Its Flu Season Manuka Honey & Vitamin C

It's that season again as I write this post nearing the end of my flu bout UGH ! We all know and dread getting the flu so if and when you do these two super foods help to boost the immune system along with chicken soup and good old fashioned jello. All five types of honey displayed antiviral activity, but Manuka did come out on top as the most effective. With Manuka being so powerful, it was also tested to determine its ability to reduce the growth of the influenza virus. The Manuka honey worked perfectly as an influenza pre-treatment by stopping the virus in its tracks. There were also noticeable virus reductions when the MDCK cells were treated with Manuka during and after the infection. Manuka Honey’s famed antibacterial properties are now being used in hospitals to ward off antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that cause potentially life threatening conditions such as MRSA and VRE. In addition to its impressive antibacterial activity, studies have also revealed Manuka Honey’s antiviral properties which make it effective in treating cold and flu symptoms. It has also been discovered that Manuka Honey contains more vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants than other types of honey. Most people who ingest Manuka Honey on a regular basis find that they almost never get sick and also have more energy. Many true believers feel that Manuka Honey can be more effective than any over-the-counter cold and flu medication found in pharmacies. When inflammation or infection occurs – such as with colds or flu – those special transporters ramp up their activity to provide enough vitamin C to the cells’ inner workings. This is why blood levels of vitamin C drop during times of disease or infection.Obviously, a health crisis can create a potentially vicious cycle in which, just when you need extra vitamin C, your body’s stores are depleted. Which is why it only makes perfect sense to increase one’s intake of vitamin C when sick.