Why Manuka Honey?
After testing and comparing the product with both regular honey and Manuka honey, I decided that Manuka honey is right for Lip Service Honey Balm. And, here are some of the reasons why.
Manuka honey differs from regular honey mainly in its origin and its unique properties. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Source: Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Regular honey, on the other hand, can come from the nectar of various flowers.
2. Unique Manuka Factor (UMF): Manuka honey has a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating. This rating measures the antibacterial strength of the honey and is unique to Manuka honey. The UMF rating reflects the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other compounds not found in significant levels in regular honey.
3. Antibacterial Properties: Due to its high MGO content, Manuka honey has stronger antibacterial properties compared to regular honey. It is often used for medicinal purposes, including wound healing, soothing sore throats, and improving digestive issues.
4. Antioxidant Levels: Manuka honey is also higher in antioxidants, which can contribute to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and increased vitality.
5. Price: Because of its unique properties and the limited areas where it can be produced, Manuka honey is generally more expensive than regular honey. In spite of it being more expensive than regular honey, I felt the superior quality was worth it.
6. Taste and Texture: Manuka honey tends to have a thicker consistency and a more earthy, rich flavor compared to the often lighter taste and texture of regular honey.
In summary, while all types of honey have beneficial properties due to their antioxidant and antibacterial effects, Manuka honey stands out for its unique source, its stronger antibacterial properties measured by the UMF rating, and its use in both traditional and modern medicine.
1. Source: Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Regular honey, on the other hand, can come from the nectar of various flowers.
2. Unique Manuka Factor (UMF): Manuka honey has a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating. This rating measures the antibacterial strength of the honey and is unique to Manuka honey. The UMF rating reflects the concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other compounds not found in significant levels in regular honey.
3. Antibacterial Properties: Due to its high MGO content, Manuka honey has stronger antibacterial properties compared to regular honey. It is often used for medicinal purposes, including wound healing, soothing sore throats, and improving digestive issues.
4. Antioxidant Levels: Manuka honey is also higher in antioxidants, which can contribute to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and increased vitality.
5. Price: Because of its unique properties and the limited areas where it can be produced, Manuka honey is generally more expensive than regular honey. In spite of it being more expensive than regular honey, I felt the superior quality was worth it.
6. Taste and Texture: Manuka honey tends to have a thicker consistency and a more earthy, rich flavor compared to the often lighter taste and texture of regular honey.
In summary, while all types of honey have beneficial properties due to their antioxidant and antibacterial effects, Manuka honey stands out for its unique source, its stronger antibacterial properties measured by the UMF rating, and its use in both traditional and modern medicine.
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