Cinnamon, in addition to its irresistible aroma and sweet, woody taste, is also known for its numerous medicinal properties and health benefits. In fact, in ancient times, cinnamon came to be considered a real gem thanks to its ability to flavour food or enhance the taste of wine.
Find out all about the properties and benefits of cinnamon in this DIVAIN post. Is it true that it can help you lose weight? We'll tell you all about it below!
Properties of cinnamon and what it is good for
Cinnamon is extracted from the bark of the cinnamon tree, also called Cinnamomum. There are more than 100 different varieties of this tree, although the differences are very small.
Cinnamon has a sweet and exotic taste and can be found in stick or powder form. It is used to flavour countless recipes, desserts, drinks and even stews. It is also widely used to make infusions thanks to its medicinal properties.
Benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great source of nutrients thanks to the amount of calcium, fibre, iron and vitamins A, B and C it contains. It is also characterised by an essential oil rich in flavonoids and other components such as coumarins and mucilages, which give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
As you can see, cinnamon has a host of health benefits. Here are the most important ones:
Combat 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 an infusion of cinnamon tea can help treat tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Similarly, it also helps prevent tooth decay or bad breath.
Helps reduce high blood glucose
Cinnamon acts on blood sugar levels and helps to improve insulin function. This is highly recommended for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, as it helps to lower blood glucose.
Relaxing properties and well-being
Its delicious scent contains a substance called linalool which has relaxing properties that help reduce stress or anxiety. By the way! We recommend you take a look at our post on the best perfumes with cinnamon notes. Their warm and welcoming aromas will improve your mood and give you a unique sense of well-being. Try them!
Anti-inflammatory properties
Components of cinnamon, such as cinnamic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties and produce nitric oxide, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease and regulate blood pressure. It also reduces bad cholesterol levels.
Stimulates the brain
Cinnamon stimulates cognitive activity and its antioxidant properties reduce free radical damage, especially in the elderly. This improves attention span, memory and reflexes, as well as reducing the effects of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Similarly, these antioxidant properties make cinnamon a perfect alternative to protect the skin and fight against premature ageing. In fact, cinnamon soaps are commonly made for this purpose.
Is cinnamon good for weight loss?
Cinnamon alone is not slimming, but it does have properties that help reduce the negative effect that other high-fat foods can have on your body. This is because it increases energy expenditure and the fat oxidation process is much faster, which prevents fat accumulation and promotes weight loss.
Another way to help you lose weight is to replace sugar with cinnamon, a much more natural sweetener. This will reduce the number of calories consumed in your diet and will also help regulate glucose levels.
Finally, cinnamon has a satiating effect, as it is rich in fibre. This will reduce your hunger considerably 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, cinnamon should not be abused. If consumed in moderation, it has no negative health effects in healthy people. However, there are groups in which its consumption can have a negative effect on their organism.
Cinnamon is an anticoagulant, so it is not recommended for those who suffer from clotting problems or are taking anticoagulant medication. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or people suffering from colic or liver disease. As for children, caution should be exercised, especially if they suffer from allergies, asthma or eczema.
If you have any doubts or if you are going to incorporate cinnamon into your recipes on a regular basis, it is best to check with your doctor to make sure there are no risks or side effects.
Cinnamon tea: types and what it's good 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 stick or powdered cinnamon, or add other ingredients to give it a different flavour and add new properties. Here are 3 different types of cinnamon tea and what each one is used for:
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Green tea with cinnamon: this infusion is widely used in weight loss diets thanks to the properties of cinnamon to help burn fat quickly.
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Cinnamon, honey and lemon tea: this tea is great for lower temperatures, as it strengthens the defences thanks to the minerals and vitamins contained in the lemon. It is also ideal for soothing a sore throat.
- Black tea with cinnamon: finally, this type of tea is perfect for starting the day. It provides energy and can become a substitute for coffee. Black tea also 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, as well as being used in a lot of recipes to give food an irresistible sweet touch, is also a spice that, thanks to its numerous properties, can help to improve health, as long as it is not abused. What are you waiting for to include it in your diet?