Cinnamon not only helps improve the taste of various culinary masterpieces, but also makes your figure slimmer by burning fat. This spice began to be used for weight loss not so long ago, but numerous reviews indicate its effectiveness.
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Cinnamon water has many healing properties. Next, let's look at the benefits of the drink and how to prepare it.
Beneficial properties of cinnamon for losing weight
The famous spice cinnamon has a number of beneficial properties that promote weight loss . As a result of consuming the product, the following effects appear:
- lowering cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- stabilization of insulin production;
- decreased appetite;
- preventing the formation of fat cells;
- activation of internal organs;
- reducing the amount of sugar used in dishes or completely eliminating sweeteners due to the sweet taste;
- inhibition of aging processes;
- increasing immunity, reducing stress on the body;
- normalization of the digestive tract;
- antiseptic and antiparasitic effect against pathogenic microflora of the stomach.
Cinnamon powder can be used for massages, wraps, and baths to cleanse toxins. Due to the content of vitamins C, A, PP, group B, the body's defenses are activated. The spice is rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc. Thanks to its properties, it tones the body and gives energy.
To lose weight using cinnamon, choose the right types of product. There are 4 of them - Ceylon, Cassia (Chinese), Malabar and spicy (cinnamon). The best results in terms of weight loss are obtained by consuming the Ceylon type of spice. To avoid buying cassia instead, which is saturated with toxic coumarin, add iodine to the purchased powder. Ceylon spice will only turn slightly blue in some areas, while Cassia will turn a full blue-violet color. The artificial analogue of the spice, cinnamon extract, does not help you lose weight.
Cinnamon ensures good digestion of even heavy fatty foods and does not retain them in the intestines. Regular intake of cinnamon water eliminates waste and toxins, and eliminates the accumulation of unprocessed food debris. This helps to reduce the size of the waist, abdomen, sides, and make the figure slimmer. When losing weight, cinnamon helps convert glucose not into fat deposits, but into energy.
Review of reviews on weight loss with cinnamon
Positive reviews of cinnamon drinks from people losing weight are due to the fact that people note a decrease in appetite. The dulling of the desire to eat something already makes it much easier to adhere to the diet program.
When discussing the desired effect of losing weight, many say that they managed to lose an average of 1-3 kilograms per month. Among the obvious disadvantages of the drink are its cloying taste and specific aroma. Some people find the smell completely disgusting.
Those who failed to lose weight had a negative opinion. Most of these people ate as usual, eating their favorite sweets and without making much effort. Naturally, under such conditions, there is no point in waiting for weight loss. But this once again proves that the role of cinnamon in weight loss is insignificant.
How to drink
Nutritionists advise drinking warm water with cinnamon on an empty stomach in the morning. You can repeat the reception in the evening before bed after dinner. The essential oils contained in the spice normalize sleep, invigorate you in the morning and provide a good mood. It goes well with fruit soups, smoothies, apples, quince, pears, and honey. Drinks with spices are effective for weight loss: milk, tea, coffee, compotes. It is better to prepare them immediately before use; prolonged infusion leads to loss of aroma. The amount of spice taken per day is limited and amounts to half a teaspoon of powder or one stick.
Cinnamon drink is good for breakfast and dinner. It is good for snacking between meals - it is healthier than bread and sweets. Taking the spice infusion lasts 2-8 weeks. During this time, the digestion of foods is normalized, the first results appear, so you can understand whether it is worth continuing further. In addition to water, you can mix other drinks with cinnamon . Here are some useful recipes:
- Kefir with cinnamon powder. Add a quarter teaspoon of spice to a glass of kefir, drink on an empty stomach in the morning and evening after dinner or instead.
- Kefir with cinnamon and apple. Mix a glass of low-fat kefir with two chopped apples without peel and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Beat in a blender. Instead of kefir, you can take any fermented milk drink: natural yogurt, fermented baked milk, matsoni, bifidok. If the mixture is too thick, add water.
- Supermodel cocktail to speed up metabolism and eliminate hunger. For a glass of kefir, take half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon powder, ginger with a pinch of chili pepper, and let it brew. This drink should not be taken on an empty stomach or more than once a day.
- Cinnamon milk to lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Heat a glass of milk, add a quarter of a tsp. spices, leave for two minutes. You can pour milk over the stick, boil and cook for two minutes, then cool. If desired, add honey to the serving.
- Cinnamon coffee. To soften the effects of caffeine and reduce nervous excitement, add a little cinnamon to your coffee. Pieces of spice can be poured with water, added ground coffee and boiled in a Turk until foam appears. You can add a quarter tsp. cinnamon powder right before boiling or directly into the cup. The drink goes well with ginger and nutmeg.
- Orange-cinnamon drink. This cocktail will come in handy in the hot summer as a cooling refresher. To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water over a cinnamon stick or a quarter teaspoon of powder and cool. Combine the mixture with slices of two oranges, a sprig of mint and cold water to make a liter volume. Cool with ice, if desired.
- A drink with bay leaf that removes toxins. Brew 3-4 bay leaves with a liter of boiling water, after a couple of minutes add a cinnamon stick, leave for two hours, then let cool. Take the infusion in the morning on an empty stomach, 100-150 ml of the drink daily. It removes toxins and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
How does cinnamon help you lose weight?
The benefits of cinnamon are difficult to overestimate. But what about losing weight? No one wants to argue with the fact that its use will have a positive effect on the general condition of a person, on his individual organs. But today’s task is to deal with the topic of weight loss.
The common method of weight loss using this spice, unfortunately, has no scientific basis, because experiments have never been conducted on humans. The main argument on which those who promote cinnamon as a means of weight loss rely is the presence of phenolic substances in its composition. They are the ones who participate in carbohydrate metabolism, accelerating it. But fat reserves do not begin to break down, as adherents of the method promise. By the way, the daily intake should not exceed half a teaspoon.
According to another theory, the spice helps fight diabetes. There is scientific proof of this. American scientists organized research, which resulted in experiments on humans. Volunteers took the spice daily for forty days. Indeed, a decrease in blood sugar and cholesterol was observed, but it was so insignificant that no one dared to recommend cinnamon as a way to combat a serious disease.
Swedish scientists have contributed to the study of weight loss. They have proven the spice's negligible effect on weight loss. It can reduce appetite, indirectly affecting weight loss. But its use in effective doses cannot become part of a lifestyle. This is possible only for a short period. This means that the results achieved will quickly disappear.
How much can you lose in a month on cinnamon?
Diet programs based on the use of cinnamon promise the loss of about 8 extra pounds. But taking into account proper nutrition and exercise. Then the question arises, is the weight loss really all about the spice?
Tea recipe
Another useful recipe is cinnamon tea for weight loss (green or black). It effectively lowers blood sugar levels . To prepare the drink, take unflavored tea - for 2 teaspoons of leaves, a quarter teaspoon of spice or part of a cinnamon stick. Brew with boiling water, add milk, lemon, cloves, vanillin if desired.
If green tea is used, it is brewed separately, then spice is added to it. If you add ground powder, the drink will turn out cloudy. Some types of tea infusion:
- Apple. Normalizes metabolism, reduces weight. It is drunk cold or hot. To prepare, peel the apple from seeds and peel, cut into slices or cubes, place in a teapot with a cinnamon stick or a quarter teaspoon of powder. Pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Add lemon, orange, mint, ice, cloves or ginger if desired. Tea goes well with allspice and orange zest.
- Vanilla. When hot, it helps cope with colds. Take a third of a vanilla stick, half a cinnamon stick, one dry clove inflorescence, 1 tsp. black or green tea and brew 0.5 liters of boiling water. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
What are the benefits of adding spice?
- Stabilization of sugar levels - help for those suffering from diabetes.
American scientists have proven that by drinking a drink with cinnamon in the morning on an empty stomach, insulin-dependent people can achieve a 29% reduction in sugar levels. This is due to hydroxychalcone, derived from cinnamon, which acts as an insulin mimetic, that is, it imitates the hormone naturally synthesized in the blood, replacing its positive properties.
- Positive effects on the cardiovascular system, in particular, a decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides, which can cause plaque and blockage in blood vessels and veins.
- Accelerating cellular metabolism, in simple words, helps you lose weight.
- A significant anti-inflammatory effect helps in the treatment of many colds.
- Improving brain function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's - this indicates the benefits of taking it for people of all ages.
In addition, the aromatic drink has positive taste characteristics and is distinguished by an unforgettable aromatic bouquet.
Water with honey-cinnamon mixture
An excellent mixture is cinnamon and honey for weight loss. Drinking water with the addition of such ingredients reduces weight, removes fat deposits from the abdomen , and makes the figure slim. The drink improves digestion and tones the body. To make it, pour a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a glass of boiling water and wait a little. Place a teaspoon of honey in warm water and add a slice of lime or lemon if desired. Take the cocktail in the morning on an empty stomach (half an hour before breakfast) and before bed.
Treatment
Cinnamon can be used to cure many ailments. External use of the spice oil is popular for massages and rubbing. To prepare the aroma oil, take 10 ml of vegetable oil and mix with 2-3 drops of cinnamon oil.
For weakness, delayed menstruation, impotence, colds, diarrhea and flu, a drink made from spice oil, honey and herbal tea will be effective. To prepare, use 1-2 drops of oil and a teaspoon of honey, adding these ingredients to herbal tea. For inhalation of the upper respiratory tract, use a few drops of spice oil with hot water.
When you have the flu or hypothermia, it is useful to drink a drink of hot wine and cinnamon, as well as hot water, honey, lemon juice, one clove and a pinch of spice. An excellent flu prevention drink is a drink made from half a teaspoon of spice, a pinch of ground black pepper and honey. It is recommended to drink one glass every three hours. If the cold is in its infancy, it is recommended to prepare a drink of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. All ingredients should be brewed in equal doses of 1/3 teaspoon per glass of boiling water and drunk every hour. To get rid of a headache due to a cold, prepare a paste of spices and apply it to the forehead for a certain time.
Scientists in Germany have conducted a number of studies that prove that cinnamon can eliminate some genitourinary tract infections [12].
With lemon
An effective and pleasant-tasting drink based on water, cinnamon and lemon will trigger fat burning processes in the body and promote weight loss. The classic recipe is to mix a liter of water, the juice of half a lemon and two cinnamon sticks, cut into pieces, in a glass jug. Place the drink on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 12 hours. Drink a glass daily half an hour before meals.
Do not prepare the infusion in advance, because after 24 hours its beneficial properties will decrease, which is not the best effect on your slim figure. To improve the results, you can supplement the resulting mixture with dried ginger powder (half a teaspoon) or grated fresh root of the plant (a piece 1-2 cm long). This will further speed up your metabolism. If the taste is too hot, replace the water with kefir, it will soften the bitterness.
Characteristic
Cinnamon is an evergreen tree of the Laurel family. In addition, dried tree bark is also called cinnamon. Since ancient times, two types of this spice have been distinguished: real (Ceylon) cinnamon and Chinese, or cassia. Among the distinctive features of the first variety are the dark brown color, rich aroma and pungent taste, as well as the fragility of the sticks. Cassia, on the other hand, has a light brown color, a less intense taste, and in the form of sticks it is difficult to break.
Real cinnamon is made in India and Ceylon from the bark of cinnamon trees. The best varieties of spices in the form of sticks are quite thin (as thick as a sheet of paper). Because of their thinness, spice sticks are placed inside each other. The tree is grown for two years and then cut down to the root. Many young shoots grow from it, from which the thin bark is cut off. For sale, sticks are cut into 5–10 cm lengths. Local cooks add aromatic cinnamon tree leaves to soups instead of bay leaves. Ceylon cinnamon is considered the best. Today, the spice is grown in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Brazil, India, Indonesia and other countries.
With apple
A healthy drink based on apples and cinnamon reduces weight, tones the body and removes excess fluid, removing swelling. To prepare it, peel and seed one medium apple, pour boiling water over it, and add a cinnamon stick broken into pieces. Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Instead of a stick, you can take ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder. During the day, drink a liter of the drink, one glass at a time, before meals. In winter, add ginger, allspice peas, and cloves to the mixture; in summer - ice cubes, lemon or orange zest.
Cinnamon for weight normalization
A new side of the aromatic bark has recently been discovered - its use can help with weight loss. The natural origin of the seasoning is extremely important in our time. The mechanism of action is simple: cinnamon reduces blood glucose levels and thus eliminates the accumulation of fat deposits.
Another property of cinnamon for normalizing weight is to reduce cholesterol levels . The spice controls the growth of fat cells in the body and helps to quickly use them for energy production. These properties are key for cinnamon. They are what determines the achievement of the effect on human health. The substances contained in cinnamon perfectly regulate insulin and glucose balance in the blood. When glucose decreases, insulin production stabilizes. However, doctors learned by accident how the spicy bark affects the glucose-insulin balance in the blood.
Scientists studied the effect of various foods on glucose levels, and as a result of this experiment, the wonderful properties of cinnamon were revealed. During the experiment, volunteers ate a regular apple pie, which, according to a long-standing tradition, is always flavored with cinnamon. Doctors expected that a piece of pie would lead to a sharp increase in blood sugar levels, but this did not happen, and on the contrary, the glucose level decreased. The researchers were at first surprised by this result, but then they studied the recipe and ingredients of the pie in detail, and then they suggested that the insidious sugar was influenced by aromatic cinnamon. They decided to continue the experiment by inviting into the group of volunteers 60 diabetics suffering from type 2 diabetes, that is, already dependent on regular insulin injections. Experimental daredevils ate 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder every day, and this had a very beneficial effect on their well-being. After just one week, it was noticed that regular consumption of cinnamon reduced glucose levels, and at the same time, the production of its own insulin substance increased. This was also reflected in the weight of spicy bark eaters, and their weight began to decrease. That's when housewives all over the world realized that it was not in vain that they kept the seasoning on their kitchen shelves.
Side effects
You need to consume this healthy spice in recommended doses, without exceeding them. Otherwise, this risks side effects:
- digestive disorders: nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, discomfort in the stomach;
- headaches, dizziness;
- allergic reactions with hypersensitivity: urticaria, itching, skin rashes, hyperemia, swelling of the subcutaneous tissue;
- a strong increase in blood pressure due to hypertension or vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- bleeding of internal organs (higher risk with gastric ulcers, varicose veins of the esophagus).
The spice is relatively safe and can rarely cause harm. Side effects are possible if a person has previously had cases of allergic reactions to cinnamon or components added to drinks (usually honey, ginger). Very rarely, when taking cinnamon water with honey, bleeding of the stomach and intestines occurs, and blood pressure rises sharply.
Features of application
Despite the fact that the drink itself is healthy, you should not drink it constantly. Firstly, the effect is reduced, and secondly, you may not be aware of some emerging diseases that will worsen against the background of constant intake of lemon water with cinnamon.
If you do not have any contraindications, which you will read in more detail at the end of the article, and if there are no unpleasant sensations while taking the course, drink lemon and cinnamon for 2 weeks, then take a break for another 2 weeks and you can resume the course.
Basically, it all depends on your sensitivity to the drink, your health level, lifestyle and desire. Be guided by your own feelings and preferably the doctor’s recommendations.
Should I fast while taking lemon cinnamon water? In no case. You must eat well, using all the healthy foods available. Take water with lemon and cinnamon between meals. It is recommended to remove harmful carbohydrates and alcohol from the diet. Otherwise you will not feel any effect.
Contraindications
Regular consumption of drinks based on cinnamon powder or sticks allows you to get rid of 4-5 kg of excess weight per month. For obesity or endocrine diseases, the use of spice is unsafe because it has vasodilating and warming effects. Before use, you should obtain the advice and approval of a physician. Other contraindications for taking cinnamon drinks are:
- all trimesters of pregnancy (infusions stimulate uterine contractions, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth);
- hypertension, hypotension;
- thrombocytopenia;
- tachycardia;
- blood clotting disorder;
- diseases of the central and autonomic nervous system;
- significant blood loss, internal bleeding;
- increased excitability;
- high temperature due to infectious diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- inflammatory diseases;
- diabetes mellitus (cinnamon in combination with honey is prohibited);
- food allergies;
- frequent surges in blood pressure.
Are there any contraindications for losing weight with cinnamon?
Firstly, the use of spice should be limited. There are certain recipes for preparing dishes and drinks, the dosages of which must be followed. You can't do amateur activities here. Don't expect your excess weight to melt away if you consume more cinnamon than recommended. Exceeding dosages will only lead to dire consequences: fatigue, depression, headaches.
In addition to the negative consequences, it is important to know about those cases when the use of spices is contraindicated:
- pregnancy - the risk of uterine contraction increases, i.e. the chances of premature birth increase;
- period of breastfeeding - the spice greatly impairs the taste of mother's milk, so the baby may refuse to breastfeed;
- high blood pressure;
- poor blood clotting;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- feverish condition;
- individual intolerance in the form of allergic reactions.
Cinnamon and bay leaf
If you brew a few bay leaves in boiling water and add 10 g of cinnamon, you will get a wonderful diet drink. It improves immunity, helps the body resist viral infections, removes excess intercellular fluid, removes puffiness on the legs and under the eyes, and helps to lose weight without harm to health.
The interaction of spicy spices and bay tree leaves allows you to get wonderful results in a short time.
Oatmeal and cinnamon
A few tablespoons of oatmeal (for example, Hercules) are poured with boiling water and stirred. Add cinnamon crushed to powder. Stir the porridge well. Such a unique and at the same time simple breakfast helps cleanse the intestines of toxins and putrefactive residues and improve its functioning.
It saturates the body with essential microelements and vitamins, calms the nervous system, and accelerates the dissolution of excess lipids.
Ingredients of Cinnamon
The chemical composition of a special spice is unique.
It is not a high-calorie product, rich in carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as:
- resins;
- gum;
- phenolic acids;
- essential oils;
- tannins;
- coumarin;
- choline;
- vitamins E, K, A, PP, C, group B;
- mineral salts (selenium, sodium, zinc, manganese, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, copper).
Turmeric: beneficial properties, contraindications and recipes
Among all aromatic seasonings, cinnamon occupies a leading position in the content of calcium, manganese and iron. It is included in the diet not only for active weight loss, but also for the treatment of anemia and many other internal diseases.
In what forms is cinnamon sold?
The unique spice is presented in several forms on the market:
- Oil solution. This is a liquid essential concentrate that is used for weight loss. It is taken orally, and is also used for wraps against cellulite deposits, homemade scrubs are made to smooth the dermis, and added to juices to create fat-burning drinks.
- Sticks. They are simply ground in a coffee grinder or blender. The result is a fine substance in the form of a powder. This is the same aromatic mixture as in its natural form. It contains all the useful ingredients, does not lose them over time and helps to effectively improve your figure. The sticks are obtained from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. The tubes are separated from each other and dried. They retain their natural aroma for a very long time.
- Powder. It is made by grinding cinnamon sticks. It is not always possible to purchase a natural and high-quality product in stores. Unscrupulous manufacturers often add cassia bark instead of natural cinnamon. Although cinnamon powder is more convenient to use, it is better to prepare it yourself.
For home use, all forms of cinnamon are used, it all depends on the goals that are set when starting to use the aromatic spice.