A SCOTTISH honey has been found to have more nutrients than its global rivals according to a new study.
The Scottish Bee Company’s heather honey is said to contain up to 10 times more of the essential micro-nutrients, manganese, compared to 200 of its global rivals making it among the world’s top food products containing manganese.
Researchers from Fera Science Limited teamed up with the Edinburgh-based Scottish Bee Company earlier this month to investigate the nutritional content of its honey, which is produced in the Lothians, Dumfriesshire, Stirlingshire, Fife and Aberdeenshire.
Manganese is an essential mineral. As well as its high antioxidant qualities, it plays a role in helping to make and activate enzymes in the body involved in protecting tissues from damage and in the metabolism of nutrients. It also helps maintain healthy bones.
This breakthrough is the first of its kind in the world and firmly cements this honey’s position as a rival to manuka honey, indicating that the Scottish Bee Company’s heather honey has a range of positive health benefits.
Dr Adrian Charlton from Fera Science Limited, said: “We didn’t know that honey of any type could be a significant source of dietary manganese before this piece of work was completed.”
Fera’s food and drink analytical testing services are supported by scientific expertise, detailed knowledge of both current and emerging regulations, and internationally recognised quality standards.
The Scottish Bee Company was founded by Iain and Suzie Millar in 2017 to help the environment and improve the population of bees after the continually documented decline.
The couple were shocked by the lack of home-grown honey the UK has considering it is amongst the highest item we import.
Suzie Millar, Co-founder of The Scottish Bee Company, said: “It’s been remarkable to see the results of the scientific analysis show that our Scottish heather honey has superfood quality, more so than many other honeys around the world.
“What’s even more exciting is that it doesn’t need to be imported from other countries. We have these wonderful, natural products right here in Scotland.”
In 2019, The Scottish Bee Company partnered with the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow to get a better understanding about the content of its products.
The research suggests that its heather honey also has a high antibiofilm and antimicrobial activity. This comes at a time of renewed focus on health and the need for locally sourced, natural healthy products are in demand.
