EDUCATION
6 minutes
Essential Takeaways
Depending on what you’re using manuka honey for, the time of day that you take it may help get you the best results.
Taking manuka honey in the morning or pre-workout can give you an energy boost. You can also take it in the evening as part of your wind-down ritual.
Whenever you choose to take manuka honey, just remember to opt for a reputable brand and UMF™ graded, like ours.
When to Eat Manuka Honey for Optimal Wellness
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes.
Packed with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, manuka honey can be a fantastic addition to your daily routine.
But knowing when to eat manuka honey is essential to maximising its potential benefits.
Whether you're looking to improve digestion, soothe a sore throat, or simply enjoy its delicious taste, timing is key.
Throughout this article, we'll explore the best times to consume manuka honey, the benefits of manuka honey, the best ways to take it, as well as important factors to consider when buying yours.
In this guide to when to eat manuka honey:
When to Eat Manuka Honey
Wondering when to eat manuka honey? Here are some recommendations for the best times of day to enjoy the benefits of this natural elixir.
For a morning boost
Starting your day with manuka honey can help to kickstart your metabolism, and give you a natural energy boost.
Begin with a teaspoon of manuka honey mixed with warm water, spread it on a slice of whole-grain toast, take your honey straight off the spoon, or add a honey dosage to your porridge (1 to 2 tablespoons).
This natural energy source provides quick-release carbohydrates, boosting your energy levels and promoting mental clarity throughout the day.
As pre-workout fuel
For an energizing pre-workout snack, consider consuming manuka honey around 30 minutes before exercise.
Its carbohydrates provide sustained energy, while its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce exercise-induced inflammation.
Mix it into a homemade energy bar, make decadent healthy bliss balls, or enjoy it straight from the spoon.
To boost your immune system
When cold and flu season strikes or you're feeling under the weather, a spoonful of manuka honey can be a powerful antiviral ally.
Its antibacterial and soothing properties of manuka honey help alleviate sore throats and coughs.
Take a tablespoon of manuka honey or mix it with warm herbal tea to reap the immune-boosting benefits.
For digestive health
If you struggle with digestive issues, taking two teaspoons of manuka honey to help 20-30 minutes before meals can be beneficial in water or tea.
Its antimicrobial properties may help reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
Mix manuka honey into a cup of coffee or chamomile tea or drizzle it over a bowl of probiotic-rich yogurt.
Before bedtime
Unwind and promote restful sleep by enjoying a dose of manuka honey before bedtime.
Its natural sugars support the release of serotonin, aiding relaxation and reducing stress.
Stir a teaspoon into a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea, such as lavender or chamomile, for a soothing bedtime ritual.
Pairings for Manuka Honey
The use of manuka honey extends far beyond standalone daily consumption. The list is endless!
It pairs wonderfully with various ingredients, enhancing both its flavour and health benefits.
Culinary delights
Try taking manuka honey with beverages and desserts, such as herbal teas, smoothies, or homemade granola bars, for a natural sweetener packed with nutrients.
Superfood combos
Combine manuka honey with other beneficial ingredients like lemon and warm water for a detoxifying morning elixir, or mix it with turmeric and ginger for an anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
Why Eat Manuka Honey?
Made from the nectar of the manuka bush in New Zealand, manuka honey is renowned for its unique components and therapeutic qualities.
Its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) and other bioactive compounds make it a potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent.
Unlike regular honey, manuka honey boasts an extraordinary range of health-promoting benefits.
To boost immunity
Manuka honey is known for its powerful antibacterial properties, making it a fantastic food to include in your diet to help boost your immunity.
It has been shown to offer benefits such as wound healing and cough relief.
Incorporating manuka honey into your daily routine can assist in keeping your immune system robust, potentially helping you ward off unwanted illnesses.
To improve digestion
Interestingly, manuka honey can also aid in improving your digestion.
Digestive problems are often caused by inflammation. manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties have made it a great treatment for ulcerative colitis, gastritis, and gastric ulcers.
When you consume this unique honey, it may help soothe your digestive system, easing symptoms like bloating or discomfort.
To improve and protect skin
Manuka honey isn't only beneficial when ingested; it can also work wonders for your skin with topical application.
Applying manuka honey to your skin can help to hydrate, decrease inflammation, and promote a bacteria-free environment.
This makes it an ideal natural ingredient for face masks and other skin care treatments, giving you a glowing, healthier complexion.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Manuka Honey
When you're selecting the perfect manuka honey to fit your needs, there are a few factors to consider.
First and foremost, consider what you want to use the manuka honey for. There are various uses ranging from skincare, wound care, and general health benefits.
Knowing your purpose for using manuka honey helps you choose the right grade and feel confident in your purchase.
Manuka honey grades
There are a number of manuka honey gradings and ratings designed to help consumers choose the right honey for them (and verify that it’s the real deal).
Our honeys are tested and graded according to the UMF™ system (which stands for Unique Manuka Factor); considered the most rigorous and robust in the world.
A UMF™ graded manuka honey is a fresh, raw, monofloral manuka honey produced in New Zealand.
By sticking to UMF™ graded manuka honey, you can be sure that you’re getting the best, most natural product with the greatest chance at fantastic results.
Choosing the right grade for you
The UMF™ grades increased based on the amount of methylglyoxal (MGO) present in the honey.
This is the good stuff, the chemical compound associated with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
So the UMF™ grade for you should be based on what you want to use the honey for.
If you want to take manuka honey daily for a general health and wellness boost, opt for lower grades:
For a stronger antibacterial hit, or for minor medical application, opt for the middle grades:
And if you want the most potent antiviral and antibacterial properties for more severe medical conditions, to reduce inflammation, to treat wounds, help heal wounds, or just the optimal health and wellness boost, go for the highest grades:
Still unsure which is right for you?
Choosing a reputable manuka honey brand
Unfortunately, due to its global reputation and higher price tag, there are plenty of manuka honey imposters on the market.
Or producers that aren’t always the most responsible.
So when looking for your manuka honey, make sure you buy from a brand that is transparent about their accreditations and processes.
Like us!
Trust New Zealand Honey Co. for Your Manuka Honey
We only work with the best, most responsible beekeepers throughout New Zealand to ensure that our manuka honey is consistently top quality.
No matter what you’re using your manuka honey for, we have the grade for you.