Did you know cinnamon has antibacterial properties and is great for reducing belly fat? This post shares eight benefits of cinnamon and delicious recipe suggestions, too!
Cinnamon is great. Famous for being the star spice of fall (appearing in dishes like cinnamon rolls and baked apples) this spice has got it going on in the health sector too.
It is an undisputedly great source of antioxidants and is popular in traditional medicine for better circulation. Throw in some anti-inflammatory benefits and you can see why we love cinnamon around here.
Have you tried my Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce?
This post will give you the scoop on the 8 benefits of cinnamon, and I’ve made sure to sprinkle in plenty of recipes so you can start enjoying more cinnamon right away.
Does Cinnamon Reduce Belly Fat?
Yes, cinnamon can help you lose belly fat. Apart from the many other amazing benefits you get from this spice, it can help you lose visceral fat and support weight loss.
Visceral fat is the unhealthy belly fat in the abdomen and around our organs (it’s best to keep this kind of fat in check). Too much of it may increase the risk of chronic health problems such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
If you’re feeling worried about belly fat, check out my post that covers 15 Tips To Lose Belly Fat.
What Is The Best Way To Take Cinnamon For Health Benefits?
Cinnamon is no stranger to our toasts, bread, pies, and drinks. Its calming aroma and soothing flavor add a familiar and homey taste to every recipe. The more cinnamon the merrier, in my opinion!
Here are four ways to add more cinnamon into your diet:
- Make cinnamon tea or cinnamon water (or take it further with my Perfect Chai Latte).
- Sprinkle it on your latte, apples, toast, or smoothies
- Take a spoonful with some honey
- Swallow it in capsule form as cinnamon supplementation
In terms of dosage, experts suggest sticking to half a teaspoon to 2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of cinnamon per day. Remember to gradually increase your intake to see how you tolerate it.
Should You Take Cinnamon In The Morning Or At Night?
If you are using cinnamon as a supplement more so than to flavor food and get benefits that way, you may wonder if taking cinnamon extracts, cinnamon oil, or popping a cinnamon stick in your smoothie is best done in the morning or at night. It doesn’t appear that when you take it is essential to gaining health benefits.
You’ll still improve blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and aid in better total cholesterol readings (and more!) by simply taking this wonderful spice on a daily basis. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, called the true cinnamon, has the right properties to give you fabulous benefits which I’ll delve into more below.
What Recipes Contain It?
I would take any excuse to sprinkle ground cinnamon into my recipes! And what I really want to tell you is, don’t be afraid to experiment. Here’s what I usually add cinnamon to:
- Cinnamon rolls
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Pumpkin pies
- Baked apples or cinnamon apples
- Pancakes
- Cinnamon oats
- Pumpkin spice lattes
- Smoothies
Is Cinnamon Good For Your Skin?
Yes, cinnamon is good for the skin and it’s actually known to help fight blemishes.
How so? Well, it’s loaded with antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. When the body is healthy and your nutrition intake is spot-on, this reflects on your skin (glowing health, they say).
It can also help with acne and anti-aging which is why it’s gaining popularity as a skincare ingredient. When applied topically (with coconut oil) it can also help lighten scars. If you’re into this topic, be sure to check out this post on the 8 Best Foods For Your Skin.
What Is The Best Cinnamon For Health?
Ceylon is the best, my friends! Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. There are actually 5 kinds of cinnamon bark. Among them, Ceylon cinnamon is known to be the healthiest type of cinnamon. It carries all the health benefits WITHOUT any of the toxic properties found in other sources.
In fact, it is also known as “true cinnamon” solely for that reason.
For example, another variety of cinnamon is Cassia cinnamon, which is the most commonly used type. It has health benefits just like Ceylon cinnamon. However, it contains Coumarin, which can be toxic in higher doses.
A study links Coumarin (found in cassia cinnamon) to lung, liver, and kidney damage when consumed in high dosages. Even just one to two teaspoons of it could bring someone over the daily recommended limit. Scary. Don’t take it like a medication. The effects of cinnamon will be to your benefit when you enjoy it the right way.
The Top 8 Benefits Of Cinnamon
Now’s the time that we will really learn how rich cinnamon is. Here are the top 8 health benefits of cinnamon (and why you’ll want more of it in your diet):
#1 It Improves Gut Health
Including spices such as cinnamon in your meals (both sweet and savory dishes and even drinks) may keep your gut healthy and happy. Cinnamon contains prebiotic properties that help grow good gut bacteria and destroy bad gut bacteria. It also has some fiber which is another way to aid your gut’s health.
And from gut to mouth, cinnamon may play a part in combatting bad breath and tooth decay because of the antimicrobial effects too.
#2 It May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
Promising studies show cinnamon may aid in the short-term reduction of blood pressure, and even help manage hypertension! So the next time you think of adding an extra generous sprinkle on your pumpkin spice latte, don’t think twice!
#3 It May Lower Blood Sugar And Manage Type 2 Diabetes
There is some evidence that cinnamon can help improve blood glucose levels and manage Type 2 diabetes. Further studies show it can even help improve ldl cholesterol levels for people with Type 2 diabetes.
#4 It Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Because cinnamon is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, it’s great for protecting your body from inflammation. This is great because chronic inflammation can lead to other diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis. In fact, proteins that build up, causing neurodegenerative diseases are inhibited by cinnamon.
#5 It Has Antibacterial And Antifungal Properties
Did you know cinnamon also is commonly used in Chinese herbal remedies? Its antibacterial and antifungal properties come from Cinnamaldehyde (which is the essential oil contained in the bark). Combatting infections with cinnamon powder? Yum.
#6 It Helps With Digestion
If you come across digestive problems, cinnamon could be a great option to relieve that. Its extract is used to heal gastrointestinal issues in Eastern, Western, and Ayurvedic medicine. You can simply drink it as hot tea to absorb all the wonderful health and digestive benefits.
#7 It May Help Boost Your Energy
If you tend to experience that afternoon slump, consider switching your usual coffee with cinnamon tea. Cinnamon contains insulin-boosting properties which can help increase your energy.
#8 It May Help Combat Colds
Cinnamon makes for a good common cold fighter. Its antimicrobial properties are great for destroying the bacteria and fungi behind flu-ey feelings.
What Is Cinnamon Water And Can We Drink It Daily?
Cinnamon water is, essentially, cinnamon-infused water! It’s simple. And an amazing way to hydrate with a boost of all the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral benefits of cinnamon.
It’s basically cooled tea and is super easy to make. Just add a fresh cinnamon stick in a pot of simmering water, then wait for it to cool, and there you have it!
Some swear by drinking it at least 30 minutes before breakfast. This gets your digestion, metabolism, and energy levels up before noon. It can be an everyday thing, too! But as with everything, don’t overdo it. Too much cinnamon won’t do you any favors. Nausea and an overactive digestive system can result. Keep your cinnamon consumption to normal levels. As mentioned above, half a teaspoon to 2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of cinnamon per day works well.
More Delicious Recipes With Cinnamon
Here is a straight up list of my fave recipes that I’ve spiced up with cinnamon:
- Healthy Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Greek Yogurt Glaze
- Cinnamon Raisin Overnight Oats Recipe
- Healthy Cinnamon Apples
- Sweet Potato Smoothie | With Cinnamon & Nutmeg
- Light & Healthy Non-Alcoholic Eggnog with Cinnamon (Non-Dairy!)
- Healthy Coffee Cake with Cinnamon
- Paleo Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Crunchy Crumb Topping
This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.
