As more people around the world incorporate Mānuka honey from New Zealand into their healthy diets and natural health regimes, the search for the “best Mānuka honey brand” is ever-increasing. But what does the UMF™ Honey Association (UMFHA), the world’s only independent quality certification body, have to say? Their answer might surprise you: “It depends.”
What Are You Buying Mānuka Honey For?
The key to finding the best Mānuka honey brand lies in understanding your specific needs. Are you looking to ward off a cold, support a healthy immune system, improve gut health or digestion, treat cuts and grazes, or manage an unresponsive infection? Different grades and formats of Mānuka honey are best suited for different applications. The higher the UMF™ rating, the higher the concentration of bioactive components such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral elements. These components work together to create an immune-supportive effect.
Important Note: When applying Mānuka honey to open wounds or burns, always ensure it is genuine medical-grade honey processed to a certified medical standard to be free from any natural irritants.
What to Look for in the Best Mānuka Honey Brand
Because the bioactive components of Mānuka honey are delicate, quality control is essential. Here are some tips to help you identify the best Mānuka honey brand:
- Look for the UMF™ Quality Mark
- Authenticity: Ensures the honey is genuine Mānuka honey from New Zealand’s unique Mānuka tree.
- Bioactivity Certification: Confirms the bioactivity levels are certified for the product’s shelf life.
- Traceability: The product is traceable via the UMFHA database.
- Freshness: Guarantees the product is fresh and not old or overheated.
- Check the UMF™ Rating
- The UMF™ rating tests the potency of multiple compounds and their stability. No other rating provides an overall assessment of multiple bioactive compounds and their lifespan.
- Select the Right Rating for Your Needs
- UMF™ 5+ – UMF™ 10+: Incorporate a teaspoon into your daily routine as part of a balanced healthy diet.
- UMF™ 10+ – UMF™ 15+: Use when your body feels like it is working overtime to fight off illness.
- UMF™ 15+ and Beyond: Opt for this when you need a concentrated, natural, multi-functional remedy to support ongoing health challenges.
Find out more about the research into health applications for New Zealand’s unique manuka honey here. Learn more about the manuka honey story here
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