10-05-2025
'Liquid gold' ingredients recommended by ITV's Dr Hilary Jones 'boosts immune system'
Honey has long been celebrated for its health benefits, aiding immune systems and treating various ailments including sore throats. It's a traditional remedy that remains popular even in the era of modern medicine. However, not all honey is created equal.
One type of honey that has been dubbed 'liquid gold' by many over the years is Manuka honey. Sourced from the nectar of New Zealand's native Manuka bush, it boasts a high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Yet, finding genuine Manuka honey can be challenging.
A brand called Manuka Doctor offers several authentic Manuka honey products on its website. Currently, there's a 100MGO dual pack available for £8.50, was £54, marking an 84% discount, and a three-pack offer priced at £12.50, down from £81, reports the Mirror. Television GP Dr Hilary has endorsed the benefits of Manuka honey.
He said: "Manuka honey contains special ingredients including methylglyoxal, or MGO for short. This value indicates the strength of Manuka honey's health benefits. The higher the MGO content, the more valuable it is for us and the higher the price."
As the largest independent Manuka company from New Zealand, Manuka Doctor is supported by numerous medical professionals and nutritionists, including ITV's Dr Hilary Jones. The honey is harvested and packed in New Zealand and undergoes independent lab testing, ensuring customers receive authentic products. The honey also complies with the stringent export laws of the New Zealand Government, and customers can trace a specific batch of honey right back to the beehives where it was produced.
Depending on what customers purchase from the brand, they can acquire jars of Manuka Honey ranging from 30 MGO to a limited edition 1300 MGO. Taking a spoonful of this honey has several benefits, including aiding with colds and coughs, supporting digestion, and providing a natural energy boost.
Whilst some brands may not always sell genuine Manuka honey, there are trusted alternatives. LookFantastic, for instance, offers Manuka Health MGO 400+ Pure Monofloral Manuka Honey at £63.99. It has a rich and robust blend with no less than 400mg/kg of methylglyoxal, sourced directly from New Zealand. Alternatively, Nisbets features the Rowse Manuka Honey 100+ MGO 225g for £11.99, known for its uniquely sweet, full-bodied and herbal flavour.
On the honey's benefits Dr Hilary Jones continued: "Consuming at least ten grams of honey daily is extremely beneficial from a nutritional and medical perspective and is therefore recommended. Twenty grams daily can also be helpful for boosting the immune system. Long-term daily consumption of high-quality Manuka honey is essential."
Over time, it has become clear that honey - particularly Manuka honey - is one of the most frequently counterfeited foods globally. Instead of genuine honey, it appears that people are being sold fake honey heavily diluted with cheap sugar syrup, as revealed by an EU inspection report in 2023 (titled From The Hives) which found that nearly half of the tested honey was not pure. The report discovered that out of the 320 samples tested, 46 percent were not pure honey.
Moreover, DNA analysis commissioned by the Beekeepers' Association at the end of 2024 showed that 24 out of 25 jars of honey from major UK retailers were suspicious, falling short of the bees knees. Conversely, customers have been raving about their experiences with Doctor Manuka. One customer named Bruce, who had been duped by counterfeit products in the past, detailed his experience.
He said: "The honeys are certified, so you can be sure they're genuine. The difference compared to the other products was very significant: After just a few days, I felt much more energetic, focused, and positive."
Similarly, another commented on Manuka Doctor's 70 MGO Manuka Honey, saying: "I am a New Zealander who grew up with Manuka honey before it was marketed for its well being qualities. As such I am very taste sensitive when it comes to honey. . . and this is a good one! I was shopping around to see if I could find a cheaper and equally good alternative to my normal brand and happily came across Manuka Doctor. I am super impressed by the quality, taste and sale prices which have made this honey really great value. Tried the 40 55 and 70 - all really great value."
However, opinions were divided, with one customer commenting: "It was too strong for me."
Another shopper said: "Lovely honey, very soothing on the stomach. Bought in sale so the price was a bargain. More balanced than sugar, very nice added to hot water and fresh lemon juice. Help with recovery of my sore throat."
