Cinnamon – A weight loss wonder

Cinnamon figures among the most ancient spices in world. This small evergreen tree is cultivated in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Egypt, Brazil, Indonesia and India. It is prepared in two ways. It is prepared either by drying the cinnamon bark and rolling it into sticks (quills), or by crushing it into powder. Cinnamon's peculiar taste and smell stems from cinnamaldehyde, a substance contained in the bark's oil.

Cinnamon has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice, and many foods, too. You'll get as many antioxidants in one teaspoon of cinnamon as a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries, two foods known for their antioxidant content.

Millions of people are searching for ways to help lose weight, and drinking cinnamon tea or eating cinnamon in other forms for weight loss can definitely help many shed pounds.

How does cinnamon cause weight loss

Cinnamon is a spice commonly used during festive winter times as it "warms" the body. This thermogenic response possibly speeds the body's metabolism resulting in weight loss. Cinnamon actually creates heat within the body due to a chemical reaction. The body's metabolism speeds up to counteract the excess heat and balance body temperature. Excess calories are burned throughout the process.

According to another theory, cinnamon decreases blood sugar levels, which increases the level of insulin. The higher amount of insulin is believed to shrink fat cells. Some experts believe cinnamon tea weight loss is especially effective for people with diabetes as they need more insulin. The fat cells in the abdomen are particularly sensitive to high insulin levels, and are very effective at storing energy – far more so that fat cells you’d find in other areas such as the lower body (i.e. hips, rear end, thighs). Because abdominal fat cells are so close to our digestive organs, and there is an extensive network of blood vessels circulating in the abdominal area, it’s even easier for fat cells to store excess glucose there. 

Recommended quantity

Typical recommended dosages of ground cinnamon bark are 1 to 4 g daily. The German Commission E monograph suggests ½ to 3/4 teaspoon (2–4 grams) of the powder per day. A tea can be prepared from the powdered herb by boiling 1/2 teaspoon (2–3 grams) of the powder for ten to fifteen minutes, cooling, and then drinking. Cinnamon oil is generally used at a dose of 0.05 to 0.2 g daily.

Cinnamon tea is also touted as a weight loss remedy when made with other ingredients. You may get better results with this recipe for Cinnamon and Honey Tea. Create a regular cinnamon tea and add 1 tablespoon of pure honey after the tea sits for half an hour so the boiling water does not destroy honey's beneficial properties. It is recommended to drink all cinnamon teas both before bed and first thing in the morning.