Manuka Honey

February 20th is Love Your Dog Day 🐶 It’s a special day to all pet lovers because this holiday is dedicated to their fur babies! We all want our dogs to live the longest, healthiest life possible so one way to celebrate is by learning new ways to support your dog’s health naturally.

Manuka Honey is a superfood that is widely believed to be beneficial for both humans and dogs. Honey can be taken internally or applied topically, depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. We love our fur babies! So..Is Manuka Honey safe for dogs? Below are 5 amazing ways to use Manuka Honey that are too good not to share!

• Wounds  - Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Manuka Honey was used for treating wounds. It kills bacteria and promotes healing. After cleaning the wound you can apply a thin layer of Manuka Honey on a bandage before putting it on the affected area. 

• Skin - One of the common in dogs are hot spots, to prevent skin irritation you can use Manuka Honey topically as a spot treatment. The moisturizing and antibacterial properties can help reduce itchiness and promote healthy skin. Try dabbing a small amount of Manuka Honey on clean, dry skin and leave it on to dry.

• Prebiotic - Manuka Honey acts as a natural prebiotic. A healthy gut can strengthen the immune system and improve digestion. Prebiotic are essential and can help maintain the good bacteria in the gut.

• Added Immune Protection - The common health conditions for dogs are flu and kennel cough. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of Manuka Honey have been proven to work against a wide variety of harmful pathogens. It can naturally boost health and help relieve the symptoms. 

• Oral Health - Yes! Manuka Honey can help treat gum diseases including gingivitis, bleeding, receding gums and dog breath with a regular oral hygiene regime.

What is so special about Manuka Honey? This is the only honey that exhibits non-peroxide activity due to the MG component only present at high levels in Manuka Honey. This makes honey unique because of antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It comes in a range of MGO ratings. The higher the number on the label, the higher the concentration of MGO. This will help you choose the best Manuka for your dogs. 

The amount of Manuka your dog can take will depend on their size and health. Just like us humans dogs with diabetes, obese dogs, and puppies or less than one year old should not take honey orally. Here is the recommended dosing based on the size of your pet:

20 pounds or less - ½ tsp  a day

20 - 60 pounds - 1 tsp  a day

60+ pounds - 2 tsp  a day

Go to Shoppri.com for our wide selection of Manuka Honey. 

 

Resources:

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/manuka-honey-for-your-dog/

https://www.thelabradorsite.com/manuka-honey-for-dogs/

 

Have you seen our all new, all natural Dark Chocolate Active Manuka Honey Mints that can help boost your digestive tracts in a tasty way? We are showcasing the Dark Chocolate Active Manuka Mints at upcoming shows, Natural Product Expo West and Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. Our award winning chocolates are made by… More Dark Chocolate Manuka Honey Mints

 

The summer is over and it’s back to school! We always struggle with snack ideas that the kids will eat and enjoy. Here are five healthy options for students of all ages!

1. Apples and Manuka Honey
   This is an easy and delicious snack option for those busy moms with no time.
   Cut up an apple in sections, sprinkle with Meyer lemon and serve with Manuka Honey.
2. Toast with Manuka Honey and Ricotta cheese. A protein-rich healthy snack that can be made in minutes.
   Slice a French baguette generously spread ricotta cheese and sprinkle with Manuka Honey. If you want, top with walnuts for a crunchy flavor.
3. Avocado toast with Chipotle BBQ Pacific Sea Salt
   Not only is Avocado delicious but it’s also a superfood. Here is another quick and easy snack.
   Half a small avocado sprinkled with Chipotle or Mesquite Pacific Sea Salt. Voilà!
4. Roasted corn with Pacific Sea Salt
   If you have a little more time roast a corn ear lightly spread with olive oil. Season with Chipotle BBQ Pacific Sea Salt. This is a fun snack for kids everywhere.
5. Manuka Honey Salted Caramels are ideal for dipping!
   Melt Manuka Honey caramels to a smooth consistency in your microwave.
   You can then dip strawberries, bananas, pineapple or any other fruit. Enjoy!

Easy, right? If you have ideas on how to use Pacific Resources International’s Manuka Honey and Pacific Sea Salt, feel free to share. We will give you full credit and attribution. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join our community. We look forward to hearing from you! 😊😊😊

 

 

Energy Gels are the latest rage for endurance athletes and weekend warriors that want to get better overall performance including increased energy, extra calories and replenishing electrolytes. However, these energy gels contain processed ingredients; so the savvy and more health-conscious athletes look for more natural alternatives (and better tasting).

 

Novak Djokovic Is an Advocate in His Training Regime

 

More and more sports enthusiasts are turning to Manuka Honey as that natural energy boost as a natural carbohydrate. Look no further than Novak Djokovic, a world-class tennis player who consumes two spoonfuls of New Zealand Manuka Honey every day to help increase his endurance and is prized for its well-known antibacterial properties.

As Novak stated, “I know what you’re thinking: Honey is sugar. Well, yes, it is. But your body needs sugar. In particular, it needs fructose, the sugar found in fruits, some vegetables, and especially honey. What it doesn’t need is processed sucrose, the stuff in chocolate, soda, or most energy drinks that gives you an instant sugar shot in the body, where you feel like “Wow!” I don’t like “wow.” “Wow” is no good. If you have “wow” now, that means in thirty minutes you’re going to have “woe.”

Manuka Honey Lozenges – Doing Double Duty

As an added benefit, PRI’s award-winning Manuka Honey Lozenges can soothe a sore throat when athletes have to deal with running in cold weather. Not only do these lozenges work as well as energy gels, they taste a lot better! In fact, the flavor of Manuka Honey is rich and smooth with the right balance of sweetness.

The Product of Choice for Sports Nutritionists

Honey is a natural form of energy, free of stimulants and artificial ingredients. Sports nutritionists have for decades recommended honey for training and competition. It is packed with carbohydrates – with fast release glucose and slower release fructose – it is ideal for providing athletes with sustained fuel. And while taking Manuka Honey that is antioxidant-rich, it protects the bloodstream and nourishes cells. And perhaps equally impressive, honey does not interfere with the digestive system and removes discomfort associated with artificial sweeteners.

The Final Analysis

The final takeaway is that science is catching up to what we all have known – Manuka Honey is fit for an athlete and those wanting the best in nutrition.

 

Honey… Natural Energy

When you are running low on energy, you tend to choose caffeinated drinks that give you the quick burst of energy your body needs to stay awake and focused. Instead of drinking sugary energy drinks, why not try an all-natural energy source?

Manuka honey is a source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams per tablespoon, which makes it ideal for your working muscles since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses for energy. Carbohydrates are necessary in the diet to help maintain muscle glycogen, also known as stored carbohydrates, which are the most important fuel source for athletes to help them keep going.

Whether you’re looking for an energy boost or just a sweet reward after a long workout, honey is a quick, easy, and delicious all-natural energy source!

Honey as an Athletic Aid 

Honey helps you stay healthy and active by being the source of energy you need to go that extra mile. Find out how honey helps aid your body through every stage of a workout.

Pre-exercise: For years, sports nutritionists have recommended eating carbohydrates before an athletic activity for an added energy boost. As with many carbohydrates, pure honey may be an effective form to ingest just prior to exercise. When honey is eaten before a workout or athletic activity, it is released into the system at a steady rate throughout the event.

During Exercise: Consuming carbohydrates, such as honey, during a workout helps your muscles stay nourished longer and delays fatigue, versus not using any aid or supplement. Next time you reach for a simple bottle of water, add some honey to it – it might give you that much-needed athletic boost!

Post-exercise: An optimal recovery plan is essential for any athlete. Research shows that ingesting a combination of carbohydrates and protein immediately following exercise (within 30 minutes) is ideal to refuel and decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness. Therefore, honey is a great source of carbohydrate to combine with post-workout protein supplements.  In addition to promoting muscle recuperation and glycogen restoration, carb-protein combinations sustain favorable blood sugar concentrations after training.

Helpful Tips:

When planning your athletic training program, remember that honey is a source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams at just 64 calories per tablespoon. Combining honey with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and other healthful foods can add to your total nutrition and give you a great natural energy boost. Try these tips to fuel your diet with the sweet goodness of honey!

• Staying hydrated is one of the most important tools for an athlete. Simply add honey to your bottle of water for an energy boost during your next workout.
• Snacks are a great way to add extra fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try mixing peanut butter and honey, or honey and light cream cheese, as a dip for fresh fruits or vegetables.
• Peanut butter and honey sandwiches on whole wheat bread are a great, high-energy snack to provide a good combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
• Since honey is a convenient, portable source of energy, take it with you for tournaments and long periods of activity to help sustain your energy levels.

Visit our website shoppri.com for all your favorite Manuka honey.

Based on an article from: Honey.com

Manuka Honey can be used as an alternative to traditional sweeteners, but it is so much more powerful than that! People have been using Manuka Honey for thousands of years because of it’s amazing benefits. Containing a wealth of antioxidants, vital nutrients, anti-inflammatory & antiviral properties it can be used in several ways like cooking, baking, beverages and yes, home remedies. 

But why take Manuka Honey every day? Due to its range of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, studies are showing that taking Manuka Honey regularly is a great, natural way to support your immune system. Specifically, this study indicates that Manuka increases the release of Cytokines, which help white blood cells identify and eliminate damaged or infected tissues.

Over the last couple of decades many studies have been done testing Manuka Honey against a wide range of bacteria and showing it to be effective at reducing or eliminating pretty much every strain it’s put up against.  In fact, it’s even been found effective against many antibiotic resistant strains!

Especially given the current state of the world, everyone can agree that we all need to better support our immune system and the facts confirm that Manuka Honey is one of the best products to incorporate into your wellness routine. 

Even better news is you can utilize Manuka Honey, even on a budget! While you can definitely get many benefits from incorporating it into recipes, for general immune support it’s recommended that you take 2-3 teaspoons per day. From a cost perspective, if you were to take three teaspoons per day of our 20+, it comes out to about $2.85/day. That is less than a cup of coffee!! 

Additionally, we offer a fantastic rewards program so you can earn points on your purchases AND we donate part of all honey proceeds to the Save the Bees Foundation so you can feel even better about your purchase.

It’s September and it’s National Honey Month! Let’s have a party and celebrate the goodness of honey.

 The National Honey Board initiated this awareness month way back 1989 to promote American beekeeping and the beekeeping industry. September signals the end of the honey collection season for many beekeepers in the United States making it a significant event for honey producers.

This month is also dedicated to honey bees, which are responsible for pollinating more than 35 percent of the foods we eat and produce the honey we enjoy.

Honey is a sweet substance produced by bees and other insects. It adds flavor to morning toast, creates luxurious desserts and can be added to tea or your morning warm drink. It also packs some great nutritional benefits. 

Here are 5 sweetest things about honey and why we love to celebrate this festive month.

1. Bees work hard- an average bee only produces one- twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in his entire life.
2. Bees are the only insect that produce a substance that is edible to humans.
3. Honey has different flavors, colors and variations. It depends on the type of flower used during production.
4. Honey is good for the environment and the economy.
5. Bees have made honey for millions of years.

Manuka honey is a type of honey native to Australia and New Zealand. It is produced from the nectar of the manuka tree. It has a strong flavor characterized as “earthy or herbaceous”. It is unique because aside from being just a natural sweetener, it contains special properties used in supporting digestion, health and wellness.

Our Favorite Honeys

• Manuka Honey 20+ can be taken 2-3 tbsp per day for immunity boost. It is the only honey that exhibits non- peroxide activity due to the MG component present in Manuka honey at high concentrations.
• Swap your usual simple syrup and use Lemon Twist Manuka Honey instead. Sweeten your coffee or tea with this multiflora honey infused with a lemon twist. It adds a little extra of sweetness to your favorite beverage.
• Our award winning Rata Honey is light in color with a delicate, floral taste making it a real favorite among many honey. It can be a great source of energy and immune support for health and wellness.
• Australian Manuka Honey can be a potent anti-bacterial agent when used as a digestive aid, it supports immune defense, and can be used topically for minor wounds and burns.
• Manuka Honey UMF 5+ contains a high level of antibacterial activity only found in UMF® Manuka Honey. The UMF® rating is a measure of the attributes and values that make up Manuka Honey.

 

 

Sources:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-honey-month/

https://bartramsgarden.org/5-cool-facts-honey/

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/68528/15-honey-facts-worth-buzzing-about

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey

If you suffer from Cystic fibrosis (CF) you know that it is not a pleasant disorder and in some areas of the world is it considered the most common life threatening genetic disorder in children. Unfortunately, this inherited disorder causes an increase in the production of abnormally thick mucus, which clogs ducts in the intestines and the lungs causing shortness of breath, chronic coughs and repeated chest infections. The blockages can also occur in the pancreas (the organ that produces digestive enzymes and insulin) and cause issues of poor weight gain and malnutrition.

At present there are no cures for CF, however there are some treatments for helping to reduce the symptoms of infections caused by it. However, with the over use of antibiotics, the two most commonly seen opportunistic bacteria found in the respiratory infections of CF patients are becoming resistant to antibiotics. This leaves the susceptible lungs of CF patients at a loss for treatment. These bacteria are known as P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia spp. They can mutate and form a biofilm in the lungs of CF patients, which is essentially a microcolony embedded in the mucus membrane of the patient.

A recent study has begun testing with Manuka honey in combination with antibiotics known to kill off these bacteria in their non-mutated state. They have found that when manuka honey is combined with specific antibiotics they work synergistically to destroy the bacteria that is antibiotic resistant. This reduces the amount of the antibiotic needed to treat the infection.

The antibiotics used in the study were tobramycin and colistin as they are licensed for use as an inhaled antibiotic for chronic respiratory infections. They found that it is possible to combine manuka honey (Pacific Resources) with these drugs to be inhaled by patients with antibiotic resistant strains in their lungs. This combination could be the perfect solution to biofilms and antibiotic resistant forms of bacteria in CF patients.

This study has opened the doors to further research and we hope to see clinical studies that can determine the potential and efficiency of this combination for patients suffering from CF.

Sources

Rowena Jenkins, wootton, Mandy. Howe, Robin, Cooper, Rose. (2015) A demonstration of the susceptibility of clinical isolates obtained from cystic fibrosis patients to manuka honey. Archives of Microbiology, volume 197, issue 4, 597-601

http://cfnz.org.nz/about-cf/

Are you still searching for inspiration for the holidays, then look no further than our delicious Dark Chocolate Manuka Honey Mints. An ideal after dinner mint as well as a great stocking stuffer. A delicious treat that’s good for you too…. dark chocolate manuka honey mints. The chocolates are made by wrapping dark chocolate around the finest New Zealand… More Dark Chocolate Manuka Honey Mints!

Sugar has many forms and a favorite of many is Manuka honey. Whether consumed on its own or in combination with other ingredients to create a wonderful desert this form of sweetness is a nectar of the gods. Manuka honey as we know is from the Manuka tree of New Zealand and it contains the chemical methylglyoxal which gives it, it’s healing properties. Although it’s used and studied as a medicinal product we cannot forget that consuming it for its flavor profile is one of the most satisfying ways to consume it. Spreading it on toast or stirring it into tea or yogurt is a great way to get your dose of Manuka honey. One tablespoon is only 63kcals and you never need anywhere near that much to satisfy a craving for it’s unique taste and provide your body with the flavonoids (antioxidants) to stay in form.

Honey in general has a lower GI than regular table sugar, meaning that it does not necessarily raise blood sugar levels as quickly as refined sugar might, but it should still be used cautiously by anyone who is diabetic.

If you want to try a recipe with Manuka honey check out our pintrest page or simply try substituting ½ cup for every one cup of sugar and reduce another liquid by ¼ cup for every one cup of Manuka honey used in your recipes at home. Recommendations also include lowering your cooking temperatures by about 25 degrees to prevent over browning and adding ¼ tsp baking powder for every one cup of honey used to keep your treats from being too dense.

Sources

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/sugar-substitutes-honey-explained

http://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/baking-with-honey-sugar-for-baking/

Breakfast is probably the most important meal of the day. It gives you the energy you need and helps you to be more focused throughout the day. Breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast.

Aside from giving us energy, breakfast foods are also good sources of essential vitamins and minerals.  It brings back glucose levels that are needed for brain function and improve memory and boost concentration levels. Having a good breakfast gives us joy and helps us improve our mood and lower our stress levels.

Start your day right by including a portion of fruits, vegetables and Manuka Honey to your breakfast. Manuka honey is known to be a good source of nutrients. It is also rich in antioxidants and lowers cholesterol.

Here are 5 ways to power up your day with Manuka Honey.

1. Spread over toast – Enjoy a healthy breakfast by having a warm butter toast with Manuka Honey.
2. Enjoy a warm drink – add a twist to your favourite tea by putting on a little Manuka Honey, or make a healthy warm cocoa by mixing Manuka Honey with almond milk and cacao powder. 
3. Pour over pancakes and waffles - drizzle Manuka honey on top of your pancake and waffles and add on some berries and nuts too. Surely, the kids will love.
4. Blend in to a smoothie – Add a teaspoon of Manuka Honey to your favourite smoothie and blend it all together to quench your thirst.
5. Add it to your yogurt or porridge – turn your yogurt in to a sweet treat you’ll crave.

 

Sources:

http://www.shakeupyourwakeup.com/why-is-breakfast-important

https://www.farmflavor.com/recipe/type/breads/honey-french-toast/

https://siouxhoney.com/14-breakfast-recipes-honey/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-honey

https://www.honey.com/recipes/category/recipes/breakfast

 

Biofilms, biofilms can be found in any area of the body however recently there has been an important trend in microbial dental research towards ways to get rid of the biofilms that cause dental plaque. Biofilm dental plaque is complex and contains an estimated 700 bacterial species. These groups of microorganisms stick to each other, adhere to the surfaces of teeth and are 1000x more resistant than general bacteria to antimicrobial therapies. In view of the ineffectiveness of conventional oral biofilm eradication new treatments inspired by nature have gained interest. Recent studies have found that the bioactivity of manuka works effectively against the formation of oral biofilms in specific concentrations. In a study comparing New Zealand’s manuka’s activity against other floral honeys it was found that a 10% concentration or 50-500μg.ml of manuka honey was able to affect the formation of the biofilm S. mutans in experimental conditions. This is believed to be due to the non-peroxide activity caused by the presence of phytochemicals and methylglyoxal. This novel information gives manuka honey another star in excellence as future studies are set up with clinical trials to bring it into mainstream.

Check out Pacific Resources International for access to New Zealand’s pure Manuka honey and products.

 

Sources

Badet, C., Quero, F., (2011). The in vitro effect of manuka honeys on growth and adherence of oral bacteria. Anerobe. Vol. 17 pages 19-22

Karygianni, L., Al-Ahmad, A., Argyropoulou, A., Hellwig, E., Anderson, A. C., & Skaltsounis, A. L. (2015). Natural Antimicrobials and Oral Microorganisms: A Systematic Review on Herbal Interventions for the Eradication of Multispecies Oral Biofilms. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 1529. http://doi.org.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01529