When losing weight, it makes sense to use nature to fight excess flab. In a study conducted by Waikato University in New Zealand, researchers found that rats fed on 10 percent honey exhibited no more weight gain than those fed no sugar at all. Honey offers healthier glycemic index (GI) than other sweeteners, and eating diets lower on the GI scale is associated with reduced risks of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
History
Honey has a long history of medicinal use, dating from 2500 B.C., first recorded in Sumeria on clay tablet. Hippocrates, the ancient father of medicine, used honey to treat wounds, ulcers and even hemorrhoids. As for lemons, the Romans used it as a cure for all types of poison and are a well-known cure for digestion problems.
Weight Loss Properties
Lemons are notably high in vitamin C and citric acid, together with other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, bioflavonoids, pectin and limonene---all of which promote immunity and fight infection. According to www.realself.com, lemon juice acts as a digestive aid and liver cleanser. The high citric acid in lemon helps to stimulate gastric juices and saliva to help with the digestive process while the vitamin C content speeds up metabolism.
Honey is a good substitute for sweeteners. Not only does it provide bonuses of nutrients---riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants, it has more flavor and 75 percent fewer calories than ordinary sugar. You use less to sweeten your food, which translates to fewer calories consumed. Honey also maintains a steady source of energy, unlike the fast-burning rush of regular sugar. More significantly, honey is able to mobilize the extra fat deposits in the body and utilize it as energy for daily functions.
Lemon and Honey Combination
In both traditional Indian Ayurveda and ancient Unani (rooted in Greek) medicine, honey has been used as a base for curing obesity in a variety of ways. Most commonly, honey is combined with lemon, even cinnamon for maximum results. They recommend drinking a glass of warm water, mixed with 1 tbsp. of honey and 2 tsp. of lemon juice every morning. This concoction can be taken several times a day, up to half an hour before each meal. It can also be taken after a big and oily meal as an effective digestive and detox aid.
Tags: citric acid, fewer calories, lemon juice