Manuka honey is named after a bush that is indigenous to New Zealand.
The honey made from bees that surround these bushes undergoes rigorous testing.
If the honey is found to meet certain quality control standards, it can then be considered and marketed as manuka honey.
Some studies show that manuka honey can be more healthy than regular honey.
Manuka honey has no added sweetener, so its sugar content can be lower than pasteurized honey.
It is also considered an anti-bacterial and -inflammatory, meaning it can be used topically, as well.
Due to its anti-bacterial properties, manuka honey is also thought to prevent tooth decay.
Manuka honey is also thought to promote gut health because it feeds probiotic microbes in the intestines.
This can assist with digestion and with the absorption of nutrients.
Manuka honey can also help improve facial skin.
Its antibacterial properties can curtail the spread of acne.
Manuka honey can be expensive, so it's good to make sure that you're buying an authentic product.
Authentic manuka honey receives a UMF rating, with the highest rating labeled UMF16+.
More affordable versions of the product are available in the UMF10—15 range.