All About the Vitamins and Minerals in Manuka Honey

Discover the science behind Manuka Honey and how it delivers its unique nutritional and health properties.

Vitamins and minerals are organic compounds that your body needs to perform all its essential functions - like growing tissues, regulating metabolism and maintaining a healthy immune system. Like most things your body needs, vitamins and minerals are best when they come from food, rather than a dietary supplement. By eating real, unprocessed, whole foods in your diet, you’re getting the best of these essential compounds.

Keep reading to gain an understanding of the nutritional properties of Manuka Honey. And to discover why a daily dose of the powerful gift from nature could be a great addition to your health, fitness and wellness routine.

Why is Manuka Honey such a nutritional wonder?
Manuka Honey is far more complex than any other type of honey and Comvita has been studying the science of this unique and special honey for decades. Manuka Honey contains over 2,000 different natural compounds (far more than any other honey), making it a powerful and complex natural product.

These powerful bioactivities work together to provide Manuka Honey’s famed health properties - and the higher the Unique Manuka Factor (UMFTM), the higher the concentration of these beneficial compounds.

Established in 1974, Comvita pioneered the Manuka Honey category and remains at the forefront of discovering and understanding the science behind Manuka Honey and what makes it so special.

Over 9,000 papers have been published on Manuka Honey in scientific literature, including a vast amount of research supporting the unique composition, bioactivities, and health properties of Manuka Honey. Many of these studies show that Manuka Honey can support wellbeing and help to soothe dry and tickly throats.X

There is also emerging evidence on the digestive health properties of Manuka Honey and, as a world-leader in Manuka Honey, Comvita is at the forefront of scientific discoveries in this space.

Is Manuka Honey a healthier sweetener than sugar?
One way to kick-start a healthier way of life can be to cut out refined sugar and replace it with something more natural. Honey primarily consists of natural sugars derived from the nectar of flowers, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose - with different types of honey having different types and proportions of these sugars2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Honey also contains a diverse range of other nutrients not found in other sweeteners like table sugar, including proteins, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and phenolic compounds5. At least 181 other minor components have also been identified in honey and this number is still increasing4.

Note that the exact composition of honey varies depending on its floral source and the bee species that make the honey – it is a natural product after all!

Here you can see the composition differences between Manuka Honey and sugar.

What are the vitamins and minerals found in Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals which help support the normal body functions10,11,12 including B-vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

So, why not try it as a natural, sweetener in warm drinks, and smoothies, drizzled on cereal or oats, spread on toast, fresh bread or pancakes – and even in cooking and baking?

Why athletes use Manuka Honey in their fitness routine
When Comvita Manuka Honey is on your spoon, you’re golden. Elite athletes, nutrition coaches, and strength coaches are often choosing Comvita’s raw, Certified UMF™ Manuka Honey as a clean, natural energy source before cycling, running, weightlifting and more.

LOTTIE BILDIRICI
Adidas Nutrition Coach / Runner / Swimmer / Cyclist
@runningonveggies

“I recently discovered Comvita UMF™ Manuka Honey and it has been my go-to topping to add a bit of sweetness, and its natural properties that help to aid gut health and digestion. Before a workout I like to have Manuka Honey with oats because it’s easily absorbed and gives me the energy I need to fuel my run.”

Pack in the vitamins and minerals with this super smoothie recipe
Smoothies are a super effortless way to get in goodness on the go, particularly if you’re short on time. Our berry smoothie recipe uses antioxidant-rich berries, mango, spinach and hydrating coconut water – which is balanced out with yogurt and protein powder to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Of course, no berry smoothie is complete without a teaspoon of honey for a little extra sweetness!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ oz frozen mixed berries
• 2 oz frozen mango
• Handful of baby spinach
• 200 ml coconut water
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 tbsp Comvita Manuka Honey

Directions
Place all ingredients into a medium blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve in a tall glass and enjoy as a morning treat.

There’s nothing like Manuka Honey. It looks good, tastes good and feels good. So why not enjoy all the vitamins and minerals that could do your body the world of good, with Comvita Manuka Honey?