Introduction
Losing weight may be a challenging and daunting task, especially when there are a lot of different diets and dietary supplements available. But, sometimes the solution can be found in simple and natural ingredients like cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of trees, and it has been used for hundreds of years for its medicinal and culinary properties. It has a sweet, warm flavor and is regularly used in baking, however, its benefits go beyond just adding flavor to your dishes. Cinnamon has been found to have several health benefits, which include assisting in weight loss.
In this ultimate guide, we’re going to discover how cinnamon can help you lose weight, its benefits, and the exceptional ways to incorporate it into your weight-reduction plan. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is cinnamon and how it helps in health benefits?
Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It is normally utilized in cooking and baking because of its sweet and warm flavor. Cinnamon carries a compound called cinnamaldehyde, that’s responsible for its many health benefits. Cinnamaldehyde has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Cinnamon also helps in regulating blood sugar levels. It does so by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive system. This, in turn, reduces the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal. By regulating blood sugar levels, cinnamon helps in preventing insulin resistance, which could lead to weight gain.
The Benefits of Cinnamon for Weight Loss
Cinnamon has several benefits that can help you in your weight loss journey. Here are some of them:
1. Boosts Metabolism
One of the primary benefits of cinnamon is that it may improve your metabolism, which is the rate at which your body burns calories. A take a look at carried out on animals found that cinnamon could increase the metabolic rate and help in burning fats.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon can also regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and whilst it’s not working correctly, it could lead to weight gain and different fitness troubles. Cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and, in turn, reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a common cause of weight gain, and cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist reduce inflammation inside the body. It may also enhance digestion and reduce bloating, which could contribute to weight loss.
4. Suppresses Appetite
Cinnamon can also suppress your appetite by making you feel fuller for longer. That is because it slows down the rate at which food moves out of your stomach in your small intestine, which lets you eat less and decrease your calorie intake.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Cardamom: History, Benefits, and Uses
Types of cinnamon and which is best Cinnamon for weight loss
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true cinnamon,” is considered to be of higher quality and is greater high priced. Cassia cinnamon, however, is more commonly found in supermarkets and is inexpensive.
While both varieties of cinnamon have health benefits, Ceylon is taken into consideration to be better cinnamon for weight loss. That is because Cassia cinnamon contains a higher amount of coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver in large doses. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, has a lower amount of coumarin and is considered to be more secure for consumption.
How to incorporate cinnamon into your diet
There are several methods you may incorporate cinnamon into your weight-reduction plan to aid in weight reduction. One of the easiest ways is to add cinnamon to your coffee or tea. you can also sprinkle cinnamon in your oatmeal, yogurt, or toast.
Another way to eat cinnamon is by way of adding it to smoothies. Cinnamon can be paired with fruits including bananas, apples, and berries to create delicious and healthy smoothies. You may additionally add cinnamon to your protein shake for a further boost of flavor and health benefits.
Cinnamon smoothie recipes for weight loss
Here are two delicious and healthy smoothie recipes that incorporate cinnamon for weight loss:
Cinnamon Apple Smoothie
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ice
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy immediately.
Cinnamon Banana Smoothie
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- half of a cup of ice
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy immediately.
Cinnamon tea recipes for weight loss
Cinnamon tea is another great way to consume cinnamon for weight loss and also it has several health benefits too. Here are two simple cinnamon tea recipes:
Cinnamon Honey Tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Boil the cinnamon stick in water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the cinnamon stick from the water.
- Add honey to the cinnamon tea and stir until dissolved.
- Enjoy hot or cold.
Cinnamon Ginger Tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Boil the cinnamon stick and ginger in water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the cinnamon stick and ginger from the water.
- Add honey to the cinnamon ginger tea and stir until dissolved.
- Enjoy hot or cold.
Also Read: Chia Seeds: A Superfood with Super health benefits
Cinnamon and honey for weight loss
Cinnamon and honey have both been proven to have weight reduction benefits. Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants, even as cinnamon allows for regulating blood sugar levels. Here is a simple recipe for a cinnamon and honey weight-loss drink:
Cinnamon Honey Drink
Directions:
- Mix cinnamon and honey in warm water until dissolved.
- Drink the mixture first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for best results.
Cinnamon and apple cider vinegar for weight loss
Apple cider vinegar has also been proven to have weight loss benefits. While combined with cinnamon, the two can create a powerful weight loss drink. Here is a simple recipe:
Cinnamon Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Mix cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and honey in warm water until dissolved.
- Drink the mixture before meals to aid in digestion and weight loss.
Cinnamon supplements for weight loss
In case you do not just like the taste of cinnamon or do not have time to make cinnamon drinks, you could additionally take cinnamon supplements. Cinnamon supplements are available in capsule form and can be bought at health food shops or online. However, it is important to speak to your physician earlier than taking any new supplements.
Cinnamon and exercise for weight loss
While cinnamon can be beneficial in weight reduction, it is important to combine it with exercise for best results. Exercising enables in burning calories and constructing muscle, which can aid in weight reduction. You may additionally combine cinnamon with pre-workout beverages for an extra boost of energy.
Precautions to take while consuming cinnamon
Whilst cinnamon is usually safe for consumption, it’s far more important to take precautions while eating it. Cassia cinnamon, specifically, can be dangerous to the liver in large doses. It is recommended to consume no more than 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon consistent with the day. Additionally, cinnamon can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to speak with your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cinnamon can be a helpful addition to your weight loss journey. It has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation. Adding cinnamon to your diet can be as simple as sprinkling it on oatmeal or incorporating it into smoothies and tea. However, it is important to take precautions and not consume too much cinnamon. Combining cinnamon with exercise and a healthy diet can lead to successful weight loss results.
Also Read: Indian Spices : The Rich and Flavorful World of Spices
FAQs
Can cinnamon cause weight gain?
No, cinnamon does not cause weight gain. It has been shown to aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar levels.
How much cinnamon should I consume per day?
It is recommended to consume no more than 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day.
Can I take cinnamon supplements for weight loss?
Yes, cinnamon supplements are available in capsule form and can be purchased at health food stores or online. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.
Can cinnamon interact with medications?
Yes, cinnamon may interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet.
Can I consume cinnamon if I have liver problems?
Cassia cinnamon, in particular, can be harmful to the liver in large doses. It is recommended to consume no more than 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day and to talk to your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet if you have liver problems.
Rupesh Sagvekar is Content writer, Food blogger and owner of Manvik Foods, an online shop in Mumbai, India that specializes in selling high-quality dry fruits, nuts, berries, whole and powdered spices. Under the authority of Manvik Enterprises Organisation, Rupesh and his team believe that quality is of the utmost importance. They take great care to ensure that their products are verified, tested, and of the best possible quality. Rupesh’s goal is to make sure that every customer is satisfied with what they receive from Manvik Foods.
As an Amazon affiliate, Manvik Foods ships their products all over India, allowing customers from all corners of the country to enjoy their delicious and nutritious products. With Rupesh at the helm, Manvik Foods has become known for their commitment to quality, exceptional customer service, and passion for healthy, natural foods.