Cinnamon, besides having an irresistible sweet and woody aroma and flavor, also stands out for its numerous medicinal properties and health benefits. In fact, in ancient times, cinnamon was considered a true gem due to its ability to flavor foods or improve the taste of wine.
Discover in this DIVAIN post everything about the properties and benefits of cinnamon. Is it true that it helps with weight loss? We tell you here below!
Properties of cinnamon and what it is used for
Cinnamon is extracted from the bark of the canelo tree, also called Cinnamomum. There are more than 100 varieties different varieties of this tree, although the differences are very small.
Cinnamon has a sweet and exotic and you can find it in stick or powder form. It is used to flavor countless recipes, desserts, drinks, and even stews. Likewise, it is widely used to make infusions thanks to the medicinal properties its consumption provides.
Benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great source of nutrients thanks to the amount of calcium, fiber, iron, and vitamins A, B, and C that it contains. Additionally, it is also characterized by having a essential oil rich in flavonoids and other components such as coumarins and mucilages that provide it with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing.
As you can see, cinnamon has a lot of health benefits. Here we detail the most important ones:
Fights bacteria
One of the main benefits of cinnamon is that it contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that helps fight infections and diseases caused by fungi or bacteria. For example, several experts have confirmed that gargling with a cinnamon tea infusion can help treat tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Likewise, it also helps prevent cavities or bad breath.
Helps reduce high glucose
Cinnamon acts on blood sugar levels and helps improve the functioning of ito insulin. This is highly recommended for people who suffer from type 2 diabetes, as it helps to lower blood sugar.
Relaxing properties and well-being
Its delicious aroma contains a substance called linalool which has relaxing properties that help to reducing stress or anxiety. By the way! We recommend you take a look at our post about the best perfumes with cinnamon notes. Their warm and cozy aromas they will improve your mood and will provide you with a unique feeling of well-being. Try them!
Anti-inflammatory properties
Some components of cinnamon, such as cinnamic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties and produce nitric oxide, which helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases and regulate blood pressure. Likewise, it also reduces levels of bad cholesterol.
It stimulates the brain
Cinnamon stimulates cognitive activity and its antioxidant properties reduce damage caused by free radicals, especially in elderly people. This improves attention capacity, memory, reflexes, as well as reducing the effects of diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Similarly, these antioxidant properties make cinnamon a perfect alternative to protect the skin and fight against premature aging. In fact, the manufacture of cinnamon soaps for this purpose is very common.
Is cinnamon useful for weight loss?
Cinnamon alone does not cause weight loss, but it does have properties that help reduce the negative effect that other high-fat foods can cause in your body. This is because increases energy expenditure and the fat oxidation process is much faster, which prevents fat accumulation and promotes weight loss.
Also, another way to help you lose weight is replace sugar with cinnamon, a much more natural sweetener. This way you will reduce the number of calories consumed in your diet and it will also help you regulate glucose levels.
Finally, cinnamon has a satiety effect, since it is rich in fiber. This will considerably reduce your hunger and will also help you lose weight, as long as you combine it with a healthy diet. For example, cinnamon tea with milk is perfect for this.
Contraindications of cinnamon
Like many other foods, it is not good to abuse cinnamon. If consumed moderately, in healthy people it does not have negative effects on health. However, there are groups in which its consumption can negatively affect their body.
Cinnamon is an anticoagulant, so it is not recommended for those who suffer from coagulation problems or are taking anticoagulant medicines. Likewise, this spice is also not recommended for pregnant women or people who suffer from colic or liver diseases. As for children, caution is necessary, especially if they suffer from allergies, asthma, or eczema.
If you have any questions or if you are going to regularly incorporate cinnamon into your recipes, it is best to consult with your trusted doctor to make sure there are no risks or side effects.
Cinnamon tea: types and what it is for
One of the best ways to take advantage of all the properties of cinnamon is through an infusion. You can make it with just cinnamon sticks or powder, or by adding other ingredients that give it a different flavor and provide new properties. Here we propose 3 different types of cinnamon tea and what each one is for:
- Green tea with cinnamon: this infusion is widely used in diets to lose weight thanks to the properties cinnamon has to help burn fat quickly.
- Cinnamon, honey, and lemon tea: this tea is great for the drop in temperatures, since strengthens the defenses thanks to the minerals and vitamins that lemon contains. It is also ideal for reduce sore throat pain.
- Black tea with cinnamon: finally, this type of infusion is perfect to start the day. It provides energy and can even be a substitute for coffee. Likewise, black tea satisfies the appetite and you will avoid the temptation to snack between meals, which will help you lose weight and follow a more balanced diet.
Cinnamon, besides being used in many recipes to give food an irresistible sweet touch, is also a spice that, thanks to its numerous properties, can help improve health, as long as its consumption is not abused. What are you waiting for to include it in your diet?
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