The Healing Power of Honey: Manuka & Ohia Lehua
Story at-a-glance
- Ohia Lehua honey demonstrates superior antioxidant properties compared to Manuka honey in vivo, significantly increasing total antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress markers in the body
- Manuka honey contains 10 times more phenolic compounds than Ohia Lehua honey, yet shows more limited antioxidant activity, suggesting its primary strength lies in antibacterial properties
- Research shows Manuka honey selectively inhibits breast cancer cell growth while leaving healthy cells unharmed, working through multiple mechanisms
- Both honeys contain distinct phytochemical profiles: Manuka is rich in hydroxybenzoic acids, while Ohia Lehua contains unique phenolics like phenyllactic acid. These profiles explain their different therapeutic effects
- Raw, unprocessed versions of both honeys retain maximum therapeutic benefits, but proper sourcing is important as many commercial honeys are heavily processed or adulterated with corn syrup
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