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Manuka honey is rare and has become popular due to its exceptional beneficial qualities. Its uniqueness sets it apart from other regular honey, not only in terms of taste and other attributes but also in terms of price. It is considered one of the most expensive honey available in the world. But why is Manuka honey so expensive? What exactly differentiates it from other types of honey?
If you have also been asking questions like these, keep reading. Here, we will discuss not only that but also many other crucial things, such as its health benefits, side effects, and much more.
Why Is Manuka Honey So Expensive?
One of the main reasons why Manuka honey is expensive is that it is extremely rare and produced only in a few regions: Australia and New Zealand. The overall process to produce this honey is quite hard as bees have to move to these regions during the flowering window, which only blooms for around two to six weeks every year.
Manuka honey also contains numerous unique properties, like methylglyoxal (MGO), that is not available in regular honey. The higher the concentration of MGO in honey, the rarer and more pricey it will be.
How Manuka Honey Is Different From Normal Honey?
There are many factors that make Manuka honey much more different and unique than regular honey. Research states that Manuka honey usually has a high amount of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in comparison to regular honey.
Manuka honey also tastes a bit different. As mentioned above, it is generally high in methylglyoxal, which makes its taste unique– sweet, but also slightly bitter with a nice and strong smell.
Another one of the unique factors of Manuka honey is that it can be produced only from Manuka trees. On the other hand, regular honey can easily be made using numerous types of flowers.
What Are Some Health Benefits Of Manuka Honey?
So, now you know why is Manuka honey so expensive. Let’s discuss some of the best health benefits that it brings along, which includes:
1. Enhances Your Oral Health
There have been some scientific studies stating that Manuka honey is proven to be effective in fighting bacterias in the mouth that causes oral problems like the buildup of plaque and tooth decay.
2. Taste Exceptionally Well
Manuka honey is extremely delicious and will surely delight you and your tongue. When consuming this honey, you are likely to feel that you are eating a rich caramel with a bittersweet finish and a smooth and dense texture.
You can also combine this honey with other foods, such as yogurt, tea, smoothies, etc., and take their taste to the next level.
3. May Help You treat Your Acne
Another fantastic benefit of Manuka honey is that it can also be effective in treating acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
4. Helps In Treating Sore Throat
If you have been suffering from a sore throat, don’t worry. Manuka honey can help. Simply add it to a hot mug of tea and consume it. You will surely feel better because of the amazing antibacterial and antiviral properties it contains.
5. Improved Digestions
The anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey can also help you improve your overall digestion. You should definitely add it to your diet, especially if you are facing issues like irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, constipation, etc.
Who Should Not Consume Manuka Honey?
In general, Manuka honey is known to be safe for most people to consume. However, there are some people who should not be consuming it as it may end up harming their health.
For example, people suffering from diabetes should avoid consuming not only Manuka honey but all types of honey. All of them contain high amounts of natural sugar and are likely to increase blood sugar levels. It is also recommended to talk to your doctor about whether you should consume Manuka honey with this health condition or not.
Also, if you are allergic to honey or bees, avoid consuming manuka honey to prevent an allergic reaction that might result after consuming or applying it.
Besides that, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, kids younger than 12 months should avoid ingesting honey because there’s a risk of a foodborne illness called botulism.
Conclusion
We hope that you have got the answer to your question of why is Manuka honey so expensive. It has numerous benefits, and you can definitely consume it to avail all of them. However, if you have been suffering from any health issues, please consult with your doctor before ingesting manuka honey in order to avoid any negative consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Manuka honey worth the money?
Yes. If you are looking for honey with numerous fantastic health benefits, it is undoubtedly worth your money.
2. Which country is famous for Manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, hence, it is quite well known for the Manuka honey.
3. What honey is better than Manuka?
Some scientists believe that kanuka honey has much stronger antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, an individual may get much more health benefits when consuming Kanuka compared to Manuka.
4. What honey is closest to Manuka honey?
Buckwheat honey is known to be closest to Manuka honey—thanks to its high amount of antioxidants and minerals. You can consider it as the perfect alternative to Manuka honey.
