Cinnamon tea: benefits and how to make it –

Cinnamon tea is full of beneficial compounds that may offer a number of health benefits, including aiding weight loss, improving heart health, easing menstrual cramps, and reducing inflammation and blood sugar levels.

Here are 12 science-based health benefits of cinnamon tea.

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Packed with antioxidants

Cinnamon tea contains a lot of antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help keep you healthy.

Antioxidants fight oxidation caused by free radicals, which are molecules that damage cells and contribute to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Cinnamon is particularly rich in polyphenol antioxidants. A study comparing the antioxidant activity of 26 spices reported that cinnamon is only surpassed by cloves and oregano.

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Reduces inflammation and may improve heart health

Test-tube studies suggest that compounds in cinnamon may reduce markers of inflammation. This can be immensely beneficial, as inflammation is considered to be the root of many chronic illnesses, including heart disease.

It may also lower blood pressure, as well as triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in some individuals.

Additionally, cinnamon can increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which helps improve heart health by removing excess cholesterol from blood vessels.

A review of 10 studies found that consuming just 120 mg of cinnamon — less than 1/10th of a teaspoon — per day may be enough to help you reap these benefits.

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May help lower blood sugar

Cinnamon can provide powerful anti-diabetic effects by lowering blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon can also help slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut, preventing blood sugar levels from rising after meals.

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May promote weight loss

Cinnamon tea is often touted for aiding weight loss, and several studies have linked cinnamon intake to fat loss or reductions in waist circumference.

In one study, participants lost 0.7% of fat mass and gained 1.1% of muscle mass after taking the equivalent of 5 teaspoons (10 grams) of cinnamon powder daily for 12 weeks.

However, these large amounts of cinnamon can contain dangerously high amounts of coumarin. When consumed in excess, this natural compound can increase the risk of bleeding and cause or worsen liver disease.

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Fights bacteria and fungi

Cinnamon has some potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, prevents the growth of various bacteria, fungi and molds.

These include common Staphylococcus, Salmonella and E.coli bacteria, which can cause illness in humans.

Additionally, the antibacterial effects of cinnamon can help reduce bad breath and prevent tooth decay.

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May reduce menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms

Cinnamon tea can help alleviate some menstrual symptoms such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea.

One well-controlled study gave women 3 grams of cinnamon or a placebo daily for the first 3 days of their menstrual cycle. Women in the cinnamon group experienced significantly less menstrual pain than those given the placebo.

In another study, women were given 1.5 grams of cinnamon, a pain-relieving medication, or a placebo within the first 3 days of their menstrual cycle. Women in the cinnamon group reported less menstrual pain than those given the placebo. However, the cinnamon treatment was not as effective in relieving pain as the pain relief medication.

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Other potential benefits

Cinnamon tea is touted to offer several additional benefits, including:

7. It can fight skin aging. Studies show that cinnamon can promote collagen formation and increase skin elasticity and hydration;
8. It may have anticancer properties. Test-tube research has noted that cinnamon extracts can help kill certain types of cancer cells, including skin cancer cells;
9. It may help preserve brain function. Test-tube and animal research suggests that cinnamon may protect brain cells from Alzheimer’s disease and improve motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease;
10. It can help fight HIV. Test-tube studies report that cinnamon extracts can help fight the most common strain of the HIV virus in humans;
11. It can reduce acne. Test-tube research suggests that cinnamon extracts can fight acne-causing bacteria;

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Easy to add to your diet

Cinnamon tea is incredibly easy to make and incorporate into your diet. You can drink it warm or chill it to make homemade iced tea.

Cinnamon tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, if you are specifically interested in its blood sugar lowering effects, it may be more effective to consume it with your meals.

If you are taking medication to lower blood sugar, it’s best to check with your doctor before adding cinnamon tea to your routine.

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON TEA

Recipe by Luanna Caramalac Munaro, functional nutritionist.

It is made from the inner bark of cinnamon, which is rolled into rolls as it dries, forming the recognizable cinnamon sticks. These sticks are steeped in boiling water or ground into a powder that can be used to make tea.

Put 1 cinnamon stick with a cup of water to boil over the fire. After lifting boil, wait a little longer and turn off the fire. Afterwards, just remove the cinnamon stick and consume the tea.