1. Introduction

The Basic Differences Between Methylglyoxal(MGO), UMF
When shopping for Manuka honey, you may have noticed that there are different types of Manuka honey available on the market. In this article, we will be discussing the three most common types of Manuka honey: Methylglyoxal (MGO) and UMF.
Methylglyoxal is a natural compound that is found in Manuka honey. This compound is responsible for the honey's antibacterial properties.
UMF is a trademarked term that stands for Unique Manuka Factor. UMF Manuka honey is tested for its antibacterial properties and is graded on a scale of 5-10.
MGO Manuka honey is Manuka honey that has been enriched with Methylglyoxal. MGO Manuka honey is the most potent type of Manuka honey available on the market.
When choosing a Manuka honey, it is important to choose one that meets your needs. If you are looking for a Manuka honey

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2. What is MGO?

Methylglyoxal, or MGO, is a naturally occurring compound that is found in Manuka honey. This compound is responsible for the honey’s antibacterial properties, making it a great food for fighting and preventing infections.
MGO Manuka honey is produced through a unique process of enrichment. The honey is heated and exposed to controlled conditions in order to increase the MGO content. Due to this process, MGO Manuka honey is the most potent form of Manuka honey available on the market.
The MGO measurements associated with Manuka honey range from 5-850+. The higher the number provided, the higher the MGO content, with the maximum rating being 850+. This rating system helps buyers choose the most effective honey for their needs.
MGO Manuka honey is an excellent choice for those looking for an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antifungal boost. It can be consumed directly or used as a topical ointment or gel on the skin. Manuka honey can also be used to heal wounds, minor cuts, and skin irritations.

3. What is UMF?

UMF stands for "Unique Manuka Factor". UMF is a rating system developed by the New Zealand Manuka Honey Association (NZMHA) specifically for Manuka honey. The UMF rating is based on three key hydroxyl compounds in Manuka honey: Leptosperin, Methylglyoxal, and DHA. These compounds are found exclusively in genuine Manuka honey.
The UMF rating system goes from 0 to 30+. The higher numbers indicate the greater presence of the three key compounds mentioned above. Methylglyoxal is the most important of these compounds, with the second highest compound being Leptosperin.
The UMF rating provides consumers with an easier way to compare Manuka honey on the market. Therefore, when purchasing Manuka honey, it's better to look for a UMF rating of 10+ or above. This is to ensure that you are getting the full benefits of this powerful food.

4. What are the differences between methylglyoxal, UMF, and MGO Manuka honey?

Methylglyoxal, abbreviated as MGO, is an organic compound detected and identified in Manuka honey. This compound is the active ingredient responsible for most of Manuka honey's unique antibacterial and antimicrobial health benefits. Manuka has a higher concentration of methylglyoxal than other varieties of honey, which is why it is so much more beneficial for humans to consume it.
UMF, or "Unique Manuka Factor," is a rating system used to differentiate Manuka honey from other types of honey. The UMF rating is based on the levels of three key compounds found in Manuka honey: Leptosperin, Methyglyoxal, and DHA. Honey with a UMF rating of 10+ or higher is the best quality, because it contains the highest levels of these three compounds.
Meanwhile, MGO stands for “Methylglyoxal Grade.” This rating is linked to another Manuka honey grading system, which uses the concentrations of methylglyoxal in Manuka honey as its basis. Manuka honeys rated as MGO 100+, for example, have a minimum of 100mg/kg of methylglyoxal content. This rating is useful for consumers who are looking for the very highest-grade and most beneficial Manuka honey on the market.

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5. Which type of Manuka honey is best?

It depends on what you are looking for in Manuka honey. If you are looking for the highest levels of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, then Manuka honey with the highest UMF and MGO ratings are the best. This is because these grades indicate the highest levels of the three key compounds found in Manuka honey, which are methylglyoxal, Leptosperin, and DHA. The higher the levels of these compounds, the more beneficial the Manuka honey will be.
That said, there are still some other factors to consider. Manuka honey also comes in raw, unfiltered, and pasteurized varieties, each of which has different properties. Unfiltered honey, for example, has the highest levels of antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds but is not as shelf stable as pasteurized honey. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of Manuka honey is the best for your needs.

6. How to choose

Manuka honey is a very special type of honey which has a range of medicinal benefits. It is produced by honeybees who feed off the nectar of the Manuka bush. Manuka honey has very high levels of three key compounds, Methylglyoxal (MG), Leptosperin and DHA, which give it its unique properties.
Different types of Manuka honey have different levels of these compounds, which is why some kinds of Manuka honey have higher levels of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties than others. The strength of Manuka honey is indicated by the UMF and MGO rating on the label, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor and Methylglyoxal, respectively. The higher the rating, the more beneficial it is for medicinal purposes.
Ultimately, the type of Manuka honey which is best for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, such as the desired antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, shelf stability, and your budget.