Ancient history proves the effectiveness of honey and both intake and application of honey have proven health and skin benefits. Honey is produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers and stocked in a cellular bee hive. Honey has been a part of healthy and healing foods in various cultures across the globe. Honey is considered as food and medicine. Honey is anti- microbial, anti- oxidant and anti- irritant in nature. Honey also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorous and protein apart from sugars and water.
Ingesting honey is also known to provide various health benefits ranging from lowering cholesterol levels to treating respiratory infections and aiding weight loss. Honey and weight loss have a proven track record given that it is a recommended substitute for white sugar. White sugars are best substituted with honey because refined sugars lack essential vitamins and minerals. White sugars are not easily digested and can slow down the digestion of cholesterol and fatty acids. Refined white sugar also adds calories by impeding metabolic activities while minerals and amino acids present in honey help metabolic functions and thereby aid weight loss. Honey makes a suitable substitute mainly because it contains sugars that are easily digested by the body.
Honey and lime juice in a glass of lukewarm water first thing in the morning is a recommended anti-cellulite treatment. This concoction is known to speed up the body’s metabolism. Honey and warm water is used to mobilize stored fats. Such mobilized fats are then used as a source of energy by the body. The use of such fats for various functions results in weight loss. Honey is also used with milk as a bedtime drink. A tablespoon of honey mixed with milk is known to provide deep sleep and helps reduce stress.
Intake of honey alone cannot help reduce weight. Intake of honey must be supplemented by adequate physical exercises to ensure weight loss. Diabetics can also choose honey as a natural sweetener instead of sugar but in limited quantities as honey too contains calories. Ensure a well balanced meal comprising essential vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and limited fats. Employ honey as a natural sweetener instead of sugar in limited quantities. Vitamins and minerals in honey can help the body function better but it is important to note that the excessive intake of honey can lead to weight gain as it increases the daily calorie intake of the individual.