What Is In Mānuka Honey?

Mānuka honey has become such a popular item worldwide that even stars swear by it. What makes it so unique, though? Why is Mānuka honey better than any other kind of honey? 

This article will go through the unique ingredients of Mānuka honey and why they’re so important. Each bioactive component plays an essential role in identifying 100% pure New Zealand Mānuka. 

1. Leptosperin

Leptosperin is a chemical that occurs naturally within the nectar of Mānuka plants. This ingredient is commonly used as a DNA marker to identify genuine Mānuka honey. First identified in 2014, this bioactive chemical is one of the four most dominant marker compounds within Mānuka honey.

According to the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association (UMFHA), leptosperin must be present in a Mānuka honey sample with a concentration of at least 100mg/kg. Reaching this concentration is one of the many steps a brand must meet to receive the coveted UMF™  certification. 

Further studies have indicated thatleptosperin may have unique pathways when metabolised - leading to anti-inflammatory properties. However, leptosperin is most commonly used as the identifier of Mānuka honey, and any benefits from this chemical are still being investigated. 

2. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

DHA is most commonly noted as the precursor of the methylglyoxal (MGO). This chemical was initially measured to decrease as MGO increases. Scientists were then able to determine thatMGO is likely made from DHA. 

The level of DHA can also contribute to the shelf-life of the Mānuka honey due to its converting ability. UMF™  requires DHA levels to be at least 70mg/kg before awarding certification. 

Furthermore, the concentration of DHA will also tell laboratories and analysts whether the MGO is naturally occurring. Some companies will add synthetic MGO to their honey and pass it naturally. The presence of DHA means that you can be sure that the honey you’ve purchased is from the hive.

3. Methylglyoxal (MGO) 

As perhaps the golden ingredient of Mānuka honey, MGO is the source of antibacterial activity. A vital ingredient, MGO concentrations are used to drive the grade of UMF™  certification. The higher the MGO, the stronger the concentration. A UMF™ stamp of approval will assure customers that this specific Mānuka honey contains this unique antibacterial activity. 

UMF™ require an MGO level of at least 83mg/kg to be classified as pure Mānuka honey. The UMF™  grade will increase based on increasing MGO, DHA, and leptosperin. 

In 2008, astudy carried out by Elvira Mavric et al. showed a clear correlation between antibacterial activity and MGO levels. Since breakthroughs in science have come about, the popularity of Mānuka honey has only increased across the globe. As the perfect daily boost with a creamy taste, MGO elevates Mānuka honey to the status of natural health gold. 

4. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) 

As one of the more unknown bioactive ingredients within Mānuka honey, HMF is a crucial factor. This long-named compound assures the buyer that the honey has not been overheated or stored for too long. 

HMF is temperature sensitive and will alter based on the honey's environment. Therefore, UMF™  requires the HMF level to be less than 40mg/kg. This level will confirm whether the honey has been well-stored and not overheated at any point. 

Four Major Ingredients Equal One Amazing Honey 

The pure monofloral Mānuka honey makes for the perfect daily sweetener or natural health boost. With UMF™ ratings ranging from UMF™ 5+ to UMF™ 31+, there is honey for everyone, regardless of your intention. 

Some of the benefits that have been reported include: 

• Antibacterial 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiviral 

UMF™  10+ and above have all indicated that they could give users the health benefits of the above ingredients. Not only can strong Mānuka honey contain unique qualities for your health, but it may also act as a lower-calorie sweetener than regular white sugar. 

PURITI Can Provide You With 100% Pure New Zealand Mānuka Honey

At PURITI, we provide UMF™ certified Mānuka honey that includes all four of the significant ingredients mentioned above. In addition, each honey that we sell meets and exceeds the minimum required leptosperin and MGO concentrations set by UMFHA. As a result, consumers can buy from PURITI with confidence knowing that we are only selling 100% genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey.

As set by the New Zealand government, we exceed the legal and scientific definition of monofloral Mānuka honey. 

PURITI also includes 11 separate anti-counterfeit measures made within our packaging - we provide absolute quality assurance to our customers. In addition, we follow particular methods to sustain our unique monofloral honey composition. As a sacred product of New Zealand, we want to ensure customers receive the best level of quality that PURITI can offer.  

If you’re looking to buy high-quality Mānuka honey online, the great selection of items at PURITI will be the perfect place to browse an extensive range of unique products.