Can Manuka Honey Help In Diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of diseases that are associated with abnormally high levels of sugars in the bloodstream over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms may include frequent urination, increased hunger and increased thirst. If left unchecked, diabetes can cause a number of complications such as foot ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, eye damage etc. What is manuka honey? The honey obtained from the nectar secreted by wild Manuka trees found in New Zealand is called Manuka Honey. Manuka honey has several naturally occurring properties that have a number of health benefits, and it is due to these properties that Manuka honey is considered a “wonderfood”. There are several compounds present in Manuka honey that are not present in regular honey, but one of the most important of these is Methylglyoxal. It is by the virtue of this compound that manuka honey possesses most of its properties, including its antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic functions. How can manuka honey help in diabetes? Manuka honey has therapeutic properties that are beneficial in diabetes, but one of the questions that arises is it safe to eat manuka honey when you have diabetes. 1.Manuka honey is safe to consume in diabetes Manuka honey contains a number of flavonoids and sugars and due to this manuka honey can be used as a substitute for the regular processed sugar obtained from sugarcane. In fact, honey is actually sweeter than regular sugar. It has been proved by studies that despite the presence of a number of sugar compounds in honey, it is actually healthier for people as people have a higher tolerance for the sugars contained in honey than regular glucose. This study was conducted on September 2007, and looked into the tolerance level of patients to honey who already had impair Continue reading >>
Can Diabetics Eat Honey?
Is honey bad for diabetics? I hear this question a lot. And for good reasons! Diabetics are advised a low-sugar diet. Its simple science actually — the less sugar you put into your body, the more stable your blood sugar levels. And since honey is nature’s sweetener, by default, many diabetics avoid it. But is raw, organic, all-natural honey actually bad for diabetics? Can diabetics eat honey, if they take extreme care to purchase only the highest quality raw honey? Let’s find out. Is Honey Bad for Diabetics? The answer to that question is – it depends. On what, you ask? On what kind of honey you eat, if it’s organic and all-natural or not, and how much of it you add to your diet. Let’s first understand how honey differs from sugar. 100 grams of honey contains about 82% sugar by weight, while 100gm of sugar contains 99.9% sugar. While pure honey has a glycemic index of 58, sugar’s glycemic index is 60. But where honey trumps over sugar is in its vitamin and mineral content. It contains nearly 200 different substances, especially antioxidants, which may protect against several diseases. Additionally, honey and sugar have different impacts on blood sugar levels. A study conducted at Dubai Specialized Medical Center and Medical Research Laboratories proved that natural honey lowers plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and blood lipids in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic subjects. Researchers found that while 75g of honey did raise blood sugar and insulin levels in the first two hours, 75g of pure glucose raised them both significantly more. The initial blood sugar spike measured at 30 minutes was greater from honey than from glucose. However, blood sugar levels in the honey group then dropped lower than sugar, and remained lower for the next Continue reading >>
How Does Honey Help Diabetics?
Honey is popular as a natural sweetener. But, did you know that it can help keep diabetes in control? Given that anything ‘sweet’ is out of bounds for diabetics, this sounds impossible, right? Just because honey is sweet to taste, it does not mean that honey and sugar act in the same fashion. The former is actually good for diabetes. Curious? Read on to know how can diabetics eat honey. Diabetes – A Brief Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is a disease where your body fails to either produce insulin or use it properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the cells to use glucose from the food as energy. When this glucose can no longer reach the cells, it stays in your blood, thus raising the blood sugar levels. The ingested sugars and starches cannot be used up as energy, and hence are eliminated through urine (1). Signs And Symptoms Symptoms of diabetes include: Frequent urination Extreme thirst or hunger Weight loss Fatigue Numbness Infection Types Of Diabetes There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce any insulin. On the other hand, people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or their cells do not use it properly. As a result, type 2 diabetes patients tend to be overweight and obese due to the high insulin levels. Their bodies are unable to channel glucose into the muscle cells, and end up converting glucose into fat and cholesterol instead. Can Diabetics Eat Honey? is honey good for diabetics? Well, many people are of the opinion that honey should not be consumed by people who have diabetes. But, is it true? Let’s find out. What makes honey better than refined sugar for diabetes? People ar Continue reading >>
What Is Manuka Honeyand Why Is It So Good For You?
Healthy foodies have fallen head over heels for manuka honey, a type of honey that hailsfrom New Zealand. Pronounced "MAH-nooka," it'snamed after the manukabush, from whichbees gather nectar and pollen. In turn, these bees producemanukahoney,explains Frances Largeman-Roth , RD, nutritionist and author of Eating in Color, who recently went to New Zealand to learn about manukahoney. RELATED: 9 Surprising Beauty Uses for Raw Honey Honey in general has long been praisedfor its antibacterialproperties. But manuka honeyis thought to be an even stronger infection fighter, and some studies suggest that manuka honey's benefits extend to treatingskin problems and complications from diabetes. To find out what all the buzz is about, we looked into the research on manukahoney benefits and spoke to experts about where to find it, how it's produced, andif it really is the next trendysuperfood. All honey has some antibiotic qualities, Largeman-Rothtells Health. In typical honey, it is hydrogen peroxide that provides this benefit, whereas in manuka honey, its UMF that is antibiotic. UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor, a grading system that uses a scale of 5 to 20 to gauge each batch of honey'santibacterial strength. RELATED: This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Sugar The UMF is determined bylevels of threecompoundsfoundnaturally in manukahoney. (The UMF Honey Association oversees the grading.) Leptisperinis anectar from the manukabush, DHAis a type ofomega-3 fatty acid, and methylglyoxal isan antibacterial component. The higher the UMF number, the stronger manuka honeys antibacterial propertiesmeaning it can be used to treat wounds, cuts, burns, and even bed sores, says Largeman-Roth. Types of manukahoney that possess a UMF content of 12 or higher are actually considered med Continue reading >>
Manuka Honey Diabetes Natureword
14 Great Benefits of Manuka Honey: Manuka honey is a highly prized variety of monofloral honey with excellent therapeutic effects. The therapeutic effects of the honey are a result of its strong antibacterial properties which have a direct and beneficial action on respiratory, digestive, immune system and skin health. Eating the raw honey can help manage and even treat a wide range of health issues, from respiratory tract infections, sore throat and cough to gastritis, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, hypoglycemia, low energy levels, fatigue and even poor appetite or difficulty falling asleep. How does manuka honey work? The honey is a source of important elements such as the antibacterial agent methylglyoxal, but also anti-inflammatory elements, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, pollen and other particles, natural sugars, all of which work synergically towards better health. Methylglyoxal, MGO for short, is a natural antibacterial unique to manuka honeys and the secret behind their health benefits and effectiveness. While most other honeys contain hydrogen peroxide as the main antibacterial element, manuka honey has methylglyoxal and it is this particular element that is responsible for the strong antimicrobial action of the honey andengenders other benefits. In order to enjoy all of its benefits, manuka honey has to be raw and unprocessed, especially unheated. As a general rule, when it comes to all honey, any form of processing, be it heating, filtering, liquefying, pasteurizing, adding sugar or corn syrup to make it more affordable, takes away from its benefits. Also, for best results, it is recommended to eat 1-3 tablespoons of the raw honey a day, on an empty stomach for digestive problems and after a meal for respiratory infections (and avoid eating or drin Continue reading >>
Manuka Honey Good For Diabetes
IsManuka honey good for diabetes? There has been a growing popularity of Manuka honey being a natural agent for healing various ailments, including wounds, digestive problems, sore throat, leg ulcers, and many more. But how about diabetes? Well there has been various sources that cited the benefit of Manuka honey but when it comes to treating diabetes, this honey still falls under the category of grey area. It is also important to be noted that the reputation of this honey as well as clinical and anecdotal evidences for its healing quality came from an active and regular use of the substance. It is also worth to be kept in mind that usually, the higher the UMF or Unique Manuka Factor is, the better. This is because a high UMF rating (usually 10 or higher than that) indicates the strength of antiseptic and antibiotic properties of this honey and it is tested using a special test from independent laboratories. Not Every Use of Manuka Honey Good for Diabetes Some extra care should be practiced when it comes to Diabetics consumption of Manuka honey. While honey is much better than processed sugar in many aspects, but it is still a natural honey and each individual suffering from diabetes might have different capability of taking and processing honey in their diet. Manuka honey contains a lower level of GI in comparison to sucrose or the refined cane sugars, which is also something that typically must be avoided by people suffering from diabetes since it is comprised of fructose and glucose. On the other hand, it also has minerals and vitamins that could help balancing the level of blood sugar level, a particular quality that makes may people thinkManuka honey good for diabetes. Nevertheless it is still a form of sugar, therefore it is strongly suggested that diabetics take Continue reading >>
Diabetes Foods: Is Honey A Good Substitute For Sugar?
I have diabetes, and I'm wondering if I can substitute honey for sugar in my diet? Answers from M. Regina Castro, M.D. Generally, there's no advantage to substituting honey for sugar in a diabetes eating plan. Both honey and sugar will affect your blood sugar level. Honey is sweeter than granulated sugar, so you might use a smaller amount of honey for sugar in some recipes. But honey actually has slightly more carbohydrates and more calories per teaspoon than does granulated sugar — so any calories and carbohydrates you save will be minimal. If you prefer the taste of honey, go ahead and use it — but only in moderation. Be sure to count the carbohydrates in honey as part of your diabetes eating plan. Continue reading >>
Manuka Honey: Uses, Benefits, And More
Manuka honey is used as a natural ointment for wounds of all kinds. It has been hailed as a go-to germ fighter in an age of resistance to conventional antibiotics. Proponents also claim that Manuka honey can treat other conditions from acne to sinus issues. Manuka honey hasnt been used very long as a traditional remedy. Its the product of the New Zealand scrub plant that gives it its name. European honey bees introduced it to the area in the early 19th century. When bees pollinate from this plant, their honey is more potent than standard honey bee honey. This is because it has a higher concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO). When it comes to superfoods, raw honey is associated with health benefits. Manuka isnt a raw honey, but it is specialized. Its antibacterial and bacterial resistant. This means that bacteria shouldnt be able to build up a tolerance to its antibacterial effects. Manuka honey is said to be effective for treating everything from a sore throat to clearing up blemishes on your skin. Other purported benefits of honey include: Unlike most alternative treatments, theres scientific evidence to support the healing benefits of Manuka honey. These benefits include: As with other honeys, Manuka honey can help heal wounds. All forms of honey are acidic and have a pH between 3.2 and 4.5. The acidic properties of honey have been shown to promote healing. The acidity also blocks enzymes that break down the proteins and peptides the body needs to repair itself. The high concentration of sugar in honey also helps protect wounds. Honey is low in moisture and draws fluid from a wound. This helps remove waste and speed along the healing process. Honey also draws water out of the cells of invading bacteria. Bacteria need water to grow and survive. Drawing the water out of Continue reading >>
How To Use Manuka Honey To Fight Inflammation, Diabetes And Cancer
Honey is one of nature’s greatest gifts. As well as being a nutritious and delicious food, the golden syrup has incredible medicinal benefits. In fact, honey has a unique set of antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, digestive and antioxidant properties. Not all honeys are the same. One of the most medicinal honeys available is Manuka Honey, which is currently the only medical-grade honey on the market. What Is Manuka Honey? Manuka honey comes from nectar collected by honeybees foraging on the manuka tree, which grows in New Zealand. It was traditionally used by the Maori people to treat wounds and burns. To be considered potent enough to be therapeutic, manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF (unique manuka factor). Honey at or above that level is marketed as “UMF Manuka Honey” or “Active Manuka Honey” (1). Manuka Honey Is Well-Known For THIS… Manuka honey is often used by doctors to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria. “The unique [antibiotic] properties of honey lie in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance,” says Susan M. Meschwitz, Ph.D. That is, it uses a combination of weapons, including hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar concentration and polyphenols — all of which actively kill bacterial cells, she explains. The osmotic effect, which is the result of the high sugar concentration in honey, draws water from the bacterial cells, dehydrating and killing them. It may also interfere with Quorum sensing, the way by which bacteria communicate with each other and spread. (source) Manuka honey is also believed to stop bacteria from attaching to tissue at the molecular level (2). Researchers also say that honey has been shown to Continue reading >>
Is Manuka Honey Safe?
When people hear about manuka honeys exceptional antibacterial strength, their first reaction is usually amazement or skepticism. After that, its not uncommon to hear:Is manuka honey safe? When I first heard about manuka honey, I had the same question. This post will go over some of the common questions I see about the safety of manuka honey. Im not a doctor though, so dont take this as medical advice. This is the information that Ive found while answering these questions for myself and I hope you find it useful. The short answer is: Yes,Manuka honey is safe to eat. The body of research around manuka honey is still growing. Its growing quickly but there is still much we have yet to learn about manuka honey and how it interacts with our bodies. With that said, there are a handful of studies that specifically seek to answer whether manuka honey is safe to eat. The most thorough one that Ive come across was this study . Participants in the study consumed 20 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of UMF 20+ manuka honey every day over a 4 week period. Researchers used UMF 20+ manuka honey because it is some of the highest quality manuka you can buy. They also ran the clinical trial with a multi-floral honey so they could compare the effect of manuka honey to a regular honey. Neither product changed the levels of IgE or CML or altered gut microbial profiles during the trial, confirming that UMF 20+ is safe for healthy individuals to consume. In short, they found that the manuka honey didnt reduce the level of good digestive bacteria nor did it have any other negative side effects. Some researchers have raised concerns over the methylglyoxal content in manuka honey. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the substance that researchers hold primarily responsible for manuka honeys healing properties. It Continue reading >>
Manuka Honey: Medicinal Uses, Benefits, And Side Effects
Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. Advocates say it treats wound infections and other conditions. WebMD takes a look at what the science says about using manuka honey as a medicine. Honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. It wasn't until the late 19th century that researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities. Honey protects against damage caused by bacteria. Some honey also stimulates production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. But not all honey is the same. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the type of honey as well as when and how it's harvested. Some kinds of honey may be much more potent than others. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by honey. It gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But some types of honey, including manuka honey, also have other components with antibacterial qualities. Another antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. In manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound -- dihydroxyacetone -- that is found in the nectar of manuka flowers. MG is thought to give manuka honey some of its antibacterial power. The higher the concentration of MG, the possibly stronger the antibiotic effect. But, there may also be other compounds involved in the medicinal effect of manuka honey. Honey producers have developed a scale for rating the potency of manuka honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. The UMF rating is thought to correspond with the concentration of MG and other compounds. Not all honey labeled as manuka honey contains significant levels of antibacterial fa Continue reading >>
Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Eat Honey?
People with diabetes are often told they should not eat sweets and other foods that contain sugar because they may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. So, could honey be a healthful alternative to sugar-filled sweets and snacks? Blood sugar (glucose) levels are the amounts of sugar found in the blood. Sugar is the body's primary source of energy. Insulin is secreted from the pancreas to maintain blood sugar. The bodies of people with diabetes do not produce enough insulin or use it correctly. Contents of this article: What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugar provide the body with most of its needed energy. Carbohydrates make up half of recommended daily caloric intake. Carbohydrates are present in most foods, including: fruits vegetables milk grains beans honey white sugar brown sugar candy desserts The amount and type of carbohydrates consumed affect blood sugar levels. To keep their blood sugar at a safe level, people with diabetes should limit their total carbohydrate intake to between 45 grams (g) and 60 g per meal or less. As such, it is important to choose healthful, non-processed, high-fiber carbohydrates and control portion sizes. What is honey? Raw honey starts out as flower nectar. After being collected by bees, nectar naturally breaks down into simple sugars and is stored in honeycombs. The honeycombs trigger the nectar to evaporate, which creates a thick, sweet liquid known as honey. Honey, like other sugars, is a condensed source of carbohydrates. One tablespoon of honey contains at least 17 g of carbohydrates. While this amount may seem small, it adds up pretty quickly depending on how many carbohydrates a person consumes at a meal sitting. While honey is made up of sugar, it also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant Continue reading >>
Is Honey Bad For Diabetes?
Tina M. St. John runs a health communications and consulting firm. She is also an author and editor, and was formerly a senior medical officer with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. St. John holds an M.D. from Emory University School of Medicine. Honey may be considered an occasional treat on a diabetic diet.Photo Credit: Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images Honey is not completely forbidden to those on a diabetes nutrition plan. Honey contains a high concentration of sugars and more calories per teaspoon than table sugar. Small amounts of honey are permitted on a diabetic diet, although you need to monitor the total carbohydrates in your nutrition plan to be sure you do not exceed your daily target. Avoid consuming a large amount of honey to prevent a steep rise in your blood sugar level. Honey contains the sugars glucose and fructose. Fructose predominates in most honey varieties; the higher the fructose concentration, the sweeter the honey tastes. A tablespoon of honey contains approximately 17.3 g of sugars. Because glucose and fructose are single sugar molecules, they are directly absorbed from your small intestine. The rapid absorption of the sugars in honey may cause an increase in your blood glucose level. You can dampen this effect by eating food that contains protein, fiber or fat when you consume honey. Many people are surprised to learn that honey contains more calories than table sugar. A tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories compared to 47 calories for a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Although honey has more calories than table sugar, you may use less of it in your tea or coffee because it is slightly sweeter than table sugar. Frequent consumption of honey can contribute to weight gain, which may exacerbate your diabetes. Limiting you Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes | Abdominal Disorders | Patient
I have just been diagnosed with pre diabetics which I have never heard of via a routine blood test. I was invited to the the diabetic nurse at my GP s surgery. She weighed me told me I should lose a couple of inches around my waist and told me I have to go on a 5 2 diet, not a lot was explained to me and I was in shock so didn't really say much nor ask many questions I'm not obese nor fat I think I'm a normal size with a waistline where maybe I could do with losing a few pounds but no more. My diet is I believe healthy eat lots of veg no junk food and I can't tell her of any of my family had diabetics as they are mostly dead. I'm 57 yrs old and relatively healthy apart from reflux disease I've since had 2 letters asking me to go for a foot check and eye test I was also told now my risk of heart disease is higher and talked of losing limbs. I don't need meds I was told but all on all I'm on shock. Any and all comments welcomed Thank you. Paul. I'm in the uk by the way Hi. Diabetes 2 can be reversed and if you are slim and fairly fit it shouild be easier, but you have to change your diet and stick with it. The doctors rarely tell you this because they prefer to deal with symptoms and use medication. Garlic might be a thought (the supplement each day) to help thin the blood and maybe a few other things. Natural is best with a thing like this anyway. Pre Diabetes is getting a lot of press publicity at the moment. If you Google it you will find a lot of newspaper articles on it. They are really using scare tactics on you, sounds like it was a practice nurse and not your doctor:-) I often wonder how much doctors interest is prompted by by the large payments they get for each diabetic on their register and doing an annual check up. I would much sooner that they took a greater Continue reading >>
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. Advocates say it has been in traditional use for generations to treat wound infections. More recently it has been tested as a weapon against hospital infections like MRSA. Because of the way health products are licenced in Europe and the UK, unless there’s validated scientific evidence for any health benefits, manufacturers are not allowed to make any health or medicinal claims about their product. We take a look at what the science says about manuka honey. Healing power of honey Honey has been used since ancient times to treat multiple conditions. In the late 19th century researchers discovered that honey has natural antibacterial qualities. Honey protects against damage caused by bacteria. Some honey also stimulates production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. In addition, honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can quickly reduce pain and inflammation once it is applied. Not all honey is the same. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the type of honey as well as when and how it’s harvested. Some kinds of honey may be 100 times more potent than others. Components of manuka honey Hydrogen peroxide is a component of honey. It gives most honey its antibiotic quality, but some types of honey, including manuka honey, also have other components with antibacterial qualities. The major antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. In manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound – dihydroxyacetone – that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers. MG gives manuka honey its antibacterial power. The higher th Continue reading >>
