Honey is not a sugar but a natural compound that is sweet. It contains some vitamins and minerals that make it nutritious as well, whereas the normal sugar is simple plain sugar which has no other ingredients. Sugar is considered the main culprit to add to the body weight and anything that can replace it to have a sweet taste is a great help in losing weight. Honey can be the most acceptable sugar replacement.
Low glycemic index for starters
Honey does not make a rush in the sugar level in the body. It is absorbed slowly into the body to have a steady supply of energy. The brain cells may panic when there is a drop in the blood glucose level. When honey is consumed, it urges the liver to release the stored glucose into the bloodstream to balance the normal levels.
How honey helps in weight loss
Replace the sugar to add sweetness. The less the sugar is used, less will be the contribution towards the stored fat. It provides energy boosting by speeding up the metabolism. The faster metabolism will also bring down some amount of fat as well. Unlike sugar, honey can also provide antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It can serve as an immune booster also.
Controls appetite: Honey is a natural appetite controller. Many a times the reason for weight gain or lack of weight loss is over eating, even if we eat enough, the body and mind does not feel full and we end up eating more than what is necessary. By adding honey in the diet- drink or food, the food cravings, especially the sugar cravings can be cured.
To melt the fat away: Yes, you heard it right. Honey is an excellent way to lose fat molecules at night when we sleep. Increasing the metabolism at night is possible by drinking a glass of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of honey. The usual night-time metabolism may be increased this way and more amounts of fat molecules are broken down than usual. The midnight snacking, dry mouth at night or at early night is also solved with this method. It improves the liver functioning and helps make it healthier.
Endure the workouts: Without workouts or physical exercises it is not healthy to lose weight. For those who are heavy workout freaks, get a bottle of warm water with a teaspoon of honey mixed in it. Keep it handy and sip this water before, during and after the workouts. It hydrates, cleanses the system, and provides energy for the intense workouts and at the same time help loses fat also.
Reduce cholesterol levels: Studies show that honey can reduce both the total cholesterol and the bad cholesterol levels. It reduces cardio vascular risks and weight gain. The antioxidants in honey will prevent the cholesterol from getting out of the bloodstream into the cells or adhere to other body parts. It also has minerals and other nutrients that can naturally lower the blood cholesterol level.
Some honey recipes
Honey is nutritious and helps lower the body weight as it is. It has improved benefits when it is combined with some specific partners such as cinnamon, lemon, or warm water.
Honey and warm water is an excellent drink to improve metabolism. It works anytime, especially in the morning and at night before going to bed. Keep it comfortably warm and not hot. The heat can destroy the useful ingredients in honey.
Honey and lemon is a natural detox mix. Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice and 1-2 spoons of honey in a glass of warm water in the morning on empty stomach. It cleanses the digestive system and gets rid of many toxins to help with faster weight loss.
Honey with cinnamon: mix one teaspoon each of honey and cinnamon in a cup of warm water and have it on empty stomach in the morning. It not only lose fat molecules but can also regulate the blood sugar levels. It is an excellent remedy for weight gain during diabetes.