Author Archives: fwebltd

Drink plenty of fluids
Thirst is an indicator that our body needs water and is likely dehydrated. If we become dehydrated the mucus membrane in our nose dries out and becomes less effective at preventing bacteria and viruses entering the body. It is important that we regularly drink water, even during the colder months, to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.

Wash your hands frequently
Viruses are not only airborne, they can also be spread through physical contact and may enter the body if infected hands touch the eyes, nose and mouth. Frequently washing our hands and drying them with disposable towels reduces the chance of contracting viruses.

Dress appropriately for the season
Colder temperatures place greater stress on our body. If we don’t wear adequate clothing, we can shiver and this lowers our immune system making us susceptible to colds. Autumn is the perfect time of year to pull out those warm sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves so we are prepared for when the weather gets cooler.

Eat fresh fruit and vegetables
Eating a range of fresh fruit and veggies provides our body with important nutrients and antioxidants which strengthen our immune system to fight infection and viruses.

Keep moving
Whilst winter feels like the perfect time to stay on the sofa indoors, this does little to help our immune system. Regular, moderate exercise improves circulation and blood flow throughout the body. This includes components of our immune system, which when well circulated, have a better chance of finding an defending against illness before it can spread.

Sleep well
Sleeping allows our body to recover, repair and maintain a strong immune system. It is important that our bedtime routines and sleeping environment are conducive to quality rest and sleep.

Stay happy
Stress reduces the effectiveness of our immune system to defend against infection and viruses. Maintaining a happy, relaxed and cheerful disposition supports our immune system and in turn our health.

Keep moving
Whilst winter feels like the perfect time to stay on the sofa indoors, this does little to help our immune system. Regular, moderate exercise improves circulation and blood flow throughout the body. This includes components of our immune system, which when well circulated, have a better chance of finding an defending against illness before it can spread.

Sip a cup of hot lemon, ginger and WildCape UMF™ Manuka Honey
A perfect way to warm us up, get a vitamin C boost and maintain hydration. In your favourite cup add 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 small piece of ginger (washed and thinly sliced) and 1 teaspoon of WildCape UMF™ 15+ Manuka Honey. Top with slightly cooled boiling water, stir to let the flavours infuse, then steep for 2 minutes before drinking.

When we read that “New Zealand produces 1,700 tonnes of Manuka honey, but 10,000 tonnes are sold globally” (https://www.healthyfood.co.uk/know-real-manuka-honey/) it becomes clear that many consumers have been paying very high prices for a product which is anything but New Zealand Manuka honey.

Why is Manuka honey so rare?

Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the flower of the Manuka bush (leptospermum scoparium) which is native only to New Zealand. It is the special nectar and the bee that give Manuka honey its unique properties. Manuka grows in some of New Zealand’s most remote areas and its flowers only produce nectar for approximately 3-4 weeks a year. Not only must beekeepers transport hives long distances, into hard to access locations, but they must do so at just the right time to ensure the bees can source the Manuka nectar. Compounding the constrained supply problem is rapidly growing global demand – Manuka honey contains signature compounds not available in other types of honey and its unique properties are becoming understood by consumers around the world.

What is Manuka honey and what is not?

In December 2017, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) finalised a scientific definition that can be used to authenticate whether or not a particular honey is New Zealand Manuka honey. From February 2018, all honey labelled as “Manuka” for export from New Zealand must be tested by an MPI-recognised laboratory to make sure it meets the new Manuka honey definition.

Further customer protection is provided by the UMF™ Honey Association of New Zealand (www.umf.org.nz). Their UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor™) grading system appraises additional natural markers found in Manuka Honey to assure purity and quality. Unlike other grading systems which measure just one or two markers, only the UMF™ testing process measures all three unique signature compounds, Leptosperin, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Methylglyoxal (MGO) present in high quality, genuine Manuka honey. All Manuka honey carrying the UMF™ mark must be independently tested in adherence with Ministry of Primary Industries and UMF™ Honey Association guidelines before it can be certified with a UMF™ grading to indicate the level of unique properties in each jar. It is estimated that more than 80% of genuine Manuka honey exported from New Zealand carries the UMF™ mark.

How to purchase genuine UMF™ Manuka Honey?

Follow these step-by-step guidelines to ensure you purchase only the highest quality, genuine UMF™ Manuka Honey:

1. The UMF™ mark is displayed clearly on the label
2. The UMF™ grading is at least 5+ or higher
3. The UMF™ licensee name and number is displayed on the label
4. The UMF™ licensee name and number are registered on www.umf.org.nz
5. A batch number printed on each jar is endorsed by an official UMF™ Certificate
6. The Manuka honey is harvested, packed and labelled in New Zealand

Treat Mum to a sleep in and breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day with our delicious Manuka Honey Pancake recipe.

Ingredients

2 cup plain flour (spelt flour is nice for a less refined option)
3 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp WildCape UMF™ Manuka Honey (plus a bit extra for drizzling!)
1 cup milk
2 large eggs

Method

Place flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and mix with a whisk to combine. Whisk the egg milk and honey together in a jug. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and whisk until smooth. Preheat a small non-stick pan and use a little butter or oil. You can make small pancakes or larger one depending on your preference. Cook until bubbles appear and then flip over to cook the other side until golden.

Garnish with whatever fruit is seasonal – bananas are always good, kiwifruit and feijoa are excellent in autumn and winter, and fresh berries are perfect during summer.

Serve with coconut or greek yoghurt and additional WildCape UMF™ Manuka Honey drizzled on top.