Honey on Obesity Related Parameters in High Fat Diet

Honey is not only nutritious and delicious but also displays biochemical and

pharmacological activities and medicinal and therapeutic properties. It contains a variety

of nutritional contents, 82.0% carbohydrates, 0.3% protein, 17.0% water, and 0.7%

minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, etc. The taste, texture, color, and aroma of

honey vary with location, weather, humidity, nectar source, the species of plants,

and handling during harvesting, packing, and storage (Anupama et al., 2003). Four types

of honey have been mentioned in the texts of Charaka Samhita i.e. Makshika,

Bhramara, Kashudra, and Pauttika (Ch.Su.27/243pp.445; Su.Su.45/133pp.232-233).

Pauttika honey is produced by the Puttika bee and its physical characteristics are

similar to ghee in color and consistency (Ch. Su.27/244pp.446). The honey is

classified as monofloral or multi-floral based on the source of nectar. The common

species of honey bees are Apis dorsata, Apis melifera, Apis florae, Apis laborisa, Apis

andreniformis, etc.

As per the description of Ayurveda, new honey called Nava Madhu nourishes the

body and does not reduce the Kapha, however one-year-old honey named Purana

Madhu is highly significant, aggravated Vata Dosha produces dryness, reduces Kapha

and fat and obesity.

Orlistat is an FDA-approved antiobesity drug act locally within the gastrointestinal

tract and inhibits pancreatic and gastric lipase enzymes. It is indicated in the

management of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and excess visceral

fat.