Cinnamon is a tasty flavor that can be found in most spice cabinets all around the world! It’s used in just about everything from teas to pies and can even be used as a preservative. But cinnamon does more than just provide flavor. Lately, people have embraced it as an aid in weight loss. But that’s just one if its many health benefits!
What is Cinnamon and Where Does it Come From?
First, let’s talk history for a moment. People have used cinnamon in cooking and in medicine for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used it as a perfume while mummifying their dead. Passages in the bible also speak of it being used in anointing oils.
Where does it come from? Cinnamon is an evergreen tree that comes from the genus cinnamomum. The brown curly sticks you see on the shelf come from the inner layer of the bark. According to Huffington Post 80-90% of the world’s cinnamon supply comes from Sri Lanka. The rest of it comes from Asian and African countries.
Weight Loss and Other Benefits of Cinnamon
So how does cinnamon help us now? Should you stock up on this tasty spice and make recipes that use it?
A 2017 study published in the journal Metabolism turned up some promising benefits of cinnamon. Researchers Juan Jiang, et. al. studied the effects of cinnamon’s key compound, cinnamaldehyde. They watched how it affected adipose (fat) cells from multiple donors of different ethnicities, ages, and body mass indexes. Their results supported “its potential metabolic benefits on humans.”
They went on to say: “Given the wide usage of cinnamon in the food industry, the notion that this popular food additive, instead of a drug… could ultimately lead to therapeutic strategies against obesity that are much better adhered to by participants.” In other words, cinnamon could be the source of a diet plan you can actually stick to!
Fitday.com reported on a variety of other related research. Studies have shown that cinnamon increases insulin levels. This helps control blood glucose. Because this spice packs plenty of fiber it also helps reduce bad cholesterol such as LDL and triglycerides. Finally, it slows down the absorption of carbs in the lower intestines. This means you feel fuller, longer.
As with anything, cinnamon alone cannot make you lose weight. But, when it is used alongside diet and exercise, cinnamon can aid you on your journey.
Meal Time!
Adding cinnamon to your everyday meal plan is incredibly easy. You’ll be surprised by how many dishes benefit from this tasty spice. Are you a coffee drinker? Before brewing your morning cup, try sprinkling cinnamon into grounds. If you’d rather a cup of tea in the morning, try using a stick of cinnamon to stir in honey. Adding it to your breakfast smoothie can give you some extra flavor. Cinnamon goes surprisingly well with meat. Have you ever wondered what makes Cincinnati chili so special? That’s right, it’s cinnamon!
If you’re looking for something even more simple, just put a stick of cinnamon in your water. Eventually it will color your water an odd shade of brown – but it tastes great! Plus, if you crave something sweet, cinnamon can sate you without adding any sugar. Pharmacies also sell cinnamon supplements.
Possible Risks
Like everything, cinnamon should be used in moderation.
- According to WebMD, high doses of cinnamon can be toxic. They recommend six grams maximum per day.
- Cinnamon may also affect certain medications. Always speak with your doctor before taking cinnamon as a supplement.
- Too much cinnamon can be an irritant. It has also been known to cause mouth sores.
- Other individuals have had allergic reactions.
Even though caution should be used with any change to your diet, this sure is a tasty one! So what are you waiting for? Spice up your life with a small spoonful of cinnamon and see how it can help you!
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Photo credits: Envato Elements