What is the Difference Between Manuka Honey and Normal Honey

The main difference between manuka honey and normal honey is that the manuka honey is derived from the bees that feed on the manuka plant native to New Zealand whereas normal honey is a sweet, sticky yellowish-brown fluid made by bees and other insects from the nectar collected from flowers. 

Manuka honey and normal honey are two types of honey used for various health benefits. Furthermore, manuka honey is useful in wound healing, soothing sore throats, preventing tooth decay and improving digestive issues while normal honey is useful for diabetes, lowering blood pressure, reducing bad cholesterol, etc.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Manuka Honey
     – Definition, Importance, Authentication
2. What is Normal Honey
     – Definition, Importance, Processing
3. What are the Similarities Between Manuka Honey and Normal Honey
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Manuka Honey and Normal Honey
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Manuka Honey, MGO, Normal Honey, Raw Honey, UMF

What is Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is one of the special types of honey produced by the bees that visit manuka plants (Leptospermum scoparium). It is well-known for its wound healing properties gained by the active ingredient of the manuka honey named methylglyoxal (MGO).

Figure 1: Manuka Flowers

In addition, manuka honey is thought to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties as well. Furthermore, it is good for oral health, soothing sore throats, preventing gastric ulcers, getting rid of digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Also, another two beneficial ingredients in manuka honey areleptosperin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Figure 2: Manuka Honey

Moreover, there are two trusted grading systems for manuka honey. They are MGO and UMF. MGO is responsible for measuring the methylglyoxal content in manuka honey while UMF is responsible for measuring the NPA or the non-peroxide activity. Generally, higher MGO and UMF make better manuka honey, indicating high quality and purity.

What is Normal Honey

Normal honey is a product of the multi-floral bees. Therefore, the taste, color, and the smell of honey vary based on the types of flowers visited by bees. Generally, it is a yellowish-brown color fluid, which is sticky and sweet. The main types of sugars found in honey are fructose, maltose, sucrose, and glucose. Usually, honey is considered to be a good substitution for refined sugar. Also, it contains some vitamins and minerals. But, it does not contain protein or fiber.

Figure 3: Normal Honey

In addition, one of the most important components in honey is antioxidants found more in dark color varieties. Moreover, honey can reduce the risk of heart attack and cancer while helping to lower blood pressure. Significantly, it increases the amounts of HDL, reducing the risk of heart disease.  

Moreover, based on the state of processing, normal honey can be divided into two types known as raw honey and commercial honey. Raw honey is the natural state of honey, which has not been filtered, strained or heated. In comparison, commercial honey is pasteurized, i.e., heated to high temperatures.  

Similarities Between Manuka Honey and Normal Honey

• Manuka honey and normal honey are two varieties of honey classified based on the type of plants visited by bees.
• Generally, both types of honey are runny, golden color liquids.
• Moreover, both of them have a higher nutritional value.
• Also, they have unique health benefits.

Difference Between Manuka Honey and Normal Honey

Definition

Manuka honey refers to the dark honey made exclusively from the nectar of manuka flowers, thought to have special medicinal or health-giving qualities, while normal honey refers to a sweet, sticky yellowish-brown fluid made by bees and other insects from nectar collected from flowers. Thus, this is the main difference between manuka honey and normal honey.

Type of Flowers Visited by the Bees

The unique difference between manuka honey and normal honey is that the bees that produce manuka honey visit the manuka plant while the bees that produce normal honey may visit various types of flowers.

Components

Also, a major difference between manuka honey and normal honey is their components. Manuka honey especially contains leptosperin, DHA and methylglyoxal (MGO) while normal honey contains sugars, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc.

Processing

While manuka honey is a type of raw honey, normal honey is usually pasteurized. Hence, this is another difference between manuka honey and normal honey.

Importance

Furthermore, manuka honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits while normal honey has a number of health benefits for diabetes, lowering blood pressure, reducing bad cholesterol, etc.

Conclusion

Manuka honey is a product of bees that visit manuka plant, which is native to New Zealand. The main active ingredient in manuka honey is methylglyoxal and this honey contains DHA and leptosperin as well. Therefore, manuka honey is famous for its healing properties. In contrast, normal honey is the product of bees that visit various types of flowers. It is rich in nutrients and good for diabetes. Therefore, the main difference between manuka honey and normal honey is the origin, components, and importance.

References:

1. Berkheiser, Kaitlyn. “7 Proven Benefits and Uses of Manuka Honey.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 Mar. 2018, Available Here.
2. Gunnars, Kris. “10 Surprising Health Benefits of Honey.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 5 Sept. 2018, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Manuka flowers and native bee” By Avenue – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia  
2. “Manuka honey in a bowl” By Sage Ross – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia  
3. “honey-yellow-beekeeper-nature-1958464” By Daria-Yakovleva (Pixabay License) via Pixabay