When it comes to losing weight, there seems to be a new diet or fad popping up every day. If you feel like you’ve tried it all, and nothing’s stuck, it might be time to take it back to basics.
Adding cinnamon water to your diet is a tried and tested method for losing some extra weight.
Not only does cinnamon water boost your metabolism, cleanse and detox your system, and promote appetite control, but it also tastes delicious and helps to maintain a glowing complexion.
When consumed in conjunction with a healthy diet, and a commitment to regular exercise, cinnamon water is a great option for those looking to shed unwanted extra weight. Read on to find out more about this wonder drink, and its potentially powerful health benefits.
About cinnamon and honey
When making cinnamon water, there are typically two types of cinnamon. It’s important to know the difference between the two, as one of them contains a toxin that is harmful when consumed in too high a quantity.
Two types of Cinnamon:
- Ceylon cinnamon is native to southern parts of India and Sri Lanka and is considered “true cinnamon”. It is the less common of the two types of cinnamon, but it is of a high-quality, and more highly valued among the two options.
- Cassia cinnamon: Also known as Chinese cinnamon, cassia cinnamon originated in Southern China. It may be cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon but is considered lower quality. That being said, it’s more widely available, and can be found in most grocery stores.
What does cinnamon look like?
Cinnamon is available either in sticks, as an extract, or as ground cinnamon.
The bark of the Cinnamomum tree is where cinnamon sticks are derived. When dried, these strips of bark curl into rolls that are brown in color. The ground cinnamon, cinnamon extract, or just the cinnamon sticks as they are can be used.
Ceylon cinnamon is lighter in color than cassia cinnamon and has a more desirable texture than rougher cassia cinnamon.
What’s the difference between the two types of cinnamon?
- Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate, sweeter, and heady scent than Cassia cinnamon, which has a more overbearing smell.
- Cassia cinnamon is a better option for savory dishes than sweet treats, due to its stronger flavor.
- True cinnamon is a better option for desserts, due to its sweet and delicate flavor profile.
- Cassia cinnamon is higher in coumarin, a plant chemical that acts as a blood thinner. In large doses, this chemical carries a risk of causing liver damage.
- Antioxidant compounds, called proanthocyanidins, are present in Ceylon cinnamon. These may help protect the heart and cardiovascular system.
Due to the beneficial compounds found in Ceylon cinnamon, its various health benefits, and its high-quality nature, it’s recommended to opt for this type of cinnamon over Cassia cinnamon.
Using cinnamon as a spice
From Indian curries to Scandinavian pastries, cinnamon is often used as a spice in many dishes around the world.
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However, its many medicinal properties mean that it’s used in ayurvedic medicine. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it for helping to reduce inflammation for those suffering from arthritis. It is also being researched as a potential tool in helping to fight Alzheimer’s disease, due to its anti-inflammatory nature. The blood thinning qualities of cinnamon help to lower blood pressure, and promote a healthy heart. Additionally, cinnamon is widely used in oral solutions to help oral health, due to its strong antimicrobial properties.
How is cinnamon used in cooking?
Cinnamon is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a popular spice in Indian kitchens, adding a great aroma to curries and flavored rice recipes. It elevates a dish, adding a warm depth of flavor.
Cinnamon is mostly used in desserts in the western parts of the world. Think along the lines of apple pie, poached fruit, and sweet pastries. Its versatile nature has led it to become one of the most popular spices worldwide.
The power of cinnamon for weight loss
But how, exactly, does cinnamon help to promote weight loss?
Drinking cinnamon tea helps to control blood sugar levels, which reduces hunger pangs and helps to prevent food cravings, which will decrease the likelihood of unhealthy snacking.
It also helps to promote fat burning, by breaking down fatty foods, making them easier to digest. Additionally, drinking cinnamon tea can help boost your metabolism.
Health benefits of cinnamon
There are many health benefits to cinnamon, so it comes as no surprise that it is used for a number of reasons. Cinnamon is said to have many health benefits, and it can be used for a wide variety of reasons. It shouldn’t be limited to its use as a spice in cooking, because it’s delicious. Here are some of the health benefits that using ground cinnamon, and cinnamon sticks, can provide.
- Cinnamon tea can help reduce blood sugar levels.
- Adding cinnamon to your diet can help improve digestion, helping to avoid heartburn and gastric issues.
- There is increasing evidence to suggest that cinnamon has anti-cancer effects.
- Early studies with cinnamon suggest that it can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Are there any downsides to cinnamon consumption?
Whilst moderate doses of cinnamon is safe to consume, there are some risks associated with overconsumption.
There are high levels of coumarin in cassia cinnamon, and too much coumarin may cause liver damage. The risk of this is higher for those with pre-existing liver disease.
Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels, and too much cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels too much, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and shakiness. It can increase the effects of diabetes drugs, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop too much.
Cinnamon supplements – Are they worth it?
There is evidence to suggest that taking cinnamon supplements could help individuals to lose weight.
It’s possible that taking cinnamon supplements could help you lose weight. A paper published in 2019 found that cinnamon could significantly reduce fat mass. Cinnamon supplementation could therefore be suggested as a weight-reducing supplement to aid weight management.
Additionally, a review published in 2017 found that cinnamon supplementation lowered the participants’ triglyceride and total cholesterol levels.
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Cinnamon supplements are safe to take, provided doses are controlled and it’s only for short-term use. Those who may suffer from cinnamon allergies, or have pre-existing liver issues, should avoid cinnamon.
How to make cinnamon water
Making cinnamon water or cinnamon tea couldn’t be simpler. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 2 to 3 glasses of water
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Take 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or use a spice blender to transform a cinnamon stick into ground cinnamon. We recommend using good quality cinnamon, preferably Ceylon cinnamon.
- In a saucepan, mix together the cinnamon with the glasses of water, and bring to a boil.
- As the solution begins to boil, turn down the heat and allow the quantity of liquid to reduce by half.
- Strain the mixture before drinking, and stir in the honey, if using.
- You can expect to notice results within a month.
Cinnamon lemon water
Adding lemon and honey to the cinnamon water will enhance the flavor, and increase its detoxing abilities. Add the juice of one lemon, and a teaspoon of honey, to the mixture before drinking. Lemon helps to detoxify the body, by acting as a diuretic to flush out any potential toxins.
Popular questions regarding cinnamon water and its potential health benefits
What is the best time to consume this drink?
Drinking cinnamon tea with your meals is the recommendation if your goal is to lose weight. Drinking cinnamon tea just before bedtime can help relax the body in preparation for a good night’s sleep.
Does it help in weight loss?
Yes, drinking cinnamon tea does help with weight loss. However, it is also essential to follow a healthy, whole food-rich diet, and commit to regularly exercising.
Does cinnamon help in preventing any other things?
There is evidence to suggest that cinnamon helps to reduce cholesterol levels, and reduce blood sugar levels.
Does cinnamon burn belly fat?
Consuming cinnamon as a sole method for combatting belly fat is inefficient. Make sure to eat nutrient-rich foods, and work out regularly. Cinnamon should be a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, rather than an alternative.
How much cinnamon is OK daily?
According to WebMD, some experts suggest between 1/2 a teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon per day.
Can Cinnamon Water Reduce Cholesterol Levels?
Some studies have found that the consumption of cinnamon reduced cholesterol levels in participants.
Our conclusion
From the extensive research published on the effects of cinnamon available, it’s clear to see that cinnamon’s health benefits as a supplement, and alternative medicine, make it a welcomed addition to one’s daily diet.
Its ability to boost the metabolism, to its blood sugar control properties, the consumption of cinnamon is an option that you may consider if you’re looking to lose weight.
Is there an alternative to cinnamon water?
If cinnamon water isn’t for you or you believe there needs to be more research into how effective it can be before claiming it can help you to lose weight, then we’ve definitely got some contenders for you.
Zotrim is a 100% safe and natural formula, designed to reduce cravings and help to stop snacking, meaning you can achieve those body goals faster than ever.
Another one for you to consider is PhenGold. Designed to reduce those evil sugar cravings and speed up your metabolism. Not only that, but you get all the great benefits with no side effects as, the same across each of these contenders, the ingredients are all-natural.
Last but certainly not least is Trimtone. This natural formula boosts your body’s natural fat-burning abilities, making it even easier to lose weight. It’s the safe and natural formula you need to boost your metabolism and give you the energy to make you feel better than ever.
With all three of these products offering the promise of reducing cravings and allowing you to stay on track with your healthy lifestyle in order to smash your body goals, it’s gotta be a no-brainer!
