Honey properties are determined by the level of methylglyoxal (antimicrobial substance) from 30 to 550 in the case of MGO method or from 5 to 20 by UMF method. Previous studies have shown that high levels of methylglyoxal in Manuka honey support the body’s defense mechanisms, mainly by stimulating the growth of probiotic intestinal bacteria. The antibacterial properties of honey make it possible to use it to treat wounds and bedsores and prevent inflammation in the body, which is important in a sports training. The most significant study results showed that honey has a positive effect on increasing the body’s immune response as it is highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It means it can be used in healing wounds by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria, for example : Staphylococcus aureus. Its intake prevents the atherosclerosis. Moreover, acetylcholine present in Manuka honey lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation, choline has a protective effect on the liver and increases the secretion of bile. Metal ions stimulate the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. The high content of methylglyoxal, and thus, the specific health benefits of Manuka honey can be used in the diet and supplementation of athletes. Changes occurring in the body due to physical exercise, like the oxidative stress, increase the level of free radicals ,and in result,cause a fall in the exercise potential of the body as well as reduce the immunological barrier. This problem can be particularly observed in winter athletes. Current research results on pro-health properties of Manuka honey have indicated that it can counteract those negative effects. Namely, negative factors of physical exercise are blocked in an athlete’s body by honey [1], and Manuka honey may, in particular, have a positive impact on the health of physically active people.
There are not many certain information about the effects exerciseon the number and characteristics of white blood cells and the immune response in people who are physically active [1].Some data suggest that lymphocytes at rest and their activity are the same in sportsman and in inactive persons. The aim of this study wasto demonstrate the relationship between volume and intensity incyclists macrocycle and changes in white blood cells, neutrofiles and cortisol concentration. This knowledge will help in preventing the negative effects of fatigue and overtraining. Thiswork isbased on results onendurance testand analysis of training loads. Venous blood was used for biochemical markers. It was taken before exercise, after its completion, and after an hour of restitution. Cortisol concentration, the number of white blood cells and neutrophiles increased in response to exercise. The output level of neutrophiles, white blood cells and cortisol did not differ from their level in untrained persons. The number of white blood cells and neutrophiles after exercise was significantly higher than their level in subsequent studiesin the introductory period. The results show a significant effect of adaptation to physical effort and the quality of post-exercise immune response and the appearance of the response to exercise an open window immune. Endurance training also caused a decrease in the output level of cortisol during the major races. It can also lead to lower baseline concentration of this hormone. This does not change character of the response effort, and after an hour of restitution during the major races [2]. The increase in cortisol may increase postprandial apoptosis of white blood cells and increase the number of neutrophils. This has an influence on the immune response and the degree of regeneration of cyclists in the macrocycle