Thousands of years ago, the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed his patients a concoction made of honey and vinegar to treat many ailments. This remedy, known as oxymel, continues to be used today as folk medicine.
Both honey and vinegar provide numerous health benefits when consumed on their own. Combined, they create a tasty tonic that’s simple and inexpensive to make at home – and might even help you lose weight.
Vinegar Can Help Weight Loss
Acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, can aid your weight loss goals in several ways.
First, vinegar can help you control your appetite and cravings. Although it shouldn’t be considered an effective appetite suppressant, it can help you eat less by making you feel fuller after a meal.
This is likely related to vinegar’s ability to delay your gastric emptying rate, meaning it takes longer for food to move from your stomach into your intestines. This effect can also help you control blood sugar levels by preventing spikes and crashes.
In addition, vinegar can suppress body fat accumulation, which could help prevent the food you eat from being stored as fat.
Honey Can Also Help Weight Loss
Honey’s anti-obesity characteristics include:
- Low glycemic index – limits weight gain and fat storage
- Enhanced lipid metabolism – prevents the formation of arterial plaque
- High antioxidant content – attenuates tissue damage from oxidative stress
- Delayed postprandial ghrelin response – reduced hunger and appetite
Honey can also have anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive effects through these and other mechanisms.
How to Make and Use Oxymel
You can easily make oxymel at home simply by mixing honey and vinegar. Most recipes suggest four parts, honey to 1 part vinegar, but you can adjust the ratio to your liking.
Apple cider vinegar gives it a nice flavor and may also provide additional health benefits.
You can drink it straight by the spoonful, diluted in water, or mixed into tea. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much vinegar can damage your tooth enamel and irritate your throat. A tablespoon is a good amount to use.
You can also use it as a salad dressing or marinade or for any recipe that calls for vinegar.
Add Herbs For Extra Flavor and Benefits
If you want to give your oxymel a little extra flavor, try adding some fresh ginger, garlic, or herbs like thyme, mint, or rosemary.
This will make it more palatable, but it can also add additional nutrients and antioxidants that will further support your health.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a magic potion that will make all your health problems disappear. Losing weight and improving your health requires a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
But if you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to help support your weight loss goals, give this homemade medicinal elixir a try.
