KEMENA

Manuka Honey ()

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used honey to heal open wounds. This is shown in the world's oldest known medical treatise, a papyrus dating from the 17th century BC and now on display for the first time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Honey has been used for its healing properties for over four thousand years. The Egyptians had over 500 medical formulas based on it whilst the Greeks used it to cure skin disorders. Recent research has shown that they might have had the right idea. There is a strong folklore surrounding the Manuka plant's use in a variety of remedies by the Maori people and early European settlers (of New Zealand).

Today, modern research has shown that some Manuka honey has a potent antibacterial effect. Woody, earthy flavor tones with a hint of mineral bitterness. Enjoy on strong breads or scones, exceptional as a marinade or sauce base. While international standards require a minimum of 70% Manuka Pollen to classify as a monofloral honey, Best's honey contains 90% Manuka Pollen.

The Nutritional values of honey

Most think of honey as a sweet treat on cereal, toast or in beverages. But this liquid gold is a lot more than just delicious. Raw honey contains many important vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body is easily able to assimilate for maximum absorbency. Honey offers vitamin A, all of the B-complex vitamins, vitamins C, D, E, K, as well as beta Carotene. Among the mineral salts it offers, Magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, and manganese. Honey is full of natural Enzymes extremely important to many internal actions of many systems of the body. In fact honey has one of the highest enzyme contents of all foods. Honey also contains proteins, carbohydrates, organic acids, hormones and of course antimicrobial and antibiotic factors prized throughout the ages for its healing ability

The healing powers of honey

Maybe Winnie the Pooh had the right idea after all! Most people think of honey as something that is to be spread on bread, but few realise the many uses it has. Its unique properties mean that it is found in foods, cosmetics, and it even has a place in health care and healing. One word of caution: some studies suggest that honey should not be given to babies under the age of one year, as it may lead to poisoning.

What is honey made of?

Honey is made up from fructose, glucose, water and other sugars. It also contains many enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that your body needs. Honey contains many antioxidants that are used by the body to eliminate free radicals - molecules which zip around in healthy cells and have the potential to damage them. Honey therefore makes a good alternative to sugar in food and drink. Care must be taken though, as honey does contain lots of sugars and it must be eaten in moderation. Sugars should not generally represent more than 10 per cent of your total calorie intake.

How honey can heal

Research being carried out around the world suggests that honey helps in the healing and sterilising of wounds and ulcers, in the growth of new skin, and, has many antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The reason for this is the unique combination of properties that honey has.

Antibacterial properties

Honey is high in sugar, low in protein and quite acidic. These factors combine to make honey free from contaminants itself and help it to kill the contaminants it comes into contact with. The main antibacterial agent in honey is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is released when honey touches the skin. This is produced by the enzyme glucose oxidase which is introduced into honey by the bee. However various types of honey will contain slightly different antibacterial substances.

Manuka honey

A type of honey called Manuka honey is especially important as along with all the properties associated with it contains another component, the non-peroxide activity that is effective against more resistant bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and helicobacter pylori. It is this type of Manuka honey has been shown to be very good in treating some stomach ulcers and sore throats. Non-Peroxide Activity rating on Manuka honey. This rating goes from 0 to 20.

High Activity : Above 15

Medium Activity : 10 -15

Low Activity : 8.2 - 10

Not Detectable Below 8.2

Kemena Balance Active Manuka has a rating of 16+ and is guaranteed by independent laboratory testing to have superior anti bacterial activity. So next time you have your toast have a think about what you spread on it because you might be helping yourself more than you realise.