Can Honey Really Help In Weight Loss? 5 Myths DEBUNKED! (Image Credits: iStock)
We all try our best to consume less sugar and in order to do that we switch to alternatives like jaggery, sugar, stevia etc to lose those extra kilos. But are they really helpful? Recently, there has been a buzz around honey's ability to help in weight loss journey, is it actually helpful or just a myth? Let's check.
Myth: Honey has fewer calories than sugar.
Fact: Though honey has some natural properties that may be beneficial for our health, it still contains carbohydrates and calories. In fact, honey has a similar calorie content to refined sugar. Hence, replacing sugar with honey is not a good idea as there won't be any much of a difference. Having honey in excess can in fact contribute to weight gain.
Myth: Honey may have some antioxidant properties
Antioxidants in honey are associated with various health benefits including improved heart health, and reduced inflammation. But these antioxidants may vary depending on the type of flowers bees and the processing methods used. While antioxidants are beneficial, they are not enough to help lose weight.
Myth: Honey has the ability to boost metabolism.
There is no such evidence either health experts claim that honey can boost metabolism. Though a few studies may say that it may help in boosting metabolism and contribute in overall health, when it comes to weight loss it is negligible.
Myth: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener.
If you're looking for a substitute for refined sugars, you can consider honey but in moderation. But if you are consuming honey in equal amounts as sugar then it can make you gain weight. Hence, you should avoid excessive calorie intake and consume honey less than you were consuming sugar.
Myth: Honey Burns Fat
One of the most common misconceptions is that honey can burn fat. While honey has a lower glycemic index compared to sugar, which means it has fat-burning properties. For weight loss, you need a calorie-deficit diet where you need to burn more calories than you consume. Honey, like any sweetener, contains calories (approximately 64 calories per tablespoon), so consuming regularly and in large quantities will not help in weight loss.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Diet, Health and around the world.
