The benefits of honey mostly apply to most weight loss programs. If you are trying to lose weight, honey can be very helpful but before we discuss the benefits of honey in weight loss, we should address some of the concerns that people often have regarding honey.
Many people ask: Isn’t honey a type of sugar? Doesn’t it contribute to weight gain? Won’t the calories in honey negate weight loss efforts?
Honey does contain sugar. However, unlike refined sugar, honey contains beneficial vitamins and minerals as well. Refined table sugar, which people often use to sweeten their food, is considered a source of “empty calories”, which means that there is no benefit in eating it.
Normally, to digest sugar, vitamins and minerals stored in the body are utilized, which uses up many essential nutrients. These nutrients are essential to dissolve fats and cholesterol, so ingesting pure sugar is somewhat wasteful. Therefore, when you eat too much sugar, you tend to gain weight not only because of the calories but also from the subsequent lack of vitamins and minerals. Honey balances this effect because it is a good source of nutrients that help people in their weight loss efforts if consumed in limited amounts because after all, it is a source of glucose/sugar only!
Honey provides water, energy, fiber, sugar, and various vitamins and minerals. It contains minerals such as iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium. Honey also contains vitamins that include folate, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 but has low levels of selenium, protein, fiber, and amino acids.
For people who are overweight or obese, honey not only reduces the risk of cardiovascular disorders, it also does not increase the body weight. Findings of a research suggest that consumption of honey may help in reducing cholesterol levels as compared to sugar. It also leads to a lower increase in the plasma glucose levels when compared with sugar.
Benefits of Honey for Weight Loss
Mentioned below are the most common benefits of honey in relation to weight loss.
Honey & Warm Water
It is believed that honey has the ability to mobilize the stored fat. When this fat is burnt to provide energy for your daily activities, you will see a gradual decrease in your weight and a relief from the problems of obesity.
Honey has also been shown to positively increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol in the body and also reduces cardiovascular strain with a regular physical activity routine and a balanced diet, which means you can lead a more active, and have a healthy life. This will further promote weight loss since you won’t be worried as much about atherosclerosis or the risk of heart attack or stroke while going for a morning run. Research suggests that drinking honey (about one teaspoon i.e. 5 grams daily), mixed in 150ml of lukewarm water can stimulate this beneficial process.
Honey is nutritious and packed with antioxidants. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Honey & Lemon Juice
Honey can help in weight loss when consumed with lukewarm water and lemon juice (fresh juice without sugar or salt). Many people drink this formula at the start of their day as a way of stimulating weight loss. Honey is packed with 26 amino acids and a number of valuable vitamins and minerals mentioned above, many of which benefit the body’s metabolism. By regulating the metabolism, food is digested, assimilated, and utilized properly, fat is converted into usable energy. Thus, improving the overall health.
The lemon juice in this mixture is loaded with vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), which cleanses and increases the liver function and speeds up fat metabolism. Furthermore, lemon juice increases the function of glutathione, which is a key antioxidant for fighting free radicals in our body and increasing immunity.
Combining the weight-loss powers of lemon juice with the metabolism-stimulating effects of honey, this elixir, if drunk once a day, can give you attractive results.
Honey & Cinnamon
Another popular recipe combines cinnamon with honey and warm water. Research studies suggest that the use of cinnamon is beneficial for weight loss.
Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder with one tablespoon of honey and one cup (150ml) of lukewarm water. Thoroughly mix these ingredients and drink on an empty stomach.
Cinnamon has also been shown to have a regulating effect on blood sugar levels, and the metabolism of glucose. High blood sugar levels can lead to increased storage of fat in the body, so cinnamon has a positive impact on this aspect of weight loss. Combined with the metabolism power of honey, this mixture can be a powerful boost to your weight loss efforts.
Research has not clearly explained how this mixture helps in weight loss, but many people claim to have seen positive results from its regular consumption.
Having honey water helps to boost your metabolism. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Hibernation Diet
With all of the new diets that spring up every year, it is difficult to know which one will benefit your body and weight loss efforts. One aspect of the hibernation diet to lose weight is to consume a spoonful (5gms) of honey before going to bed. As you sleep, honey will continue to stimulate the liver function and ease a number of stress hormones that are in your system. As the name implies, it helps you hibernate in a healthy and relaxing way.
Improves Digestion
Honey improves your digestion, which can help in reducing static weight in your digestive system. Therefore, honey can be consumed after dinner with a gap of 45mins to 1 hour, particularly after eating a large meal.
Substitute for Sugar
Honey is a good substitute for sugar. It can be used in different beverages such as tea and lime juice. Among other food items, it can be used in desserts and pancakes instead of sugar. One may add honey to oatmeal or a peanut butter sandwich for additional nutrients, good taste, and a lower risk of weight gain.
In an 8 weeks clinical trial published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, it was found that honey can provide beneficial effects on body weight and blood lipids of diabetic patients. However, it increased the hemoglobin A1C levels. Therefore cautious consumption of this food by diabetic patients is recommended.
Many people stop eating to reduce their weight, but this is a potentially dangerous practice. If you don’t eat enough food, which is the primary way of acquiring calories, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, your immune system will weaken.
Always Remember
Your weight loss program should always focus on ensuring proper intake of all nutrients and not just reducing the intake of calories. Furthermore, you should also increase your daily burning calories through regular exercise along with a healthy diet to achieve the desired result. Weight loss is a gradual process; don’t look for shortcuts as they may be harmful.
Note: Always consult a qualified dietitian or a nutritionist for a proper meal plan.
