Many people enjoy honey for its sweetness and versatility.  But did you know some honeys, particularly New Zealand Manuka honey, offer potential health benefits beyond just taste?  This article explores the purported liver-supporting properties of Manuka honey, examining the scientific evidence and highlighting its unique qualities.  We'll also explore what makes New Zealand Manuka honey stand out.

Benefits of manuka honey :

While more research is needed to definitively confirm the liver-supporting properties of Manuka honey, some studies suggest promising possibilities ([1, 2] . These studies explore how Manuka honey enhances the sensitivity of HepG2 and hepatocellular carcinoma cells and provide insights into the therapeutic potential of honey, including Manuka honey, against hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity. The unique chemical composition of Manuka honey, particularly its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), is believed to be a key factor.  MGO is a naturally occurring compound with potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  These properties could help protect the liver from damage caused by inflammation or infection.

HAPPY BEEKEEPING

MORE THAN JUST A STICKY SUBSTITUTE FOR SUGAR, THERE ARE SEVERAL LIVER-RELATED REASONS THAT MANUKA HONEY IS THE PREFERRED SWEETENER.

What Makes New Zealand Manuka Honey Unique?

New Zealand's unique environment and the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) bush contribute to the distinctive properties of Manuka honey. The high MGO levels found in many New Zealand Manuka honey are not typically found in other types of honey. This high MGO content is often cited as a reason for its purported health benefits.  The grading system used for New Zealand Manuka honey, based on MGO levels, helps consumers identify high-quality products. Understandably, those with certain health conditions are advised to avoid or limit their honey intake. Still, this natural liquid is one of the few sweeteners that can support the liver’s well-being.

Red Manuka Flower

Honey’s Origins

The process of creating manuka honey is nothing short of amazing. The following sequential events describe Honey’s creation:

It all begins when bees feast on flowers’ nectar. The nectar collected by the bees mixes with special enzymes in their saliva, turning the flowers’ juices into honey. The bees carry this honey back to their hive, depositing it into the cells of the hive’s walls.

Happy Beekeeping Honey

The bees’ wings flutter provide the necessary ventilation to reduce the honey's moisture content, making it ready for consumption. About 60,000 bees in a beehive may collectively travel as much as 55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make just a pound of honey.

Happy Beekeeping high MGO Manuka HOney

Honey’s Nutritional Profile

Despite its simplicity, manuka honey contains a fascinating complex of natural sugars, trace enzymes, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Manuka honey’s composition is roughly:

• 17.1 per cent water

• 82.4 per cent of total carbohydrates

.5 per cent proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals

Honey’s average carbohydrate content is:

• 38.5 percent fructose 31 per cent glucose 12.9 per cent maltose, sucrose and other sugars

Just as the colour and flavour of honey vary by floral source, so does the vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and amino acid content. Vitamins may include:

• Niacin

• Riboflavin Pantothenic acid

Minerals may include:

• Calcium

• Copper

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Manganese

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Zinc

Besides sugars, vitamins, and minerals, honey is loaded with polyphenols that act as antioxidants—substances that neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are formed through normal metabolic processes and are known to worsen many diseases, including chronic liver disease. The antioxidant content of different types of honey can vary up to 20-fold.

Totika Nature Active New Zealand Manuka Honey: A Quality Choice

Totika Nature Active New Zealand Manuka honey is a brand that prioritises quality and authenticity.Its commitment to sustainable practices and strict quality control measures ensures that its honey meets high standards of purity and potency. This commitment to quality is reflected in its products, offering consumers a reliable and trustworthy option when seeking the potential benefits of New Zealand Manuka honey.

Potential Liver Benefits

Manuka honey has been associated with improved liver health and a reduced risk of liver disease.

Blood Sugar Control

In specific individuals, honey may help promote better blood sugar control – which is desirable for those in danger of fatty liver disease. A nearly 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose appears responsible for honey’s role of providing adequate glycogen storage in liver cells. Insufficient glycogen storage in the liver causes a release of stress hormones, which, over time, impairs glucose metabolism. Impaired glucose metabolism inevitably leads to insulin resistance and can be at the root of fatty liver disease.

Good Bacteria –

The digestive system hosts friendly bacteria, which are crucial for healthy digestion. Raw honey has been documented to contain six species of lactobacilli and four species of bifidobacteria, proving to be a rich source of good bacteria. Researchers believe that liver injury often correlates with an imbalance of gut bacteria, and the liver is more resistant to damage when good bacteria levels are high.

Antioxidant Power –

Known to contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, honey is a respected source of antioxidants. While several trials have demonstrated honey’s antioxidant power, a 2013 published study paired honey and silymarin (the active ingredient in milk thistle) to evaluate their combined ability to protect against liver injury. Their findings confirmed that both honey and silymarin protected cells from oxidative stress. In addition to vigorous antioxidant activity, manuka honey exhibited a significant lipid-lowering effect. Protecting against oxidative stress prevents liver cell damage, and lowering lipid levels helps ward off fat accumulation in the liver.

Honey’s Not-So-Sweet Side

For its sweetness, manuka honey harbours more health benefits than most of us realise; however, it is not a panacea for wellness. Remember, honey is predominantly sugar – a substance known to lead to various health problems. The following will help guide you towards the appropriate use of honey:

Allergy –

Some individuals might be allergic to honey, especially if there is an allergy to bee stings.

Infants –

Babies under one year of age are advised to avoid honey because it can be contaminated with the spores of the bacteria Clostridium. This pathogen may cause botulism in those with immature digestive systems.

Obese or Diabetic –

Because of its high content of fructose and glucose, consumption of manuka honey could aggravate health conditions such as obesity or diabetes.

If you’re healthy and active and don’t need to lose weight, then having a little bit of honey is unlikely to cause harm – as long as it’s consumed in moderation. Because of its unique composition of fructose and glucose, its complex nutritional profile and noted health benefits that include liver protection, manuka honey is one of the best choices someone with liver concerns can make to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Quick Facts: Manuka Honey & Liver Support

Feature	Details
Key Active Compound	Methylglyoxal (MGO) & Polyphenols
Liver Benefit	Promotes glycogen storage & reduces oxidative stress
Nutritional Profile	82.4% Carbohydrates, 17.1% Water, 0.5% Bioactives
Probiotic Content	Contains 10 species of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli & Bifidobacteria)
Glycemic Impact	1:1 Fructose-to-Glucose ratio for better metabolic control
Safety Note	Not for infants under 12 months; use in moderation if diabetic

FAQ: Liver Health & The Manuka Advantage

Why is Manuka honey better than white sugar for the liver?

Refined sugar can deplete liver glycogen and trigger the release of stress hormones. Manuka honey’s specific sugar balance supports stable glycogen levels, which protect the liver from metabolic stress and potential fat accumulation.

Does Manuka honey contain antioxidants?

Yes, it is rich in polyphenols. Research shows that these antioxidants, especially when paired with natural supplements such as milk thistle, can help protect liver cells from free-radical damage.

How does "Bee Glue" or Propolis relate to this?

While this article focuses on honey, the antimicrobial properties of the Manuka plant ensure the honey is free of harmful pathogens and provides the "good bacteria" your liver needs for defence.

References:

[1]. Title: Manuka honey enhanced sensitivity of HepG2, hepatocellular carcinoma cells, for Doxorubicin and induced apoptosis through inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin and ERK1/2. Authors: Heba R. Al Refaey, et al. Biological Research volume 54, Article number: 16 (2021)

[2]. Title: Therapeutic Potential of Honey Against Hepatotoxicity and Renal Toxicity: Insight into Its Mechanisms of Action. Authors: Subramani Srinivasan et al. Chapter First Online: 19 July 2024, pp 389–410

⚠️ Important Medical Disclosure & Safety Warning

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the content is researched and synthesised from peer-reviewed clinical studies (e.g., Shen et al., 2019; Al Omairi et al., 2020) and biological data, it is meant to help you understand the potential benefits of Mānuka honey and Bee Propolis as supportive care.

Mandatory Professional Consultation:

• Consult Your Medical Team: Every patient’s health profile is unique. You must consult with your oncologist, GP, or qualified healthcare professional before incorporating Mānuka honey or Bee Propolis into your treatment regimen, especially during chemotherapy or radiation.

  
  

• Dietary & Sugar Sensitivity: Mānuka honey is a natural sugar. Patients with diabetes or metabolic concerns must seek medical guidance to ensure usage aligns with their dietary requirements.

  
  

• Allergy Alert: Bee products may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have a known allergy to bees or propolis, or if you experience any adverse reactions (such as swelling or rash), discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

  
  

• Quality Standard: The therapeutic benefits discussed are specific to Medical-Grade, independently IANZ lab-tested New Zealand Mānuka Honey. Commercial table honey may lack the required bioactive MGO levels and could contain contaminants unsafe for immunocompromised individuals.

  
  

This information is provided to empower patients with knowledge, not to replace the expert advice of your healthcare provider.

NZ Manuka Honey MGO 1050+

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