Manuka Honey Brain Benefits: The Story So Far

Published:
Updated:
EDUCATION

EDUCATION

14 minutes, 30 seconds

Essential Takeaways

Studies investigating honey and the brain suggest honey's antioxidant compounds may support general brain health and everyday cognitive wellbeing. Much of this research is early and has been carried out in laboratory or animal models, so more work is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

At the time of writing, the most common thread across research into honey and the brain is its antioxidant properties. Since the brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, researchers see this as an interesting area for further study.

There is currently no science-backed conclusion as to which honey is "best" for the brain. But Manuka honey is particularly high in antioxidants, with well-characterised anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so many people choose it as part of a balanced daily wellness routine.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional about any health concern, and in an emergency.

As our most precious organ alongside the heart, our brains are fundamental to how we see, experience, and interpret the world.

Which is ironic, considering that the brain itself has never actually seen, heard, or felt anything.

Since this jelly-like organ is responsible for all the richness of human experience, it’s not surprising that we still don’t fully understand how or why it works (Allen Institute).

Honey has been enjoyed as a functional food with diverse traditional uses for millennia. In recent years, researchers have been investigating honey’s antioxidant compounds and how they interact with the body and brain.

The findings are, quite literally, mind-boggling. And that’s what we’ll be exploring here.

In this guide to Manuka honey and the brain:

Key Research Highlights

2014 Review

Reviewing the historical and scientific literature, researchers noted that honey has traditionally been regarded as a memory-supporting food and that, in laboratory studies, honey polyphenols showed nootropic (memory-related) effects (Neurological effects of honey, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

2015 Study

In rats exposed to loud-noise stress, researchers observed that honey influenced markers of oxidative stress and brain-growth proteins (Noise & Health).

2019 Study

In a mouse model, researchers found that a honey-associated flavonoid (luteolin) was linked to hippocampal neurogenesis — the creation of neurons (Neural Regeneration Research).

2020 Study

In a small human study, researchers investigated honey supplementation and measures of short-term memory over an 8-week period (Heliyon30793-3)).

2020 Study

In an animal study, researchers looked at honey’s polyphenol content and markers related to stress (CNS & Neurological Disorders).

2022 Review

Researchers reviewing the evidence examined honey’s polyphenols and antioxidant properties in the context of brain ageing, noting that oxidative stress is thought to play a role and that most findings so far are preclinical (MDPI).

2023 Review

Researchers reviewing honey’s phenolic and flavonoid content described its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and its potential relevance to cognition, largely on the basis of laboratory and animal studies (Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience).

2023 Study

Researchers reported that honey naturally contains melatonin and related compounds, of interest to those studying honey and sleep (National Library of Medicine).

What We Know About Honey and the Brain

Is honey good for the brain?

To answer this question, let’s delve into what a healthy brain needs to function, and what scientists are studying about honey.

A healthy brain benefits from a well-balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants, protein, and glucose. It’s supported by healthy levels of oxygen through exercise, and it gets plenty of sleep to rest and recuperate (Brain Foundation).

All these things provide our fattiest organ (the brain) with the vital compounds that it needs to keep developing, store immense amounts of information, fire electrical signals at around 350 miles per hour, and generate a similar amount of power to your bedside lamp (Northwestern Medicine).

Whether we want to feel our best day to day, our brain is mission control. Depending on the resources we provide, like nutrition, rest, and movement, the brain makes the call (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

Natural foods and supplements that people add to a healthy lifestyle are popular, though it’s worth remembering that a food is not a substitute for a balanced diet or medical care (Harvard Health).

Honey has been used as a functional food by many different cultures throughout the world for thousands of years (Honey and health, National Library of Medicine).

In the last few decades, scientists have looked more closely at honey’s composition — and one consistent finding is that honey is rich in antioxidant compounds (Mărgăoan et al., 2021) [1].

Researchers are especially interested in honey’s phenolic content:

“The presence of the phenolic content (gallic, syringic, benzoic, trans-cinnamic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids) and flavonoids contents (catechin, kaempferol, naringenin, luteolin, and apigenin) in honey work as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent…”

- Honey on brain health, a 2023 review (Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience).

So, what we know about honey and the brain is limited but growing. Evidence about its antioxidant compounds is emerging, which we’ll explore in more detail next.

SHOP REAL RAW MANUKA

5 Areas Researchers Are Exploring

Research into honey and the brain has looked at five broad areas: general brain health and function, memory and learning, everyday stress and relaxation, sleep, and healthy brain ageing.

Let’s look at each, and then we’ll explore why many people choose Manuka honey.

1. Honey for general brain function and wellness

Despite comprising just 2% of the body, the brain requires 20% of our oxygen supply (University of Rochester). As a result, it is highly susceptible to oxidative stress.

Honey is naturally rich in phenolic compounds. These have antioxidant properties, which is why researchers describe honey as a source of antioxidant support (News Medical Life Sciences).

In reviewing the laboratory and animal literature, researchers have described honey’s antioxidant compounds in the context of brain structure and cholinergic and inflammatory pathways — though they emphasise that much of this work is still preclinical (Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience; Journal of Neuroinflammation).

For many people, enjoying Manuka honey is simply a pleasant part of a balanced daily wellness routine.

2. Honey for memory and learning

The idea that we only use 10% of our brains is a myth (McGovern Institute). We just have access to different parts at varied times, depending on what we’re doing.

The “tip of the tongue” phenomenon is a great illustration of how this works (Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviour). You strain to remember something that you definitely know, and it doesn’t come to you until you’ve stopped thinking about it so hard.

In fact, we have the ability to learn and store an enormous amount of information (Clinical Neurology Specialists; Scientific American).

Honey has long been of interest to researchers here:

“The belief that honey is a memory-boosting food supplement is actually ethnotraditional as well as ancient in nature. Raw honey possesses nootropic effects…”

- Neurological effects of honey, a 2014 review (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

Most memory research has so far been conducted in animals. Reported at the level the studies reached:

  • In a mouse model, a honey-associated flavonoid was linked to neurogenesis, which is associated with learning and memory (Neural Regeneration Research).

  • In rats, researchers observed effects on oxidative-stress markers and brain-growth proteins (Noise & Health).

A small number of human studies have also investigated honey and antioxidant activity related to memory formation (Journal of Food Science).

When it comes to honey and memory, evidence is limited but of continued research interest — and many people simply enjoy Manuka honey as part of their day.

3. Honey for everyday stress and relaxation

Researchers have looked at honey’s antioxidant compounds in relation to stress markers, mostly in animal studies:

“…a promising role… through the antioxidant activity of its polyphenolic content.”

- Stingless bee honey and metabolic-disease-induced rats, a 2020 study (CNS & Neurological Disorders).

Other researchers have examined honey and stress-related hormones such as cortisol in a small human study (Enfermería Clínica).

This research is early and ongoing. In the meantime, Manuka honey can be a comforting addition to a healthy, balanced diet.

4. Honey for sleep

“Sleep is important to a number of brain functions… Recent findings suggest that sleep plays a housekeeping role that removes toxins in your brain that build up while you are awake.”

- Brain basics: understanding sleep, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

A good snooze is vital for our brains, and a warm honey drink is a lovely part of a relaxing bedtime routine.

Points researchers have noted:

  • Honey naturally contains melatonin and related compounds (National Library of Medicine).

  • Honey provides carbohydrate linked to tryptophan, an amino acid involved in producing melatonin and serotonin (Medline Plus).

And the best thing about a bedtime honey drink? You get to enjoy a lovely warm cuppa before you head to bed. So, if in doubt, we recommend saving it for bedtime.

And so do our customers, it seems.

"Not having introduced anything else new into my diet, I’ve noticed clear changes since starting my Manuka honey routine. My energy levels have increased, and I’m sleeping much better."

- Virginia, Palmerston North, New Zealand, verified buyer | UMF™ 28+ | MGO 1450+

“I love the taste, but what I mostly enjoy is the heaviness the honey gives my tea, which helps me sleep so very soundly.”

- Brenda W., verified buyer | UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+

“We have been using Manuka Honey UMF™ 28+ for over 1 month. Not having introduced anything else new in our diet, we’ve noticed improved levels of energy and a much improved sleeping pattern.”

- Anonymous, verified buyer | UMF™ 28+ | MGO 1450+

5. Honey and healthy brain ageing — an active research area

Healthy brain ageing is a major focus for scientists (National Geographic).

Here, too, it’s honey’s antioxidant compounds that draw researchers’ attention. Reviewing the evidence, researchers have examined honey’s polyphenols in relation to oxidative stress and brain ageing — while emphasising this work is early and largely preclinical:

“Dissection of key components of the composition of honey has deciphered many compounds which are individually appreciated for their role in improvement of cognition and neurodegenerative disorders.”

- The gut–brain axis, cognition and honey, a 2020 review (Springer).

We can’t claim honey does anything for any disease, but its antioxidant compounds remain an area of genuine scientific curiosity (MDPI).

SHOP REAL RAW MANUKA

Which Honey Is Best

The research on honey and the brain uses a variety of different honey types. But there’s a common theme around why honey is of interest: its antioxidant properties.

Studies have shown that Manuka honey offers a high antioxidant capacity relative to some other honey types (National Library of Medicine) and is well known for its antibacterial properties, too (Ballard, 2012, Emergency Medicine News) [3].

It’s also the world’s most regulated honey. And when honey is one of the most faked foods out there, this is pretty important.

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF™) grading system was specifically designed as an independent test that verifies pure, raw, potent and authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand.

It was set up to protect the integrity of this remarkable honey, and to help consumers ensure that what they buy is the real deal.

The higher the UMF™ number, the more potent its beneficial compounds.

So, if you’re choosing a honey to enjoy as part of your daily wellness routine, look no further.

Shop Manuka honey.

3 Brain Food Honey Recipes

Let’s get to the good part: eating your delicious Manuka honey.

With its decadent caramel-like consistency and flavour, the possibilities are (almost) endless. In fact, we listed over 170 ways to use Manuka honey here.

Below are some tasty ideas your brain might love.

1. Manuka honey in your tea or coffee

Good news for coffee drinkers: coffee is naturally rich in antioxidant compounds — just enjoy it in moderation to keep your caffeine sensible (Healthline).

If you prefer tea, green and black tea are also popular sources of flavonoids and L-theanine.

Add Manuka honey to your warm coffee or green tea for an added bonus:

2. Manuka honey salmon salad

Our brains love fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts and seeds (Unity Point Health). So why not jazz up your usual salad with all of the above?

It’s best to use Manuka honey raw and not cook with it to retain all the beneficial compounds, so simply drizzle your honey over the salad bowl before serving - or mix it with olive oil, mustard, lemon juice and pepper for an irresistible dressing.

Simple, easy, and delicious.

3. Manuka honey and dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is a delicious and decadent antioxidant-rich treat.

Why not try one of our Manuka honey recipes with dark chocolate to really cheer up your week:

Enjoy Everyday Wellness With New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey

By opting for New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey, you are choosing quality you can taste.

Independently tested and UMF™ graded, our Manuka honey is pure, raw, non-GMO, glyphosate-free, and sustainably produced by only the most responsible beekeepers throughout New Zealand.

As pristine as the wild and rugged landscapes that produced it, our honey is loved by customers across the world for its purity, quality and authenticity.

Shop the range.

Unsure which grade is right for you?

Take the quiz.

Suggested further reading:

Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Receive our latest releases, offers, guides and more.

References

[1] Mărgăoan R, Topal E, et al. "Monofloral Honeys as a Potential Source of Natural Antioxidants, Minerals and Medicine." Antioxidants. 2021. DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071023

[3] Ballard DL. "Screened & Examined." Emergency Medicine News. 2012. DOI: 10.1097/01.eem.0000421441.70198.cc

Sources