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| - Last Updated on November 28, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that garlic and honey can boost metabolism. However, after evaluating scientific evidence, we found the claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
According to a Threads post, “garlic and honey can boost metabolism.”
Fact Check
Can garlic and honey directly increase metabolic rate?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that garlic and honey directly increase metabolic rate. While both garlic and honey have various health benefits, they do not directly impact metabolism.
Here’s a breakdown of why:
- Garlic: It contains compounds like allicin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that garlic may slightly increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation. However, the effects are minimal and not directly related to metabolic rate.
- Honey: It is a natural sugar source that provides energy. However, it does not directly boost metabolism. In fact, consuming too much honey can lead to weight gain due to its high sugar content.
It’s important to note that metabolism is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, sex, and activity level.
While garlic and honey may offer some health benefits, they are not a magic solution for boosting metabolism.
Do garlic and honey enhance fat burning?
Several studies have explored garlic’s effects on weight, metabolism, and conditions like metabolic syndrome and PCOS:
- 2011 Study on Obese Mice: Garlic reduced body weight and improved fat metabolism by activating a fat-burning protein, suggesting potential anti-obesity benefits.
- 2023 Meta-analysis: A review of 19 studies with nearly 1,000 participants found that garlic supplements lowered triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, and waist size. However, the results were inconsistent, and more research is needed.
- 2022 Clinical Trial with Obese Women: 43 women taking garlic extract along with a low-calorie diet lost weight, showed improved insulin resistance, and had small changes in gut bacteria.
- 2018 Study on Raw Garlic: 40 people with metabolic syndrome took raw garlic for 4 weeks, improving waist size, blood pressure, triglycerides, and blood sugar, although BMI remained unchanged.
- 2023 Study on PCOS: Garlic supplementation improved oxidative stress markers, weight, BMI, and waist size in 80 women with PCOS.
Although these studies suggest garlic may support weight loss and metabolic health, the direct impact of garlic on metabolism is still uncertain, and further research is required to confirm these effects.
In contrast, several studies have explored honey’s potential to manage metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions such as obesity, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Honey contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cholesterol, and assist with weight loss. It may also protect blood vessels and support fat metabolism.
However, the evidence for honey is mixed:
- Some studies suggest honey can help manage metabolic syndrome and improve obesity-related health issues.
- Honey’s antioxidant properties could protect against oxidative stress and support better fat metabolism.
- A 2017 study found that there are still challenges and difficulties in using honey for people with diabetes.
While honey shows promise, we still need more research to confirm its effectiveness, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes.
For effective fat loss, a combination of healthy eating and consistent physical activity is far more impactful than relying on specific foods like garlic or honey.
Does garlic and honey work together to boost metabolism?
No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that combining them will amplify their effects on metabolism. Most claims come from anecdotal sources or traditional remedies, which often lack rigorous scientific backing. While their combination may enhance flavour or provide some health benefits, it does not act as a metabolic accelerator, especially if you are relying solely on this remedy to boost metabolism instead of adopting a complete healthy lifestyle.
We reached out to Dr Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & HOD Gastroenterology Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, for his expert insights on garlic and honey to enhance metabolism. He states, “I often advise patients to focus on evidence-based approaches to health. Garlic and honey do offer certain benefits—garlic may support heart health and has some anti-inflammatory properties, while honey provides natural sugars and antioxidants. However, there’s no clinical evidence suggesting they work together to boost metabolism. Garlic might aid digestion by promoting gut motility, and honey can soothe mild digestive discomfort, but their effects are not significant enough to impact metabolic rates. For a healthy metabolism, the focus should be on maintaining a well-rounded diet, staying active, and addressing any underlying medical conditions that may slow down your metabolism.”
We got in touch with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her opinion on garlic and honey for boosting metabolism. She says, “I understand the appeal of natural remedies like garlic and honey. Both have individual health benefits—garlic contains compounds like allicin, which may support heart health and reduce inflammation, while honey provides quick energy and has mild antioxidant properties. However, there’s no scientific evidence to show that they work together to boost metabolism. Improving your metabolism requires a combination of factors: eating a balanced diet rich in fibre and protein, staying physically active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. Relying solely on specific foods like garlic and honey may not deliver the desired results unless you are maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.”
It’s also important to note that there are many counterfeit honey products on the market. To experience the full health benefits, it’s essential to consume genuine honey. Therefore, knowing how to distinguish real honey from fake is crucial.
THIP Media Take
The claim that garlic and honey can boost metabolism is mostly false. Although both ingredients have health benefits, they do not significantly affect metabolic rate or fat-burning processes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest remain the proven methods for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
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