March 15, 2025

The Healing Power of Honey: Manuka & Ohia Lehua

11 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Ohia Lehua honey demonstrates superior antioxidant properties compared to Manuka honey in vivo, significantly increasing total antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress markers in the body
Manuka honey contains 10 times more phenolic compounds than Ohia Lehua honey, yet shows more limited antioxidant activity, suggesting its primary strength lies in antibacterial properties
Research shows Manuka honey selectively inhibits breast cancer cell growth while leaving healthy cells unharmed, working through multiple mechanisms
Both honeys contain distinct phytochemical profiles: Manuka is rich in hydroxybenzoic acids, while Ohia Lehua contains unique phenolics like phenyllactic acid. These profiles explain their different therapeutic effects
Raw, unprocessed versions of both honeys retain maximum therapeutic benefits, but proper sourcing is important as many commercial honeys are heavily processed or adulterated with corn syrup

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14701,470 ratings

March 15, 2025

11 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Ohia Lehua honey demonstrates superior antioxidant properties compared to Manuka honey in vivo, significantly increasing total antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress markers in the body
Manuka honey contains 10 times more phenolic compounds than Ohia Lehua honey, yet shows more limited antioxidant activity, suggesting its primary strength lies in antibacterial properties
Research shows Manuka honey selectively inhibits breast cancer cell growth while leaving healthy cells unharmed, working through multiple mechanisms
Both honeys contain distinct phytochemical profiles: Manuka is rich in hydroxybenzoic acids, while Ohia Lehua contains unique phenolics like phenyllactic acid. These profiles explain their different therapeutic effects
Raw, unprocessed versions of both honeys retain maximum therapeutic benefits, but proper sourcing is important as many commercial honeys are heavily processed or adulterated with corn syrup

...more