Short Answer: Manuka honey is good for arthritis. Because it has MGO and phenolic compounds and they can reduce inflammation and infection in your joints.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints.
In arthritis, your body experiences inflammation and damage in the cartilage and tissues that surround and cushion your joints.
This can lead to various health problems, such as pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced mobility, and joint deformity.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory rich foods like berries, nuts, and fish, and avoid pro-inflammatory rich foods like sugar, refined grains, and processed meats.
Now, manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the manuka tree, which is native to New Zealand.
People usually eat manuka honey as a natural sweetener, or apply it to their skin as a natural antibiotic.
Manuka honey is good for arthritis because it contains methylglyoxal (MGO) and phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
MGO and phenolic compounds can reduce inflammation and infection in your joints, which can help relieve pain and swelling.
One tablespoon of manuka honey can give you about 64 calories, 17 grams of sugar, and 0.1 grams of protein.
MGO can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that trigger inflammation in your body.
Phenolic compounds can scavenge free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress and tissue damage in your body.
Furthermore, manuka honey is a natural sugar and sugar is bad for arthritis.
Because, sugar can increase your blood glucose levels, which can trigger inflammation and worsen your arthritis symptoms.
That’s why I suggest you limit your manuka honey intake to avoid weight gain, diabetes, and tooth decay.
Stick to one tablespoon or less per day to minimize these risks.
Also, you shouldn’t eat manuka honey if you have an allergy to honey or bees, to prevent anaphylaxis.
Because, anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, shock, and even death.
You can buy manuka honey online or offline.
To buy it online, there are many brands and marketplaces to choose from.
But as a nutritionist, I recommend Comvita Manuka Honey from Amazon.
Because, Comvita is a reputable brand that tests and certifies its manuka honey for its purity and potency.
Read Next
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
