MGO value of Manuka honey: an indicator of antibacterial ability
When purchasing Manuka honey, you may notice that the packaging is marked with an MGO value. This indicator represents the content of methylglyoxal (MGO) in the honey. MGO was proposed by Professor Thomas Henle, a German food scientist, while studying the antibacterial components in honey, and has gradually become one of the important indicators for evaluating the quality and efficacy of Manuka honey.
What is MGO?
Manuka honey contains a unique antibacterial active ingredient, Methylglyoxal (MGO), which is a substance converted from glucose in bees and diketone compounds in Manuka flowers, with significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
What does the MGO value represent?
The MGO rating system for Manuka honey directly indicates its antibacterial potency by concentration, usually expressed in milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg). It typically ranges between 30 to 1000 mg/kg. When Manuka honey exceeds 100mg/kg of MGO, it is labeled as MGO100+. The higher the MGO value, the stronger the antibacterial capability.
The following conversion table can help you better understand the MGO antibacterial strength in Manuka honey:
How to choose the appropriate MGO value?
Compared to regular honey, Manuka honey contains a higher amount of MGO. When choosing Manuka honey, you can refer to the MGO concentration and your own health needs. For general health purposes and to strengthen respiratory health, you can choose Manuka honey with an MGO 83+; if you need stronger antibacterial properties, you can choose high-quality Manuka honey with an MGO of 250+ or more.
Single-flower honey and multi-flower honey?
Honey on the market can usually be divided into single-flower honey and multi-flower honey. Single-flower honey refers to honey made by bees mainly collecting nectar from the same kind of flower, while multi-flower honey refers to honey made by bees collecting nectar from a variety of different flowers. The difference in nectar sources endows each type of honey with a unique flavor and unique nutritional characteristics.
The uniqueness of Manuka honey
Manuka honey is a monofloral honey collected from the nectar of Manuka trees. It has a higher nutritional value than regular honey, containing abundant antioxidant phenols, natural enzymes, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals, improve gastrointestinal and digestive system issues, enable the body to better digest food and absorb nutrients, and enhance the body's immunity.
Extended reading
Recommendations for the consumption of Manuka honey
How to choose Manuka honey? What is the MGO value?
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