Cinnamon is one such spice, which is widely used in cooking. From your regular meals to desserts, its use enhances the taste of food. But do you know that it can also help in weight loss? Many nutritionists recommend adding cinnamon to the diet. Over the years, it has been used as an aromatic spice or flavouring. However, in the last few years, it has gained a lot of popularity due to weight loss as well as health benefits.
Dietician Itu Chhabra, Founder, NutriItu also recommends including cinnamon in some form or the other in your diet. 'Apart from reducing belly fat, it suppresses cravings, regulates blood sugar levels, helps lower your cholesterol as well as speeds up your metabolism,' she explains.
She adds, 'Cinnamon has many benefits, but it is very important to take it in moderation. Taking it in excess can have a reverse effect on health. How cinnamon helps in weight loss and how it can be included in the diet, let us know in this article.
Benefits of Cinnamon-
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), one teaspoon (2.6 grams) of ground cinnamon contains approximately 2.1 grams of carbohydrates, 26 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of magnesium, 2 milligrams of phosphorus, and vitamins C, A, B, and K.
It is known for its excellent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress from free radicals. Indeed, oxidative stress has been linked to several harmful effects on the body, including conditions such as DNA damage, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and obesity.
Cinnamon contains several compounds that have been linked to various health benefits, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, and cinnamic acid. These compounds provide cinnamon with anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How does cinnamon help in weight loss?
It can help reduce and maintain blood sugar levels. It may also help inhibit the activity of several digestive enzymes. As we know that one of the important factors for weight loss is fibre and fibre is found in plenty of it.
Sometimes cinnamon also reacts like insulin in the body, which is seen in the same way as it is seen during the breakdown of sugar in the body. It can also improve the body's metabolism by targeting the fat stored in the abdominal area. There is also a lot of research confirming that taking cinnamon can lead to significant improvements in all components of metabolic syndrome.
How to take cinnamon for weight loss?
When it comes to weight loss, people usually resort to fad diets and weight loss supplements. However, a balanced diet is a safe way to lose weight. At the same time, you can include spices like cinnamon in the diet in many ways. The easiest and quick way is to make tea and drink it. Thus it will also help with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and weight loss.
For this, heat 2 cups of water and remove it from the flame and mix a piece of cinnamon or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in it. Cool the water a little and drink it after adding honey and lemon juice to it.
You can make fat burner detox water and drink it. Put a piece of cinnamon in 1 cup of water and keep it soaked overnight. Transfer it to a glass in the morning and drink it slowly after adding mint leaves.
How much cinnamon should be taken?
Some experts recommend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2–4 grams) of powdered cinnamon a day. In some studies, using cinnamon from 1 gram to 6 grams has been considered correct. However, your dietician can tell you about its correct dosage.
Now tell me, isn't this spice kept in the kitchen amazing? You can also consume it throughout the day by adding a 1-inch piece or powder of cinnamon to green tea or lemon tea.
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DISCLAIMER
Your skin and body are as different as you are. We endeavour to bring you correct, safe and expert-verified information through our articles and social media handles, but still, you must consult your doctor before trying any home remedy, hack or fitness tip.
