Honey, a slimming ally? Often referred to as the "nectar of the Gods", is the result of a laborious process orchestrated by bees. From the flower to the hive, they work to produce this sweet substance. Honey, an entirely natural product, enjoys a glowing reputation thanks to its many vaunted benefits. Whether it is lavender, cherry, fir, acacia, and many others, the varieties of honey are plentiful, everyone can find what they are looking for. However, one question remains: can regular consumption of honey lead to weight gain, or is it on the contrary an ally in the fight against excess pounds?
Is honey high in calories?
As with many other foods, excessive consumption of honey can have consequences on the body, it's all about balance. The sugars in honey, such as sucrose, glucose and fructose, make it a wise choice to sweeten certain foods without risking excessive weight gain. Honey is an important source of nutrients for our body. However, it is caloric: 100 grams of honey provides about 300 calories, although this is still less than the amount of calories found in white sugar. Furthermore, unlike honey which has benefits for the body, table sugar is not nutritionally beneficial. Weight gain occurs when caloric intake exceeds the body's daily needs.
A slimming ally?
To maintain a stable weight, it is essential to consume honey in moderation. Some types of honey are known for their benefits on the digestive system, which can promote weight loss. Honey can therefore be considered an ally in the slimming process, offering a sweet alternative while limiting the risks of weight gain. However, it is crucial to exercise moderation in its consumption, because excess can lead to real weight gain. It is important to keep in mind that honey is caloric, with around 300 calories per 100 grams.
How to consume it as part of a diet?
Honey can play a valuable role in a diet when used in moderation and thoughtfully. Indeed, for those looking to maintain their weight while enjoying themselves, substituting white sugar with a teaspoon of honey in plain yogurt can be an interesting alternative. Similarly, in tea or coffee, honey can advantageously replace sugar, thus responding to a desire for sweetness without the extra calories. Thanks to its richness in antioxidants, honey contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system and the fight against fatigue. Consumed sparingly and daily, honey can therefore provide its benefits without excess. It is recommended not to exceed one teaspoon of honey per day to fully benefit from it.
The nutritional benefits of honey
Honey is a complete food , as it is rich in essential elements for the proper functioning of the body. Its composition includes a variety of sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose. In addition, it contains a multitude of amino acids and vitamins, thus contributing to its health benefits. Thanks to its water content, honey is also denser than sugar, which means that a teaspoon of honey is less caloric than an equivalent amount of white sugar or brown sugar.
Bees collect nectar from the flowers they forage on and store it in a pouch located in their digestive tract. This liquid is then passed from one bee to another, undergoing a gradual transformation before being deposited in the cells of the hive. In this warm environment, the nectar is ventilated by the bees until it reaches a certain dryness, thus allowing the cells to close and let the honey rest.
Honey is full of virtues thanks to the plant substances it contains, giving it remarkable nutritional properties. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it has been used for generations to relieve sore throats, particularly in the famous grandmother's recipe combining lemon juice and honey, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The dense and sticky texture of honey is particularly effective in reducing inflammation.
Honey is a great way to naturally boost your immune system . If you want to benefit from its benefits but are unsure about which type of honey to choose, you may want to consider trying royal jelly or propolis. These alternatives allow you to take advantage of the beneficial properties of honey that we mentioned above for your entire body. They are particularly recommended for incorporating into your culinary preparations or for sweetening your morning tea or coffee.
Honey is also known for its digestive properties that promote the assimilation of food and intestinal transit thanks to the presence of beneficial enzymes. Honey contains a large amount of fructose which, when reaching the large intestine without having been digested, can act as a mild and beneficial natural laxative for health, and therefore be a slimming ally! Certain types of honey, such as rosemary honey, are particularly recommended for relieving stomach pain and stimulating the liver, while acacia honey is recommended in cases of intestinal laziness.
What are the least caloric and least sweet honeys?
There are many varieties of honey, and their composition varies depending on the flowers the bees forage for. The higher the fructose content of a honey, the more liquid and sweet it will tend to be. The least sweet honeys, such as acacia honey and mountain honey, have a low glycemic index.
Acacia honey is produced from the sap of the acacia tree, which is known for its gum arabic. This gum is used for medicinal and industrial purposes. Acacia honey is known for its beneficial properties for the digestive system, including its appetite suppressant effect. Indeed, its fiber content helps reduce appetite by swelling on contact with liquids in the intestine, which provides an instant feeling of satiety.
Mountain honey stands out as an ally in various areas of daily life, and not just to help you lose weight!
- In the process of weight loss: by substituting sugar with honey, it promotes the transformation of fat into energy, thus contributing to weight loss.
- In cosmetics: thanks to its hygroscopic characteristic, it promotes the development of tissues, helping to maintain the youthfulness of the skin.
- As butter (cold): thanks to its texture, it can be used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the body.
- In the medical field: mountain honey, with its antimicrobial properties, is an immune fortifier. It is used to treat sore throats, relieve coughs, treat respiratory problems, and slow the development of cancer cells.
Honey, a slimming ally: Recipe for Chicken with honey and lemon
This simple and quick dish to make is ideal for those looking for a healthy option without compromising on taste.
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Number of people: 4
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 onions
- 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons of acacia honey
- 2 tablespoons of Provencal herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt & pepper
Preparation steps:
- Peel and slice the onions.
- Heat the oil in a casserole dish. Brown the onion for 2 minutes, stirring, then add the chicken thighs and let them brown.
- Cut a lemon into quarters and squeeze the juice from the second one. Mix it with the honey.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add the herbs and lemon wedges. Drizzle with the honey and lemon mixture.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, adding a tablespoon of water if necessary.
- Serve hot with a pan of vegetables.
Honey does not contribute to weight gain when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. It is essential to find the right balance by allowing small pleasures while avoiding excessive consumption. As for sugar intake, it is recommended to change your eating habits by limiting the consumption of high-calorie foods and favoring those that provide benefits to the body. Honey offers many health benefits and can be included occasionally in a balanced diet. It is therefore better to adopt good eating habits rather than depriving yourself completely.
Honey is a valuable companion for our physical well-being. Find out why in our article “ Honey: our favorite fitness and vitality asset ”
