Obesity is an epidemic in many Western countries, and many more people find themselves constantly coping with a few extra pounds. People take very drastic measures once their weight becomes dangerous, having major surgery to reduce the size of the stomach, and facing all the risks that such procedures incur.
However, honey and lemon for weight loss have been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Incorporating honey and lemon into a sensible diet can help relieve weight problems. Excess weight strains the heart, liver, joints, and kidneys, and increases the risk of many diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Being overweight aggravates high blood pressure and arthritis, as well as liver and gall bladder problems.
But honey contains carbohydrates, and haven’t we been warned to avoid too many carbohydrates? Unlike refined sugar, honey contains carbohydrates along with minerals and vitamins. The nutrients found in honey are used by the body in the metabolism of fats and cholesterol, while sugar contains no such nutrients, making it much easier to gain weight with sugar than with honey.
Honey dissolved in warm (but not hot) water is believed to mobilize the body’s stored fat, using the fat to provide energy for daily activities. This can result in a gradual decrease in excess weight, which is the healthy way to lose excess fat. One recommended “recipe” is to dissolve one tablespoon of honey in one tablespoon of warm water and consume once per day.
Another tried and true promoter of weight loss is honey with lemon juice. In fact, it is believed that the combination of the two is better than either used alone. Many people consume a honey and lemon juice “cocktail” first thing in the morning to boost their weight loss efforts. It’s very easy to do: dissolve one teaspoon of raw honey, two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, and 8 fl. oz. of room temperature water and drink.
The power of the raw honey has been used in weight control for literally thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Honey dislodges and dissolves fat. Fat is oily by nature, while honey has an astringent (drying) effect, which tends to dissolve fat. It’s analogous to using an astringent skin toner to dissolve oils (fats) on the skin.
Honey has long been renowned not only for helping control weight, but for lowering cholesterol levels. Honey mobilizes extra fat deposited within the body, allowing it to be used as the energy necessary for normal bodily functions. Cutting calories while adding a honey and lemon for weight loss, in the form of the simple honey-lemon-water drink mentioned above, is a real kick start for weight loss programs.
As a treatment for excess weight, it not only adds vital nutrients, but combats the loss of energy that can accompany weight loss regimens. However it is very important to note that only lukewarm water and raw honey should be used to avoid destroying the enzymes and micronutrients that are available in the honey. Taken once a day, in the morning on an empty stomach, it’s a great start to the day when you’re trying to reduce. It can also be taken after a large, fatty meal as a tonic to promote good digestion.