Cinnamon is a commonplace spice in just about everyone’s cupboard but did you know that cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices in the world? Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant, has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and more. But one little known benefit of this spice is how it will help burn abdominal fat, if used daily by controlling blood sugar levels in your body.
The medical journal, Diabetes Care published a study in 2003 about the affects of cinnamon on blood sugar levels in the body. Groups were split into people taking 1 gram, 3 grams, or 6 grams of cinnamon per day in capsule form. This is the equivalent of approximately ¼ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. The results of the study showed that all 3 amounts of cinnamon reduced fasting blood glucose levels by 18-29% after 40 days.
It was also found that cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity which means helping your body control blood sugars while simultaneously allowing your body to produce less insulin. This is significant because chronically high insulin levels increases body fat. Managing our blood sugar levels also helps control our appetites and cravings throughout the day.
Using cinnamon daily in your meals is one possible way to benefit from cinnamon’s fat loss abilities. Cinnamon can be added to yogurt, cottage cheese, in smoothies, oatmeal, coffee, tea, fruit and anything else that sounds good to you. Combining cinnamon with honey has also shown to help arthritis symptoms. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
Note: Consult your doctor before adding any new foods or spices to your nutrition plan if you are taking any medications or have food allergies.
- Laura Islas