Most people struggle with one issue at some point of time in their life and that is Weight Loss. While some face this issue at a young age, others gain weight later in life. Especially for women, weight gain after childbirth and as they age is something that is troublesome. Weight gain is the cause of many other diseases. Hence it is always best to maintain the optimum body weight. If weight is an issue, then there are some natural ways to reduce it.
Cinnamon along with honey can be used to help lose weight while maintaining a diet regime along with regular exercise. Cinnamon, though known more as a spice, actually has a medicinal history as well. It has been used in ancient Chinese, Egyptian as well as European medicines. Research suggests that cinnamon boosts metabolism and also helps lower cholesterol. Honey is a natural substance that has high medicinal value. A combination of these two substances provides immense benefits.
How Cinnamon Helps
A big part of weight gain is eating that happens without thinking due to some food cravings, especially in the case of junk food. Generally, these cravings happen between regular meals. If cinnamon is taken during this time, it helps control the appetite of a person, and hence, you control the temptation to eat. If the appetite is controlled and we are able to get through the intervals between meals, without too much snacking, that is a big step in weight management. Cinnamon has also been found to help lower blood sugar levels. Hence, when taken during the lunchtime, it helps you to stay awake and alert, becoming more productive.
Cinnamon also boosts the energy levels of a person, so you may consume it before you embark on an exercise regime. It can help you keep going. If at all, you are in the habit of midnight snacking, then you may consume the cinnamon and honey mixture at night before sleep as well. This will keep your hunger pangs satisfied throughout the night, and you will not feel the need a snack, which will help you in having a sound sleep.
How to Consume
You could boil a small piece of cinnamon in a cup of water and allow it to cool. This may be mixed with a spoonful of honey and taken once or twice a day. If you are intending this weight loss regime, kindly check once with your doctor, before starting the same. Cinnamon has many health benefits and the honey combination makes it easier to consume as well as adds to overall benefits.
The Other Benefits of Cinnamon
- Antioxidants- It contains a lot of antioxidants that help maintain overall health. The antioxidants in cinnamon are said to be similar to those found in superfoods and are highly beneficial. They help build up immunity against many common and deadly diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory- Compounds in cinnamon help lower inflammation levels in the body. This is known to help in pain management.
- Good for the heart- Heart diseases are a common thing nowadays. Cinnamon can actually help your heart keep fit and ticking right. It helps lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, thus helping the heart.
- Anticoagulant- Cinnamon has also been found to be an extremely effective anticoagulant. Thus, it also helps prevent clotting. This factor also helps in heart health as it prevents heart attacks or strokes.
- Diabetes management- It has been proven to help lower blood sugar levels in the blood and hence help you fight diabetes, especially for people with Type 2 diabetes.
- Helps prevent cognitive decline- Cinnamon activates neuroprotective proteins, that prevent brain cell mutation and thus helps in the fight against cognitive decline, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Research has found many more benefits of cinnamon like it helps fight cancer, infections, viruses, and bacteria. So, overall cinnamon seems to be a good ingredient to include in our diet.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
19th December 2022