Cinnamon has been used for its natural sweetness and an amazing flavour in meals and beverages all across the world. However, some people believe that adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your regular coffee can help you lose weight. Let’s find out whether this actually works or not.
What Researches indicate
Cinnamon has been investigated for its possible benefits to weight loss and metabolic health.According to research, taking cinnamon in dosages of less than 1.5 grams per day (about half a teaspoon) might result in a slight reduction in waist circumference, averaging 1.68 cm.
A meta-analysis of clinical studies indicated that individuals reported a small drop in body mass index (BMI) and weight, with average losses of 0.40 kg/m² and 0.92 kg, respectively. However, these alterations are often minor and may have no influence on total body composition.
In what ways could cinnamon contribute to slight weight loss?
There are various potential processes. It appears to make blood glucose (sugar) reach the body’s cells faster. This decreases blood glucose levels and allows insulin to act more efficiently. It also appears to help how we break down fat when we require it for energy. Finally, it may help us feel fuller for longer by decreasing the rate at which food is released from our stomach into the small intestine.
See more: Weight Loss Tips to Lose Inches of Stubborn Belly Fat in a Healthy Way
Other Benefits of Cinnamon:
Loaded with antioxidants
Cinnamon contains several strong antioxidants, including polyphenols. According to one study, cinnamon supplementation can considerably enhance antioxidant levels in the blood while decreasing levels of inflammatory indicators like C-reactive protein. Cinnamon’s antioxidant properties are so strong that it may be utilized as a natural food preservative.
It might have anti-inflammatory qualities
Inflammation is crucial because it allows your body to respond to infections and repair tissue damage. Inflammation, on the other hand, might be problematic when it is persistent and directed against your body’s own tissues. Cinnamon might be beneficial in this regard. According to studies, this spice and its antioxidants have strong anti-inflammatory qualities.
Helps reduce blood sugar levels
Cinnamon is well-known for its blood glucose-lowering effects. First, cinnamon has been demonstrated to reduce the quantity of sugar that enters the circulation following a meal. It accomplishes this by interfering with many digestive enzymes, slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in your digestive tract.
Second, a molecule in cinnamon may mimic the actions of insulin, improving sugar absorption into cells. Several human studies have validated cinnamon’s positive benefits, suggesting that it can reduce fasting blood sugar levels and enhance haemoglobin A1c, a sign of long-term blood sugar management.
Cinnamon may prevent cancer
Cinnamon has been extensively researched for its possible applications in cancer prevention and therapy.
Overall, data from test-tube and animal research suggests that cinnamon extracts may protect against cancer. One research in mice with ovarian cancer discovered that cinnamaldehyde might inhibit the expression of key proteins involved in cancer progression. These findings were backed by test tube tests, which shown that cinnamaldehyde might inhibit the development and spread of ovarian cancer cells.
However, additional study is needed to determine cinnamon’s possible anti-cancer properties in people.
But there is related Health concerns associated with Cinnamon that you need to consider before settling for its benefits. The widespread consensus is that using cinnamon as a spice in food preparation is safe. But due to the amount of lead and other heavy metals in some cinnamon preparations, the US and Australia have recently issued health warnings. Lead is a pollutant that comes through the environment during growing and harvesting. It has been proposed in certain instances that deliberate contamination could have occurred.
Apart from this, another concern being Allergic reactions and stomach discomfort are among the adverse effects that some people may experience from cinnamon.
Your Takeaway
Using cinnamon may have a little influence on weight, but it is unlikely to result in significant weight loss without additional lifestyle changes. Cinnamon’s active components may be impacted or degraded depending on how we store it and for how long.
So, if you like the flavor of cinnamon in your coffee and want to get its other health benefits, keep adding it, in a little amount. If you want to reduce weight, there are evidence-based methods that would actually help you in fat loss.
Author: Dr Apurrva Sawant, Preventive Healthcare Expert
