Now we’re certainly not saying that you need to hit up the sweet stuff because you’re already sweet enough ☺. Alright, alright, we’ll stop flirting and get down to business. The honey business, that is.

You might think that all honeys are created equal, reaching for the cheapest jar or those adorable bear-shaped bottles because they’re so d**n cute, but you might want to rethink your honey choices. You pay close attention to the sustainability, healthfulness and ethics of just about everything else you consume, from your eggs to your goji berries, so why not your honey?

HONEY BENEFITS

The good news is, every single type of honey has nutritional benefits, including enzymes and proteins that can help heal the gut lining, allergies and acne. It’s antibacterial and high in antioxidants, which helps to lower the risk for disease and infection and make sure free radicals are stabilized in your body. To make a long story short, honey is a nutritional hero. But if any old honey is a hero, then Manuka honey is a superhero. It’s the Superman to regular honey’s firefighter. Sure that firefighter can save you from a burning building, but can he fly? We didn’t think so.

MANUKA BENEFITS

Manuka honey has all the benefits of regular honey but is far more potent. It’s safe to consume every day, but tons of people globally use it medicinally to prevent and treat digestive problems, help with bacterial infections and ease allergy symptoms. Additionally, Manuka honey is likely to be pure honey, rather than mixed or cut with another sweetener. They are also less likely to have been harvested in places where pesticides are used. So, it may be expensive, but it is certainly worth the splurge.

Experts say that to reap all of the benefits of Manuka honey, you should consume about 1-2 tablespoons a day. And you’ve also got to make sure that your Manuka comes from New Zealand and has a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating of 10+ or higher on its label, as cheaper imitations are less effective. Your ideal range is a UMF of between 10-18, as some have reported a sensitivity to Manuka honey with a UMF above 20.

So, after reading about all of its terrific benefits, you’re convinced, right? We can’t blame you. Here are our four favourite ways to indulge in the sweet stuff.

Eat it by the spoonful. Mary Poppins knew what she was talking about when she said that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. She must’ve been talking about Manuka honey. When you’re craving ice cream or chocolate after dinner, try a spoonful of Manuka honey instead. You’ll get all of its health benefits and satisfy your sugar craving in one go.

Drizzle it in your tea. When the weather is cold – and let’s face it, it almost always is here in Amsterdam – there’s nothing better than a steaming mug of tea. Well, except a slightly sweet cuppa. Drizzle a teaspoon or two of Manuka honey into your Cleanse Tea, sit back and enjoy its healing benefits.

Add it to your smoothies. We think that our smoothies are pretty perfect as is, but a little extra sweetness never killed anyone. Choose one of our slightly less sweet smoothies, or even our limited edition UnBeelievable Smoothie, and stir in a small spoonful of this golden medicine.

Slather it on your skin. So we’ve mostly talked about the benefits of Manuka honey when you ingest it, but it’s actually very beneficial when used topically. Raw Manuka honey works as a facial cleanser or mask, so rub it on your face and décolettage before rinsing with warm water for the ultimate glow. Or, try a Beelift cream to reduce the signs of ageing and ensure your skin is nourished.