What Is MGO In Manuka Honey?

When someone purchases Manuka honey, they need to compare each of their options. Using the MGO rating is a good way to do that. The rating tells the customer how much methylglyoxal is contained in the honey. But what is MGO in manuka honey?

Methylglyoxal is a compound naturally found in manuka honey. It is very effective at fighting germs. A higher MGO rating means that the honey has more methylglyoxal and will be more effective at eliminating germs.

What Is Methylglyoxal?

Individuals who are going to use manuka honey must learn more about Methylglyoxal. It is one of the most important compounds in manuka honey.

It is an antibacterial compound that makes manuka honey so powerful. It is unknown exactly how this compound works, even though scientists have been researching it extensively.

Research has shown that this compound can provide users with a handful of health perks. Thanks to the Methylglyoxal content, manuka honey can boost energy levels, enhance immunity, and more.

The compound can also help speed up the healing of wounds, cuts, and burns.

What Does MGO Stand For?

When you begin looking for manuka honey, you will see a handful of terms repeatedly. MGO will be one of the most common. MGO is short for Methylglyoxal.

Again, the compound is what makes manuka honey so great. When you see the term MGO, it tells more about the MGO content of manuka honey.

This is specified using a number. A lower number means that the honey contains less Methylglyoxal. If the number is higher, the concentration is higher.

Simultaneously, a higher concentration of Methylglyoxal means that the manuka honey is more potent. When buying manuka honey, it is essential to get the right Methylglyoxal concentration.

Too little may not deliver satisfactory results. Too much may not be necessary.

What Is The Best MGO Level?

As mentioned above, the customer needs to get the perfect amount of MGO. Otherwise, they will not be satisfied with the results.

The perfect concentration depends on what you’re trying to achieve. However, a rating of UMF 10+ and MGO 300+ should be okay.

With this concentration, you should be able to use your manuka honey every day without complications. You’ll also receive satisfying results.

Is A Higher MGO Rating Always Better?

In general, it is always a good idea to purchase a higher MGO-rated manuka honey. Since the rating is higher, the product will contain more Methylglyoxal, and it’ll be more potent.

You can use less and still get the same results. The only potential downside is that the price will be slightly higher.

Regardless, the product will provide more health benefits and possess more antibacterial properties when the MGO grade is higher.

When comparing options, remember that MGO and UMF are not identical. These two numbers clarify different characteristics.

Best MGO Rating For Daily Use

Many people want to use manuka honey daily to receive consistent benefits. If you fit into this category, you need to pick a low-grade manuka honey.

If the potency is too high, it may not be possible to use the product regularly. You should pick a product that has a rating of 80 MGO or slightly higher.

At this level, the product can be used daily. Anything close to this level can be used daily. However, much higher concentrations should not be used every day.

Comparing MGO And UMF

When you begin comparing manuka honey products, you will encounter a handful of terms, including MGO and UMF. These ratings can tell you a lot about the product that you’re buying.

The MGO rating tells the user more about the Methylglyoxal content of the honey. You may want to know which is better, but there is no straightforward answer.

UMF is considered to be better in some cases because the tests are more in-depth and complex. However, MGO testing is straightforward.

Both can tell you more about the potency of the honey you’re buying. UMF grading goes one step further.

In addition to checking the potency of the honey, it will also ensure that the buyer is getting the highest quality product.

More about the differences between UMF and MGO will be provided below.

UMF And MGO Grading

There are several key differences between MGO and UMF grading. As previously mentioned, MGO is simpler and less comprehensive. UMF offers more insight into the product.

MGO testing is only suitable for checking the Methylglyoxal content of the honey. In other words, this test will tell you how potent the manuka honey is.

UMF grading is more comprehensive because it’ll detect the potency and so much more. Besides detecting Methylglyoxal levels, it’ll also check for the following things.

• The test will also check the NPA or the non-peroxide activity of the manuka honey.
• It’ll also check the DHA or dihydroxyacetone level. This is the nectar of the flower.
• Finally, the test also confirms the presence of leptosperin. If this is present, it means that the honey is derived from the manuka plant.

MGO testing is good, but it is generally best to choose a UMF-certified product. Then, you can be confident that you’re buying authentic manuka honey.

MGO Rating Converts To UMF Rating

It should be noted that the UMF test also checks the Methylglyoxal content of the honey. Therefore, it is easy to convert the UMF rating into an MGO rating.

Using a chart is easier than trying to do the math. UMF numbers are significantly lower.

For instance, a UMF 5+ rating is an 83+ rating on the MGO scale. As for a 24+ UMF rating, it would be a 1122+ rating on the MGO scale.

Whether you’re using the MGO test or the UMF system, it is vital to pay close attention to the Methylglyoxal level. Ultimately, this is the most important component because it’ll determine the potency of the manuka honey.

However, it may not be a good idea to buy a product that only provides an MGO rating without having a UMF certification.

How Important Are MGO Ratings?

The MGO rating specifies the Methylglyoxal content in the manuka honey.

The MGO rating is likely the most important aspect of the UMF tests. After all, the MGO rating helps determine how effective and potent the product is.

Manuka honey with more Methylglyoxal will be more potent. Therefore, it’ll also be more effective.

Still, it is important to ensure that the product has been UMF certified. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that the product is authentic.

UMF Certification Is Equally Important

Making sure that the UMF certification is valid is equally important. The term UMF means the Unique Manuka Factor. The grading system was created by the UMF Honey Association.

The association is in New Zealand which is where authentic manuka honey is made. The UMF Honey Association protects the industry and consumers from fraudulent vendors.

It achieves this goal by testing manuka honey products and ensuring that they’re authentic. When a product has been tested and authenticated, it will be UMF certified.

Products that aren’t certified haven’t been through rigorous testing to confirm their legitimacy. Therefore, it may be risky to buy manuka honey that isn’t UMF certified.

Regardless, the customer should always check the Methylglyoxal content of the honey too.

How Much MGO Is Enough?

When attempting to purchase manuka honey, it is essential to get the best product. In particular, the customer must make sure that the honey has sufficient Methylglyoxal.

Truthfully, the perfect amount depends on what you want to do with the honey. If you’re trying to improve your overall well-being, the MGO rating can be lower.

For instance, you should pick a product with an MGO rating of 220+. However, you may be trying to take care of your digestive system.

For this purpose, make sure that your manuka honey has at least 400+ MGO. Finally, you’ll need a higher MGO concentration if you’re going to try to heal an open wound or burn.

You’ll need an MGO rating of 550+ or higher. With this amount of Methylglyoxal, you can alleviate stomach pains, enhance your immunity, and rapidly heal cuts.

Does MGO Rating Matter To Taste?

If you’re thinking about buying manuka honey, you’re probably looking for one or two things. You want to improve your health, heal your wounds, and improve the taste of your recipes.

The MGO rating identifies the Methylglyoxal content in the manuka honey. Besides making the product more potent, it’ll also have an impact on its taste.

As the MGO rating increases, the taste will change. A higher rating means that you’re going to notice a medicinal taste when eating the honey.

Some people do not want the medicinal taste so they’ll pick a product with a lower Methylglyoxal content. Doing so will add a little sweetness to their favorite recipes.

Does UMF Matter?

Ultimately, consumers cannot ignore UMF certification and testing. The UMF ensures that the honey is authentic. If the product isn’t certified, it could be fake.

Don’t buy any manuka honey unless it has been certified by the UMF. Remember that MGO is only one aspect of the UMF test.

The other part of the test will help ensure that the manuka honey is authentic. Buying a UMF-certified manuka honey product is the best way to avoid being ripped off.

How To Determine MGO Rating?

The customer should always check the rating before buying a bottle of manuka honey.

Usually, it won’t be difficult to find the rating. It should be clearly displayed on the front of the bottle.

If you’re buying a bottle of honey online, be sure to check the pictures or read the description carefully.

The MGO rating may not be provided. Instead, you may need to use the UMF grade.

Make the necessary conversion so you’ll know what the Methylglyoxal content is. Doing so helps you avoid buying the wrong product.

If the company isn’t forthcoming with this information, it may be trying to hide something. Contact them or pick a different company.

FAQs

How Is The MGO Rating Determined?

Before the MGO rating can be specified, the company will need to have the honey tested. A 3^rd party will test the honey to determine what the Methylglyoxal content is. Then, the MGO rating will be provided.

Why Would Someone Buy Honey With Little MGO?

Even though the rating is low, the honey can still provide many benefits. Plus, low-grade manuka honey is better for everyday consumption. It’ll also have a more pleasant taste without a medicinal aftertaste.

Should You Buy The Honey With The Highest MGO Rating?

There is no need to buy the honey with the highest MGO rating unless you’re trying to heal wounds or burns. A lower-rated manuka honey is better in some cases. The latter can be used daily and will taste better.