Cinnamon is indeed a popular spice used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. But did you know that cinnamon can also help you lose weight? In this blog post, we will surely explore the benefits of cinnamon for weight loss, how to use it, and some tips and precautions.
Cinnamon has several mechanisms that may contribute to weight loss. Here are some of them:
Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Also Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels,
important factors for weight loss and diabetes prevention. Insulin is indeed a hormone that regulates how your body uses glucose, the main energy source for your cells. When you have insulin resistance, your cells don't respond well to insulin, and also your blood sugar levels rise. This can lead to overeating, fat storage, and inflammation. Cinnamon may help your cells respond better to insulin and indeed lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Boost Your Metabolism
Cinnamon may boost your metabolism, which is how your body burns calories. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which may stimulate your brown fat cells to produce heat and burn more calories. Brown fat is a type of fat activated by cold temperatures and helps regulate your body temperature. Cinnamon may also increase your thermogenesis, which generates heat from food digestion.
Suppress Your Appetite and Reduce Cravings
Cinnamon may suppress your appetite and reduce cravings, which can indeed help you eat less and lose weight. Cinnamon is rich in fibre, a nutrient that helps you feel full and satisfied after eating. Fibre also slows down glucose absorption in your bloodstream, preventing spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels that can surely trigger hunger and cravings. Cinnamon may also enhance the sweetness and flavour of your food, which can make you more satisfied with smaller portions.
View More: The Surprising Benefits Of Eating Pineapples For Weight Loss
How To Use Cinnamon For Weight Loss?
There are indeed many ways to incorporate cinnamon into your diet for weight loss. Here are some examples:
- For a delicious breakfast, sprinkle some cinnamon on your
oatmeal, yoghurt, cottage cheese, or fruit.
- Add some cinnamon to your coffee grounds before brewing for
a flavorful and aromatic drink.
- Mix some cinnamon with also honey and lemon juice as a warm
beverage before bed or in the morning.
- Use cinnamon as a spice for your soups, stews, curries, or
chilli for a warming and savoury dish.
- Make cinnamon tea by indeed steeping a cinnamon stick or
some ground cinnamon in hot water for 10 minutes. You can add some honey or
milk if you like.
The recommended dose of cinnamon for weight loss is about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2 to 4 grams) per day. You can divide this amount into two or three servings throughout the day. However, don't consume too much cinnamon, as it may have some side effects or interactions with certain medications.
Various Side Effects Of Using Cinnamon For Weight Loss?
Cinnamon is generally safe and well-tolerated when used in moderation. However, some people may experience some side effects or need to be careful when using cinnamon for weight loss. Here are some of them
Irritation And Allergies
Some people may be allergic or sensitive to cinnamon and develop symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you have any of these reactions, stop using cinnamon and seek medical attention. Cinnamon may irritate your mouth, lips, or skin if you use it too much or apply it topically.
Liver Toxicity
Some types of cinnamon, especially cassia cinnamon, contain coumarin, which can harm your liver in high doses. If you indeed have liver problems or take medications that affect your liver function, limit your intake of cassia cinnamon or use Ceylon cinnamon instead, which has much less coumarin.
Blood Thinning
Cinnamon may have anti-clotting properties, increasing your risk of bleeding if you indeed have a bleeding disorder or also take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin. If you have any of these conditions or medications, consult your doctor before using cinnamon for weight loss.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a spice that can offer many benefits for weight loss, indeed such as improving insulin sensitivity, boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, and reducing cravings. You can use cinnamon in various ways to enhance the taste and nutrition of your food and drinks. However, be careful not to consume too much cinnamon or use it if you have certain medical conditions or medications that may interact with it. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or diet for weight loss.
