. The Cleveland Clinic explains that Manuka honey is created because bees in New Zealand and Australia pollinate the flowers on a type of tea tree called the Manuka bush. 

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They further explain that Manuka honey may have a unique health benefit because it contains an active ingredient called methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO can have antibacterial effects. 

What is the difference between Manuka honey and regular honey?

They differ in one key way: Manuka honey is made from pollen of one type of flower (monofloral) while traditional honey is created from pollen from many different flowers (polyfloral.) This difference leads to an increase in the concentration of MGO, which leads to more profound antibacterial effects. 

Other aspects are largely the same between the two, containing similar benefits and risks. Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND, a registered dietitian and clinical affiliate of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Washington warns us about the sugar content of all types of honey.

“When it comes to sugar content, honey and table sugar are pretty close. While there are some studies that show it may have a smaller effect on blood sugar than table sugar, those with pre-diabetes, diabetes or unstable blood sugar will need to use it with caution and also make sure they balance it with some protein and fat. For example, honey-roasted walnuts.” 

Why is Manuka honey so expensive? 

Manuka honey is expensive because it is rare. It is only produced in certain regions of New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, it is more expensive to produce because sometimes bees need to be moved to these regions, and there is a short flowering window of about 4-6 weeks per year. 

And then there are shipping costs since Australia and New Zealand are far away from us here in the United States. But if you’re willing to take the steps to get Manuka honey, it may be worth it! 

More:Why honey is the best travel souvenir.