I was excited to attend Expo West 2020 and interview Alan Bougen founder of Comvita, the #1 maker of Maunka Honey, but sadly the expo was cancelled due to “social distancing” in an attempt to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
Instead, however, I was invited to a much more intimate gathering of like-minded souls for Comvita’s Golden Hour: an evening of discussion and celebration on how to create a longer, more sustainable life and business. As Americans continue to invest more in wellness and the promise of living longer, healthier, more engaged and effective lives – what can be learned from tried and true expertise in the space?
First off, there was the most beautifully presented food that I’ve ever come across created by Sarah Cat from Mood Boards LA, who specialize in mood-enhancing nourishment. Sarah Cat prepares organic, nutrient-dense foods, makes dips using adaptogens, includes CBD to enhance well-being, and utilizes ingredients that enhance immunity and longevity like Spirulina and mushrooms (complete with edible glitter on). Sarah’s food display was truly a work of art and scrumptious.
To go with the food, there was a “toxin free” wine tasting of Antipodean wines provided by New Zealand Wine Navigator
For our ears, Trevor Exter played cello and sang, preforming a delightful repertoire and strumming his cello more like a guitar while singing. Click here for a sample of his music.
The evening started with a mindfulness mediation led by yoga instructor and psychotherapist, Ashley Turner. During the meditation, we were each given a teaspoon of Manuka honey and invited to close our eyes to really taste, feel and savor this treat.
And then the main event: a panel and Q&A with the longevity industry’s thought leaders in functional medicine, natural wellness, media and business. Panelists participating were:
Alan Bougen, Comvita Co-Founder and wellness industry pioneer (from NZ!)
Dr. Mary Pardee, a specialist in gut/brain health and Functional Medicine Doctor
David Stewart, an authority on 50+ living and Founder and CEO of Ageist
Agatha Achindu, an Integrative Nutrition Coach and Founder of Yummy Spoonfuls.
The topics ranged from nutrition to hormones to immunology, but the thing that fascinated me most was the power of Manuka Honey.
So, here is what I learned about health and Manuka honey:
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your gut? Or that your micro-biome can be affected by childhood trauma? Or that stress can damage our gut? And that it isn’t the stress that’s the issue – but how you deal with and perceive the stress.
If we know this, then a good place to start in building a strong immune system is by what we eat.
Manuka honey is a type of honey native to New Zealand that has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It cab be used for wound healing, soothing sore throats, preventing tooth decay and improving digestive issues. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties, maintain a moist wound environment and form a protective barrier, which prevents microbial infections in a wound.
Manuka honey has proven effective in healing diabetic ulcers, and helping burn patients by amplifying the regeneration of tissue and decreasing pain.
Will any honey do? Not really. Manuka honey has a UMF® rating – a Unique Manuka Factor that measures the antimicrobial ability of the honey. Comvita’s UMF® strength ranges from 5+ to 20+, with 20+ indicating the highest level of beneficial compounds. The UMF rating is a rigorous rating to receive so when you buy Manuka honey you know you are buying quality.
Here’s a great Comvita blog article that tells you “All you need to know about Manuka Honey”.
Propolis is another interesting bee product that also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This bee product appears to provide protection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
And then there’s Bee Pollen. Here’s a list of what that can do for you.
- relieve inflammation
- work as an antioxidant
- boost liver health
- strengthen the immune system
- work as a dietary supplement
- ease symptoms of menopause
- reduce stress
- speed up healing
And of course, Do NOT take if you are allergic to bees.
Visit Comvita for many immune-boosting natural products. What better time to fortify yourself than right now given our state of emergency?
