Yes, Manuka honey, and honey in general, shows promise for improving cholesterol by potentially lowering "bad" LDL and triglycerides while raising "good" HDL, thanks to its antioxidants and compounds that affect lipid metabolism, often acting as a healthier sugar substitute, though effects vary and moderation is key.
According to new research, honey – especially Robinia, clover and unprocessed raw honey – can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. “There may be benefits of adding honey and natural sweeteners to your already healthy diet,” says Taimur Habib, MD, a Fairfield internist.
It contains antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to heart disease. Moreover, Manuka honey has been found to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, promoting a healthier cholesterol profile.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy, too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option.
9 Beverages That Can Naturally Lower Your High Cholesterol
To remove cholesterol from your body, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating more soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits) and healthy fats (olive oil, fish), exercising regularly (30 mins most days), losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, as these changes lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol, with some people needing medication for more severe cases.
Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity. Exercise can improve cholesterol. Moderate physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.
Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated? No, you should avoid refrigerating your manuka honey. It is best stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Refrigeration of any honey — not just the special manuka variety — can cause crystallisation.
After a couple of weeks of including Manuka honey in your routine, you may start to notice some potential benefits.
Foods rich in unsaturated fats
Cutting down on saturated fat and replace some of it with unsaturated fats is great way to lower your cholesterol. Foods which contain unsaturated fats include: vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower, corn, rapeseed, nut and seed oils. avocado, nuts and seeds.
The components of honey
Its antioxidant properties are key to preventing cardiovascular risk factors, disease, and cancer.
Taking manuka honey in the morning or pre-workout can give you an energy boost. You can also take it in the evening as part of your wind-down ritual. Whenever you choose to take manuka honey, just remember to opt for a reputable brand and UMF™ graded, like ours.
Eat healthy foods: Experts recommend to reduce your intake of food with high saturated fats, such as baked goods, red meats and fried food. Oats, beans, apples, grapes, fish and nuts are some of the foods that can help lower your bad cholesterol.
Research shows that Manuka honey offers antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. It may help: Heal wounds. It keeps wounds clean and lowers the pH (the level of acidity in the wound) for better healing.
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the Manuka tree and is known for its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound with antibacterial properties, which helps reduce bacterial growth and fight infection. Studies show it can help heal ulcers and surgical wounds when applied to the skin.
Check the MGO Rating: Genuine Manuka honey should have a methylglyoxal (MGO) rating of at least 80 and above. The MGO content guarantees the potency and unique qualities of Manuka honey. Be cautious of products with low MGO levels, as they are likely blends of Manuka with other varieties, i.e. multifloral Manuka.
Studies show that manuka honey has a higher pH and sugar content than other varieties of honey, which may contribute to its antibacterial activity. These benefits make manuka honey especially useful for addressing minor skin irritations and concerns, like acne.
Store it in Glass or Food-Safe Plastic
Manuka honey often comes in sturdy, food-safe plastic jars or glass containers. Stick with these. Don't transfer your honey to metal or non-food-safe materials, as they can alter its taste or quality.
Honey doesn't spoil in the way most foods do. Instead of “going bad,” it simply evolves, becoming thicker, darker, or developing crystals over time. These natural changes don't affect safety as long as the honey has been kept sealed and protected from added moisture.
The USDA states that honey is safe to eat even after expiration, but its quality may decline. Honey expiration is rare; naturally, properly preserved honey can last thousands of years without expiring. Archaeologists have found honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that is still perfectly edible.
Try to eat more:
oily fish, like mackerel and salmon. olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils. brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta. nuts and seeds.
Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit) is a tropical plant in West and Central Africa, which has been historically used for treating diarrhea in humans and animals. Pharmacological research has shown that the leaves of the plant possess anti-hyperlipidemia activity.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.