Last time, we introduced honey as nature’s medicine. Today we want to talk about a special type of honey – Unique Manuka.
Unique Manuka Honey (or UMF Honey) is a honey made from the pollen of the Manuka Tree in New Zealand. It has additional medicinal value because of compounds made specifically from this tree’s pollen. They call it the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
Manuka Honey comes with different ratings of medicinal strength, specifying how much of the UMF is in the batch. There are imitators out there. Active Manuka is not the same as Unique Manuka Honey. Additionally, look for the UMF Certification, and the container or bottle should state it is bottled and labeled in New Zealand. Manuka Honey only comes from New Zealand.
UMF ratings specify the honey’s healing activity level.
- UMF5 to UMF9 are very low activity levels
- UMF10 to UMF15 are useful levels
- UMF16 and over are superior levels with very high activity
Cautions on Honey
Always use raw unfiltered honey from local bee growers. Local raw honey retains all of its natural healing and nutritional properties when it is raw. Once pasteurized and filtered, most of the health benefits are destroyed.
Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
Also, do not eat honey made from the pollen of the rhododendron flower. In rare cases, it can make you sick.
Organic Honey
If you are looking for organic honey, make sure the label says certified organic. There is no such product as organic honey unless a beekeeper has a least a 10 square mile area that is organic where their bees can roam. Bees roam up to 5 miles daily, gathering nectar and pollen.
Honey is a bit controversial. It is considered a non-vegan food, and commercial bee production, like the slaughter of commercially raised animals, is cruel and unnecessary. It also destroys a lot of bees during honey harvesting. With that said, buy from local small beekeepers who are careful not to kill bees during the harvesting of this miracle food.
Why Honey is Awesome
Honey has very powerful healing properties and can be used with a variety of spices for additional super health-boosting potential. Honey is a healthy sugar replacement and can make recipes and foods taste great while giving us health.
Make this very anti-inflammatory smoothie by mixing 16 ounces of fresh brewed green tea, 1 tbs. of raw honey, 1 tsp. turmeric, 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon, 1 tsp. fresh ginger, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 cup organic blueberries, 1/2 cup organic strawberries, 1/2 cup organic watercress juice. Blend and drink throughout the day!
Now that you know how good raw honey is for you, start using it every day. Honey will keep you buzzzzzzing, and your taste buds and your body will love you for it!
While honey isn’t an ingredient in Vive Shake, we do recommend using organic local raw honey as part of your total nutrition plan. To see how this whole-food, fiber-rich supplement can add to your wellness routine, contact us today at info@viveshake.com or 877-878-3009.