MGO Honey: The Secret Behind Manuka Honey’s Powerful Benefits

Health Apr 28, 2025 28 Add to Reading List

When exploring the world of natural remedies and health foods, you’re bound to come across MGO honey. But what exactly is it? Why has it gained so much attention among health enthusiasts, doctors, and nutritionists?

In this article, we’ll explain what MGO honey is, how it works, why it's different from regular honey, and how you can use it to support your health. If you’ve been curious about MGO honey and its benefits, you’re in the right place!

What is MGO Honey?

MGO honey refers to honey that contains a high level of Methylglyoxal (MGO), the powerful natural compound found in Manuka honey. Methylglyoxal is responsible for the honey’s strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

MGO honey is primarily made from the nectar of the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. When bees collect nectar from these flowers, it results in a unique honey that contains MGO — setting it apart from all other types of honey in the world.

The higher the MGO rating, the stronger the honey’s antibacterial activity, making it more valuable for medicinal uses.

Why MGO is So Important

Most honeys naturally have some antibacterial qualities due to hydrogen peroxide. However, hydrogen peroxide can easily break down over time, losing its strength. MGO, on the other hand, is much more stable, meaning the antibacterial effects in MGO honey stay powerful for much longer.

This stability makes MGO honey incredibly useful for:

Healing wounds
Fighting infections
Soothing sore throats
Improving digestion
Boosting immune health

The discovery of MGO's presence in Manuka honey is one of the reasons why this type of honey has been extensively studied and praised for its health benefits.

Understanding MGO Ratings

When you look at a jar of MGO honey, you'll notice a number like MGO 100+, 250+, 400+, or even 550+. This number represents the concentration of Methylglyoxal in the honey, measured in milligrams per kilogram.

Here's a quick guide to what the ratings mean:

MGO 100+: Good for daily wellness, general health support
MGO 250+: Helps with sore throats and mild digestive issues
MGO 400+: Suitable for stronger immune support and skin care
MGO 550+ and above: Medical-grade honey for serious wounds and infections

The higher the MGO rating, the more potent the honey's antibacterial properties are.

Health Benefits of MGO Honey

Now that we understand what MGO honey is, let’s dive into the many ways it can benefit your health.

1. Wound Healing

MGO honey is often used in hospitals to help heal wounds, burns, and ulcers. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection while its moisturizing ability supports faster healing.

2. Treating Sore Throats

One of the most popular uses of MGO honey is for soothing sore throats. Just a spoonful can reduce inflammation, fight the bacteria causing the infection, and coat your throat for immediate relief.

3. Supporting Digestive Health

MGO honey can help balance the gut microbiome by fighting harmful bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria. It’s often used to help with conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, and even stomach ulcers.

4. Boosting Immunity

Adding MGO honey to your diet can strengthen your immune system naturally. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties can help your body ward off infections more easily.

5. Skin Care and Acne Treatment

When used topically, MGO honey can help treat acne, moisturize dry skin, and speed up the healing of skin irritations thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

How to Use MGO Honey in Your Daily Routine

There are plenty of easy and delicious ways to incorporate MGO honey into your daily life:

1. Eat a Spoonful Daily

Taking one or two teaspoons of MGO honey daily can support your immune system and overall wellness.

2. Add to Warm Drinks

Mix MGO honey into warm (not boiling) water, herbal teas, or even lemon water to soothe your throat and boost hydration.

3. Use It in Cooking

Drizzle MGO honey over yogurt, oatmeal, or fresh fruit. It can also be added to salad dressings, marinades, or used to sweeten baked goods naturally.

4. Apply to Skin

For wound care or acne treatment, apply a thin layer of MGO honey directly to the skin and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing.

5. Create a Natural Face Mask

Mix MGO honey with ingredients like aloe vera or oatmeal for a soothing, hydrating face mask.

Choosing the Best MGO Honey

When shopping for MGO honey, keep these tips in mind:

Check the MGO Rating: Choose the right strength depending on your needs. Higher MGO levels mean stronger antibacterial properties.
Look for Authentic Certification: Some jars will also mention UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) certification, ensuring the honey is genuine.
Buy from Reputable Brands: Genuine MGO honey can be expensive, but it’s worth it for quality and effectiveness.

Be cautious of cheap "Manuka-style" honeys that don’t have an MGO or UMF rating — they may not offer the same health benefits.

Common Questions About MGO Honey

Is MGO Honey Safe for Everyone?

Generally, yes. However, children under one year old should not consume honey, and people with allergies to bee products should be cautious. If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before using MGO honey regularly.

Does MGO Honey Expire?

Honey doesn’t spoil easily, but it’s best to consume it within a couple of years to ensure maximum potency and flavor. Store it in a cool, dark place and keep the lid tightly closed.

Is Higher MGO Always Better?

Not necessarily. A lower MGO honey (like MGO 100+) is perfect for daily wellness, while higher MGO levels are better suited for more serious health issues like wound healing.

Final Thoughts on MGO Honey

MGO honey is a true gift from nature. With its powerful antibacterial properties, rich flavor, and wide range of uses, it's no wonder that Manuka honey — and particularly MGO-rich varieties — have become so popular worldwide.

Whether you want to boost your immune system, treat a sore throat naturally, care for your skin, or just add a delicious health food to your pantry, MGO honey is a smart and natural choice.

As always, choose authentic, certified products, use it thoughtfully, and enjoy the incredible benefits that only MGO honey can offer.