Let us learn about the Cinnamon for weight loss in today’s article. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Some research suggests that it helps control blood sugar, prevent heart disease and reduce inflammation.
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomum family. It is a tree native to the Caribbean, South America and Southeast Asia.
The people of India and Egypt have been using cinnamon since 2000 BC. In medieval times, people used it to treat conditions such as cough, arthritis, and sore throat.
Cinnamon is available in the market in the form of powder and peels. People can also use cinnamon oil and supplements. There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon. The nutritional value of both is different.
The compounds found in cinnamon have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties. All of these provide protection against cancer and heart disease, among other health problems.
Cinnamon plants are grown as bushes. When the plants are two years old, they typically grow to about 2 meters high. After this these plants become ready for harvesting.
Cinnamomum verum is cultivated mostly in Sri Lanka, Malagasy Republic and Seychelles. It originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka. In India it is grown at one or two places in Kerala.
Commercial products of cinnamon are quills, quillings, featherings, chips, cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil. Cinnamon is a type of bark, which is a popular spice.
It has a delicate aroma and a warm pleasant taste. It is used in the form of small pieces or powder. It is widely used in confectionery, liquor, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world. It has been considered very precious since ancient times. This is a spice whose taste is quite aromatic. This is due to it containing about 0.5 to 1% of its composition.
This highly coveted spice was so valuable in ancient times that it was often classified with other precious commodities such as gold and ivory. In fact, it was considered a suitable gift for kings and gods.
Today, this spice is native to the Malabar Coast of India and Sri Lanka. However, it is also cultivated on a large scale in Myanmar, South America and West Indies. In Indonesia, cinnamon is called kayu mani which means “sweet wood”.
One of the most popular spices around the world, cinnamon gives its distinctive spicy-sweet kick to all kinds of sweet and savory dishes. In the world of spices, you can get ground cinnamon powder and cinnamon extract as well as whole cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of the tropical Cinnamomum tree (colloquially known as the cinnamon tree). Which is sold in the form of rolled quills (cinnamon barks) or a fine powder.
The bark or phloem layer of cinnamon is harvested from the trunk or outer branches. Cinnamon from the trunk is more expensive. Cinnamon contains several aromatic compounds, the most recognized of which is cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon its spicy flavor.
Nutritional Value of Cinnamon
Being a popular culinary spice, its nutritional value is often overlooked. Different varieties and types of cinnamon vary slightly in nutritional composition.
Its two main types, Ceylon (true cinnamon – Cinnamomum verum) and cassia (Chinese cinnamon – Cinnamomum cassia) contain different levels of certain nutrients, possibly due to their different origins.
Cinnamon is an important source of some essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids. One of the most unexpected nutritional benefits of cinnamon is the high levels of protein in its bark.
Ceylon cinnamon contains 9.45 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is almost double that of cassia (3.99 grams/100 grams). Protein is an important macronutrient that helps the body build tissue, bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood.
Many of the proteins found in both types of cinnamon are made from essential amino acids, which the body cannot make on its own. Carbohydrate is another main component of cinnamon which provides energy to the body.
The carbohydrate level in real cinnamon is 55.83 g/100 g, which is slightly higher than that of the Chinese variety (47.25 g/100 g). The body converts all carbohydrates into glucose, which is used to generate energy.
The bark of the cinnamon tree contains small amounts of fatty acids. Which is 4.69 g/100 g in Ceylon and 4.65 g/100 g in Cassia. It is believed that this fatty acid is very good for skin health.
Cinnamon is quite high in palmitic acid. This is a type of saturated fat, which is known to contribute to increased levels of bad cholesterol. A small amount of unsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid is also found in its bark.
To balance fat intake, cinnamon should be consumed with other foods high in unsaturated fats. Both types of cinnamon contain insoluble fiber.
However, Chinese cinnamon contains 33.41 g/100 g of fiber, which is significantly higher than the Ceylon variety. Ceylon cinnamon provides 21.27 grams of fiber per 100 grams.
Insoluble fiber cannot be absorbed by the body. Therefore it helps in digestion by controlling blood sugar levels after meals and also gives relief from constipation.
The fiber and calcium present in cinnamon are helpful in protecting the body from heart diseases by reducing cholesterol levels. The nutritional benefits of cinnamon are greatly influenced by the various compounds found in this spice.
Nutrition facts related to cinnamon
- The oil found in it is a major nutrient. This oil not only provides flavor but also has major medicinal uses. Cinnamon is an antifungal and antibacterial spice.
- On the other hand, cinnamon oil contains eugenol (1-10%), which has anti-inflammatory properties. One of the reasons why Ceylon is considered the best cinnamon is its high oil content.
- Common medicinal uses of this spice include cinnamon remedies for osteoarthritis, gout, toothache, and sore gums.
- Cinnamon provides good amounts of choline. It is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in human metabolic processes ranging from cell structure to fat metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
- The nutritional content of cinnamon includes small amounts of vitamins A, C, K and B3 (niacin), which contribute to a balanced diet.
- Cinnamon is rich in calcium (690-1157 mg/100 g), followed by potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium.
Benefits of eating cinnamon
Cinnamon is a delicious spice. Today modern science has now confirmed why people have been using it for centuries. Because there are many benefits of eating cinnamon, which are as follows-
1. Act as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal
Cinnamaldehyde, the main active ingredient of cinnamon, helps fight various types of infections. Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil present in the bark that is known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.
It prevents certain bacteria like Salmonella and also controls respiratory infections caused by fungi.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress that is known to damage cells. Oxidative stress is responsible for almost every chronic disease like type-2 diabetes.
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants like choline, beta carotene, alpha-carotene etc. Cinnamon is so powerful that it also acts as a natural food preservative.
3. Reduces inflammation
Cinnamon fights infection and repairs damaged tissues. The cinnamaldehyde present in it helps in reducing inflammation and prevents blood platelets from clumping together.
It is also useful in acute and chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Cinnamon also increases blood circulation and pushes blood circulation to the joints where blood circulation is disturbed.
4. Helpful in type 2 diabetes
Insulin is an important hormone in your body to regulate blood sugar levels and regulate your metabolism. Daily consumption of cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar levels.
It slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, resulting in reduced amounts of glucose in circulation. Thus, regular consumption of cinnamon reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes.
5. Helpful in reducing cholesterol levels
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamate that reduces cholesterol-forming enzyme activity. Due to which the number of fatty acids in the blood reduces. It helps in reducing bad cholesterol in your body thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.
6. Reduces blood pressure
Some evidence suggests that consuming cinnamon helps lower blood pressure. It also helps in reducing cholesterol levels which helps in reducing the risk of heart problems.
7. Cancer prevention
Cinnamon has anti-cancer properties. It stops the growth of cancer cells and prevents the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Daily consumption of cinnamon acts protectively against cancer, especially colon cancer.
8. Acne treatment
Cinnamon is best for skin health. It helps in reducing acne causing bacteria. To make a mask for acne, mix one tablespoon of ground cinnamon with three tablespoons of honey and make a paste. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash it off.
9. Makes the skin soft
Cinnamon keeps your skin shiny and soft. With increasing age, skin loses its elasticity due to lack of collagen and elastin which makes your skin dull. Cinnamon extract is best for regaining natural elasticity.
How to lose weight with cinnamon?
People fond of losing weight spend a lot of money on fitness supplements to burn their fat. However, there are some spices in your kitchen that can help you in losing weight.
Cinnamon is one such example. Our gym trainers often advise us to take supplements. Because of this, we start thinking that relying on dietary supplements is the only way to burn extra fat.
With all the health benefits of cinnamon, weight loss is the most underrated. Then how is cinnamon good for weight loss? Cinnamon regulates and increases the metabolism of the body. Apart from this, it also improves its sensitivity towards insulin.
Thus it also helps in losing weight rapidly . There are many ways to include cinnamon in your diet. We can take advantage of cinnamon in the form of many recipes for weight loss. Bay leaf and cinnamon tea or carom-cinnamon water are some examples.
Both these drinks are fast fat burners and metabolism-boosters. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to your tea or hot milk. Apart from this, you can also use cinnamon in vegetables.
Apart from this, cinnamon water can also help you a lot in this. This natural fat burner has many health benefits including weight loss. Cinnamon water is known for its miraculous benefits when it comes to weight loss.
This water helps in breaking down the fat cells in your body and expelling them. When you drink it regularly, it helps speed up your metabolism and suppress your appetite.
The best part is that cinnamon water for weight loss is very easy to make and requires only two ingredients – cinnamon and hot water.
How to consume cinnamon for weight loss?
Cinnamon, known for its taste, has many medicinal properties, which are also beneficial in weight loss. This is a natural way to lose weight.
According to a study, cinnamon helps in increasing your metabolic rate which further helps in weight loss . Apart from this, cinnamon controls the blood sugar level in the body and improves the functioning of insulin.
Also, it is rich in fiber which makes you feel full for a long time. With this you consume less calories which reduces your weight.
1. Cinnamon and Coffee
People who like coffee can enjoy this. However, many people do not like to drink hot coffee in the summer season. If you like cinnamon, add cinnamon to your cup of coffee and watch your belly fat start disappearing.
Cinnamon is great for weight loss. This combination of cinnamon and caffeine works well for weight loss. However, you have to consume only limited quantity of coffee and cinnamon.
2. Cinnamon Water
One of the best ways to reduce belly fat is to drink a glass of cinnamon water in the morning.
Method: Add a glass of water and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a pan. Boil this water and remove it from flame. Then let it cool. You can store it in a big vessel and then drink this water throughout the day.
3. Bitter gourd or bottle gourd juice and cinnamon
To lose weight, it is very important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Adding juice to your diet is a great way to drink enough fluids. Bitter gourd or bottle gourd juice is very good for weight loss.
Apart from this, add a pinch of cinnamon to your juice. After some time you will see that your weight will start reducing gradually.
4. Lemon, Honey and Cinnamon
This is one of the best, tried and tested ways to lose weight. Honey suppresses your appetite. When you consume fewer calories, you lose weight faster.
On the other hand, lemon increases the metabolic rate of your body and helps you in losing excess weight. This combination of honey, cinnamon and lemon is really amazing for weight loss.
If you are on any medication or have any health issues, make sure you consult your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet.
How to lose weight with cinnamon water?
Cinnamon water has long been known to aid weight loss. Recent research has shown that there is some truth to this claim. Cinnamon water helps in increasing metabolism, which causes fat burning to happen more quickly.
One study found that cinnamon can increase thermogenesis (body heat production) by 20%. Which helps in burning more calories. Cinnamon is also known to reduce appetite and cravings, which helps control the intake of unhealthy foods.
Cinnamon water helps in digestion of fats and carbohydrates. These nutrients prevent fat from accumulating in the body. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, cinnamon water is an effective way to lose weight.
Cinnamon water is known to help in weight loss in the following ways-
- It helps in breaking down the fat cells in your body and eliminating them.
- When you drink it regularly, it helps speed up your metabolism and suppress your appetite.
- Water also has metabolism-boosting properties that help your body burn fat more effectively.
- Cinnamon also helps control blood sugar levels, thereby curbing cravings and hunger.
- Drinking cinnamon water helps you lose weight in a natural way and improve your overall health.
- Cinnamon is known to increase the body’s metabolism, helping you burn fat more efficiently.
How does cinnamon water help digestion?
Cinnamon water helps improve digestion by stimulating the production of saliva and digestive enzymes. Cinnamon also helps break down fatty foods, making them easier to digest.
Drinking cinnamon water before meals helps reduce symptoms like bloating and gas as well as nausea and heartburn. Additionally, cinnamon is a natural antiseptic that kills harmful bacteria in the intestine.
It can help keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Thus cinnamon water is quite effective in reducing body weight.
Can we drink cinnamon water on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can drink cinnamon water on an empty stomach for weight loss. However, it is important to note that not all people will get the same results.
Some people may find that drinking cinnamon water on an empty stomach helps increase their metabolism and burn fat. While some will feel that it is causing problems in the digestive system.
If you’re just starting out with cinnamon water, start by adding a small amount of cinnamon to a glass of water and see how your body reacts.
If everything goes well, you can gradually increase the amount of cinnamon. Until you get the taste and effect you want.
When should one drink cinnamon water?
The best time to drink cinnamon water for weight loss is in the morning before breakfast. This is when your body is most ready to burn fat and lose weight.
Drinking cinnamon water before breakfast helps speed up your metabolism. You can drink it later in the day, at lunch time or even early in the evening. Just be sure not to drink it before bed, as cinnamon can disrupt sleep.
conclusion:
So this was our post on how to reduce weight or obesity with cinnamon, if you use cinnamon in the way suggested by us then your weight will start reducing.
