Read Time: 4 minutes
Summary:
Struggling with digestive discomfort? Using Manuka honey for digestion offers a soothing, natural way to help bring your gut back into balance. Packed with potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this golden superfood has been trusted for centuries to calm irritation and support long-term digestive wellbeeing®.
Prebiotic and Antibacterial Support
Your digestive system is home to millions of bacteria which affect the body’s ability to work effectively and its overall health.
A good bacterium acts like a probiotic protecting you from various ailments and making you feel good. A weak gut or abundance of bad microbes can negatively affect your digestion, emotional state and mental wellbeeing®.
Certain foods (called prebiotics) help you maintain these probiotics in the body and allow them to flourish. Most of us are familiar with yogurt and fermented foods, but did you know Manuka honey works just as well or even better?
Research shows that Manuka honey works as a prebiotic as it contains oligosaccharides, which are non-digestible carbohydrates. These prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping promote better digestion while reducing harmful bacteria and viruses at the same time.
It also highlights Manuka supports gut health by balancing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting beneficial microbes. Its high MGO content gives it antibacterial properties, while its antioxidant qualities protect cells from oxidative stress1-3.
If you’re looking to honey to heal - make it Manuka, which has been found to have more powerful antimicrobial actions than standard honey4, and, according to research, may be particularly helpful for supporting gut health – early studies suggest it may help to promote the growth of good gut bacteria and potentially help inhibit food poisoning bugs5.
Read more: 4 ways to beat tiredness and low energy
Everyday ways to incorporate Manuka honey into your diet
Here are some simple ideas on how you can include Manuka honey in your daily routine:
- Morning Ritual: Take a spoonful of Manuka honey on an empty stomach.
- In Beverages: Add it to warm tea or lemon water for a soothing, immune-boosting drink.
- Smoothies: Blend it into your favourite smoothie for a bonus nutritious twist.
- As a sweetener: Use it to sweeten your favourite snack or recipe.
Sources:
1. https://www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9143627/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9367972/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9367972/
4. Samarghandian S et al. Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research. Pharmacognosy Res. 2017 Apr-Jun; 9(2): 121–127
5. Mohan A et al. Effect of honey in improving the gut microbial balance. Food Quality and Safety, Volume 1, Issue 2, 1 May 2017
