Honey and Garlic for Weight Loss

Honey and garlic have been popularly known for their medicinal properties for centuries. In fact, ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, valued the mixture of garlic and honey for its nutritional value and medicinal properties, using it to treat various ailments. Nowadays, these ingredients have been studied extensively for their potential role in weight loss.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the latest findings on the benefits of honey and garlic for weight loss in 2023. We will also explore the mechanisms through which these ingredients may aid weight loss, as well as some potential side effects and precautions to consider.
Before we jump into the specifics, let’s take a moment to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is a growing health concern worldwide, as it increases the risk of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. By adopting healthy eating habits and incorporating natural ingredients like honey and garlic into our diets, we can take small steps towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
With that in mind, let’s explore the latest research on honey and garlic and their potential benefits for weight loss in 2023.
How efficient are garlic and honey in promoting weight loss?
Garlic and honey continue to be studied for their potential to support weight management. While there is no conclusive evidence that consuming garlic and honey alone is effective for weight loss, they do offer several health benefits that may indirectly support weight management.
For instance, garlic and honey contain antioxidants and may have antibiotic and antiviral properties that can support overall health. Moreover, garlic may have anti-obesity effects, such as reducing body weight, fat, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels and suppressing the formation of white fat cells, as demonstrated in a 2016 study on obese mice.
When consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise routine, a honey-garlic combination may offer benefits for weight management.
The use of honey for promoting weight loss
Honey has been touted by some as a potential aid for weight loss. Some studies have suggested that replacing other sweeteners, such as table sugar, with honey may have some benefits for weight loss. However, it’s important to note that honey still contains calories and sugar, with one tablespoon containing 64 calories and 17.25 grams of sugar.
One small study of 37 healthy adults found that those who consumed honey instead of table sugar had a lower intake of calories, carbs, and sugar overall than the table sugar group. Another older study of 55 adults overweight or obese found that consuming 70 grams of honey daily for 30 days led to a small reduction in body weight and body fat compared to consuming the same amount of table sugar.
Health-promoting compounds of honey
Honey is a sweet liquid that is produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants. It is composed mainly of water and sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose. A 1-tablespoon (20-gram) serving of honey contains around 60 calories and 16 grams of sugar, making up nearly 32% of the Daily Value (DV) for sugar.
However, honey also contains many vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may account for its health benefits. Studies suggest that honey may possess health-promoting properties due to its antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Researchers have linked these compounds to various potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting wound healing. Although the impact of honey on weight loss remains uncertain, individuals can consume it in moderation as a natural sweetener as part of a balanced diet.
The use of Garlic for promoting weight loss
Garlic has been a popular ingredient in cooking for centuries, and it has also been touted for its potential health benefits, including weight loss. Although garlic does not have the magical ability to make you lose weight instantly, it can enhance the taste of your weight loss journey and offer several health benefits.
A study conducted on 110 individuals with chronic liver disease revealed that those who consumed 800 mg of garlic powder on a daily basis lost a considerably greater amount of weight in comparison to those who took a placebo. However, it’s important to note that this study was conducted on a specific population and may not necessarily apply to everyone.
Another study found that consuming garlic in combination with a high-fat diet may help prevent weight gain by increasing thermogenesis, which is the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat.
Consuming raw garlic or garlic extract may also have a positive effect on metabolism and may help promote weight loss. However, it’s important to note that consuming raw garlic can cause digestive issues for some people.
Health-promoting compounds of garlic
Garlic contains several compounds that are believed to promote health. Chopping or crushing garlic produces allicin, which is one of garlic’s most well-known compounds. Allicin has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, and it may also have anti-inflammatory effects. However, allicin is unstable and breaks down quickly, so cooked or processed garlic may not contain significant amounts of it.
Researchers have shown that sulfur compounds in garlic, such as diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide, possess antioxidant properties and can potentially aid in reducing inflammation. These compounds may also have beneficial effects on metabolism, helping to promote weight loss.
Garlic contains not only sulfur compounds but also flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds may help protect against certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, which may also indirectly contribute to weight loss.
How to make honey and garlic formula at home
Someone who loves creating homemade remedies, I wanted to share an easy recipe for making your own garlic and honey formula. People have used this potent mixture for centuries due to its potential health benefits, which include helping with weight loss. To make it, simply follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of whole garlic cloves (135 grams)
- 1 cup of raw honey (237 mL)
Directions:
- Separate and peel each garlic clove, being careful to remove only the outer papery layer.
- Place the peeled garlic cloves into a clean, sterile jar or another sealable container.
- Cover each garlic clove completely by pouring honey over them.
- Gently stir or shake the container’s contents to coat each clove with honey and ensure that no air pockets are present.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
- After 24-48 hours, strain the mixture to remove the garlic pieces.
- Your homemade garlic and honey formula is now ready to use!
It’s important to note that choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients can have the greatest potential benefits. Suggested using raw, unpasteurized honey as it contains more nutrients than processed honey and is often pure without added sugars or fillers.
If you prefer, you can use chopped garlic instead of whole garlic cloves as this may help activate allicin, a plant compound in garlic that researchers believe has potential health benefits. If you notice bubbles forming in your jar after a few days or weeks, don’t worry – this is a normal result of fermentation that may occur.
Remember that you should not rely on garlic and honey alone as a weight-loss strategy, even though they may have potential health benefits. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for long-term weight management.
How to use this formula
There are various ways to use a garlic and honey mixture. You can consume a small amount of honey daily, either alone or by adding it to tea or other drinks.
You can incorporate the honey into sauces, marinades, or salad dressings, or you can drizzle it over vegetables, grains, or proteins as part of a meal.
It is recommended to use the garlic and honey mixture within one month of preparation if you prepare it at home.
Precautions while using honey and garlic
While using a honey and garlic formula, it is important to take certain precautions:
- Allergies: Some people may be allergic to garlic or honey, so it is important to be aware of any allergies before using this mixture.
- Medical conditions: People with medical conditions such as diabetes or low blood pressure should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming honey or garlic in large quantities.
- Side effects: Garlic may cause side effects such as bad breath, body odor, or upset stomach in some people. Excessive consumption of honey may lead to gastrointestinal issues or increase blood sugar levels.
- Dosage: It is important to follow the recommended dosage of the honey and garlic mixture. Excessive consumption of garlic or honey may have adverse effects.
- Storage: Store the homemade honey and garlic mixture properly in a cool and dry place to prevent spoilage or contamination.
Conclusion
To summarize, honey and garlic are natural and effective ways to help lose weight. Honey can help regulate our blood sugar levels, reduce our desire for sugary foods, and make us feel full for longer.
On the other hand, garlic can boost our metabolism, reduce our appetite, and improve our body’s ability to process sugar. We can incorporate honey and garlic into our daily meals by using them in tea, salad dressing, roasted vegetables, or glazed chicken, and enjoy their yummy and healthful advantages.
FAQs
Mixing garlic and honey creates a natural remedy with potential health benefits. It may help boost the immune system, ease coughs and sore throats, and lower blood pressure. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Garlic’s metabolism-boosting properties can aid in faster calorie burning and help reduce cravings. It also promotes satiety and controls hunger, preventing overeating. A study in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that garlic may also assist in burning fat.
It’s possible to consume garlic and honey daily, and nutritionists may suggest taking them on an empty stomach to alleviate acid reflux and regurgitation. However, excessive garlic consumption can lead to adverse effects. To avoid this, it’s recommended to take a small clove of garlic daily with half a teaspoon of honey.
While garlic and honey have numerous health-promoting compounds, there is limited evidence to support their effectiveness in aiding weight loss.
After letting the garlic and honey mixture sit for a while, consume one clove every morning and store the rest in a glass jar to have one daily. This remedy is worth trying as it can purify your blood naturally, which may also improve your skin health and prevent breakouts.