Manuka honey- extra healthy or just a marketing ploy?

Manuka honey has recently been marketed as a health product, but is it really?

Manuka honey is a type of honey that contains a unique antibacterial component that is beneficial for skin infections and wound healing. This is known as Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. This factor has been shown to have far stronger antibacterial properties than regular honey. There has also been some feedback that Manuka honey can help with stomach ulcers, however evidence is still limited in this department.

Apart from this, Manuka honey is still honey, which is a type of sugar. It typically has a slower release of energy than table sugar and is slightly sweeter, meaning you technically could use less for the same level of sweetness to take place, resulting in fewer kilojoules being consumed overall.

Put simply, the price tag will probably out weigh the benefits for most, however if you do choose to consume it, save it for places that you already would be adding sugar or honey, such as on porridge or in a cup of tea, this way you are not adding in unnecessary additional kilojoules merely for the so called health benefits, but rather replacing the sweeteners you are already using for one with some extra features.