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1. Why manuka honey is unique amongst natural foods?

  • Writer: Kerry Paul
    Kerry Paul
  • Nov 11, 2025
  • 1 min read

Manuka honey naturally contains methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound providing stable anti-bacterial activity. Methylglyoxal concentration in the honey varies with higher concentrations providing stronger anti-bacterial activity. No other food, including other honeys has naturally any significant methylglyoxal concentration.


Methylglyoxal Levels in Foods Comparison (mg/kg)
Methylglyoxal Levels in Foods Comparison (mg/kg)

Flowers of the manuka tree (Leptospermum Scoparium) in their nectar produce a compound dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which overtime converts naturally into methylglyoxal. Honey-bees collect the nectar from the flower, carry it back to their hive where they transform it into honey.


Manuka Tree in Flower
Manuka Tree in Flower

This is why Manuka honey is different from other honeys.


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Comments

Kerry Paul Business man and blogger
Kerry Paul – Stepping Out of Your Bubble Author
​

Hi, I'm Kerry. I enjoy challenging people by asking questions and presenting different views to encourage critical thinking. My 45-year career has always had a global focus, building successful relationships in over 50 countries. I am empathetic to diverse views, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, or socio-economic status. Join me on a captivating journey as we explore how India shaped the world over two thousand years ago, potentially leading to the first settlement of New Zealand. This blog series aims to expand readers' awareness and knowledge of how people may have come to New Zealand in pre-Polynesian times. Given the time constraints many readers face, I am providing a platform for them to consider these intriguing possibilities in easy-to-read blog posts.

 

Who were the first people to settle in New Zealand? How did India possibly contribute to any development, given its major role over 2000 years ago in some of New Zealand’s closest neighbours? These questions will guide our exploration and open up a rich dialogue about the historical connections and cultural exchanges that may have shaped New Zealand's early settlements.

 

I'd be more than happy to discuss with readers of my blog about India, its history as well as New Zealand and the suggested origins of its first settlers. 

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