What Is MGO?
MGO stands for Methylglyoxal. It’s a special ingredient found in Manuka honey, which comes from the flowers of the Manuka tree in New Zealand.
Why is MGO Important?MGO is important because it gives Manuka honey its superpowers! It helps fight off bad germs and bacteria, making it really good for healing cuts and helping you feel better when you’re sick.
How Does MGO Get in the Honey?When bees collect nectar from Manuka flowers, a substance called DHA in the nectar changes into MGO over time. The more MGO there is in the honey, the stronger it is at fighting germs.
MGO RatingsManuka honey has ratings that tell us how much MGO is in it. For example, if a jar says MGO 400+, that means it has a lot of MGO and is very strong. People often choose honey with higher MGO ratings when they want the best health benefits.
Why is MGO Important?
MGO is important because it gives Manuka honey its superpowers! It helps fight off bad germs and bacteria, making it really good for healing cuts and helping you feel better when you’re sick.
How Does MGO Get in the Honey?
When bees collect nectar from Manuka flowers, a substance called DHA in the nectar changes into MGO over time. The more MGO there is in the honey, the stronger it is at fighting germs.
MGO Ratings
Manuka honey has ratings that tell us how much MGO is in it. For example, if a jar says MGO 400+, that means it has a lot of MGO and is very strong. People often choose honey with higher MGO ratings when they want the best health benefits.
Manuka honey, renowned for its exceptional health benefits, owes much of its unique properties to a compound known as methylglyoxal (MGO). Understanding the origin and formation of MGO, as well as its rating system, is essential for appreciating why Manuka honey is so highly valued.
The origin of MGO in Manuka honey is a fascinating process that begins with the Manuka tree (*Leptospermum scoparium*), native to New Zealand. The nectar from the flowers of this tree contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a precursor to MGO. When bees collect this nectar and produce honey, DHA undergoes a natural chemical transformation into MGO over time. This conversion is influenced by various factors, including the storage conditions and duration, which can enhance the honey's antibacterial potency.
Contrary to some misconceptions, DHA does indeed convert into MGO within the honey, a process that is crucial for developing the honey's distinct antibacterial properties. This transformation is what sets Manuka honey apart from other types of honey, as MGO is not typically found in significant quantities in other floral varieties. The presence of MGO is what gives Manuka honey its unique ability to combat bacteria and promote healing, making it a sought-after natural remedy.
MGO Ratings
The MGO rating system is a standardized measure that indicates the concentration of methylglyoxal in Manuka honey. This rating is expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and serves as a reliable indicator of the honey's antibacterial strength. For instance, a jar labeled as MGO 550+ contains at least 550 mg of methylglyoxal per kilogram of honey.
MGO ratings typically range from MGO 30+ to MGO 1500+, with higher numbers indicating greater antibacterial potency. This rating system is crucial for consumers, as it helps them select the appropriate honey for their needs, whether for general wellness or specific therapeutic purposes. Higher MGO ratings are generally associated with more potent antibacterial effects, making them suitable for medical applications such as wound care and infection prevention.
MGO ratings, ranging from MGO 30+ to MGO 1500+, indicate antibacterial potency and reflect Manuka honey's ability to support digestive health, boost immunity, and improve oral health. Consumers often opt for higher MGO ratings for more severe conditions or when a stronger antibacterial effect is needed.