Natural honey has been used by mankind since the past 2,500 years, all over the world. While the numerous health benefits of honey have made it an important aspect of traditional medicines such as Ayurveda, scientists are also researching the benefits of honey in modern medicine, especially in healing wounds.
The health benefits of herbs, spices and other natural products have been well known since ancient times. They have been found to contain substances that are useful in fighting diseases of the heart, regulating blood pressure, fighting skin problems, anxiety and stress. As these natural foods do not have any side effects, a lot of scientific research is being done at present to unravel their healing properties.
More and more people are resorting to these natural ways of curing ailments. Of the various natural products and spices, honey and cinnamon have been found to be useful in the process of weight loss.
Sweetener:
Sugar can be substituted with honey in many food and drinks. Honey contains about 69% glucose and fructose enabling it to be used as a sweetener.
Energy Source:
Honey is also used by many as a source of energy as it provides about 64 calories per tablespoon. One tablespoon of sugar will give you about 50 calories. Further the sugars in honey can be easily converted into glucose by even the most sensitive stomachs. Hence it is very easy to digest honey.
Role of Honey in Weight Loss:
It is true that honey is a type of sugar. However, while the dietary sugars have only carbohydrates, honey, a natural sweetener, has vitamins and minerals as well. When our body digests sugar, it uses the vitamins and minerals present in our tissues. Hence, in the process of digesting dietary sugar, a deficit of vitamins and minerals is created in our body. This deficit is not created when honey is digested, as besides being a rich source carbohydrates, honey also provides important vitamins and minerals to the body.
Hence, the metabolism of fats and cholesterol remains unhindered when dietary sugars are replaced with honey. Honey also helps in digestion, and taking this natural sweetener after a heavy meal helps in avoiding any problems that may arise due to overeating.
Honey Recipes for Weight Loss:
Honey and Warm Water:
Normally fat remains as an un-used resource in your body adding bulk and weight. It is believed that honey mobilizes this stored fat. When this fat is burnt to provide energy for your daily activities, you see a gradual decrease in your weight and obesity levels. It is suggested that you drink this honey (about one tablespoon daily), with equal amount of warm water.
Honey and Lemon Juice:
Honey can also help in weight loss when consumed with warm water and lemon juice. Many people drink this formula first thing in the morning to reduce their weight.
Honey and Cinnamon:
Another useful recipe is cinnamon powder with honey and warm water. Take one tablespoon of cinnamon power, one tablespoon of honey and one cup of warm water, mix the ingredients properly and drink this mixture empty stomach. It is not clear how this mixture helps in weight loss; however, many people claim to have derived benefits from its regular consumption.
Honey also improves your digestion and thus helps in weight loss. Hence honey is also consumed after dinner especially after overeating.
Finally, many people stop eating food to reduce their weight. Beware of such practices. If you don’t eat sufficient food (which involves calories, vitamin, minerals, fibers) your immune system will become weak. Your weight loss program should focus on reducing the intake of calories and not stopping the intake of calories. Further, you should also increase the daily expense of calories by regular exercise.
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