Honey and cinnamon: powerful medicine or big myth?

Cinnamon is a popular spice. It is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Sold in the form of light brown sticks or powder. Since ancient times, it has been used for baking and preparing warm drinks. It has an amazing taste, unique aroma and excellent nutritional properties. It received its first enthusiastic reviews from European culinary experts precisely for its ability to improve the quality of ready-made dishes.

Nowadays, cinnamon is actively used for cosmetic purposes and perfume production. Creams containing cinnamon have a warming effect, and perfumes have an oriental note. It helps get rid of facial rashes and strengthen hair. But the most widespread is essential oil. The benefits of cinnamon oil are manifested primarily in relation to the nervous system - it relaxes, soothes and restores well.

Recently, cinnamon has been considered an effective product that helps in the fight against excess weight. You can drink tea with it, add it to dietary dishes, and also make wraps. Its main advantage is the acceleration of metabolism and the breakdown of accumulated fat deposits. In addition, it suppresses hunger and improves metabolic processes throughout the body.

In medicine, spice plays an important role. It is an antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, kills bacteria, and relieves joint pain. This spice is also known as a good fighter against diabetes. However, there are also some health risks associated with cinnamon. For example, it reduces blood clotting, which can be very difficult during surgery. Therefore, if you are planning an operation, it is better to stop consuming it in any form 2-3 weeks in advance. In addition, harm can manifest itself in the form of severe allergic reactions.

Cinnamon is very rich in vitamins and minerals:

coumarin - thanks to it we feel the incomparable aroma of the spice;
tannins;
essential oil;
phenolic acids;
gum;
resins;
minerals: copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, sodium, selenium;
vitamins: C, thiamine (B1), niacin (PP), pantothene (B5), pyridoxine (B6), riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), retinol (A), phylloquinone (K), tocopherol (E);
In terms of iron, manganese and calcium content, cinnamon is an unsurpassed leader.

It is this chemical composition that explains the beneficial properties of cinnamon for weight loss, thanks to which you can lose excess weight.

What is cinnamon

Cinnamon is a piece of tree bark. Even in the Bible there is a mention of this wonderful plant as a cure for a variety of diseases. The first historical documents describing it can be dated back to 2800 BC. Chinese healers and cooks loved experimenting with herbs and various parts of plants and came to the conclusion that cinnamon could be usefully used in different areas of life. Once upon a time, every kilogram of this aromatic spice was worth its weight in gold, and its symbolism penetrated deeply into the ordinary lives of people. Cinnamon has become a way to express your feelings, talk about tenderness and affection.

Where does this spice come from? Everything is very simple. People have learned to extract it from the inner part of the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. Small leaves of bark are separated from the outer part, tightly rolled into tubes and dried. It is in this form that cinnamon traditionally goes on sale, goes to stores and stores, although now its crushed versions are becoming increasingly popular. Most often, the spice is used in oriental cuisine to add flavor to various dishes.

Beneficial properties of cinnamon

Thanks to its many beneficial properties, cinnamon is successfully used in cooking, folk medicine, cosmetology, floristry and household purposes.

Such versatility could be achieved thanks to the following useful properties:

the ability to regulate a person’s sugar level - thanks to this, cinnamon is often used in dishes for those who suffer from diabetes;
quickly digest in the stomach, accelerating the work of gastric juice - this useful function is relevant for people who suffer from excess gas formation and heaviness in the stomach;
pain-eliminating effect - of course, the pain goes away only slightly, but this is enough for those who do not want to take medications. The greatest relevance of dishes with cinnamon is in this aspect for women before menstruation;
improving blood flow and helping cells receive enough oxygen - such abilities of cinnamon allow you to get rid of headaches and use it as a preventative for vascular diseases;
stimulation of brain cells - as a result of a series of experiments, scientists were able to come to the conclusion that this plant material significantly increases the ability to perceive information and learn;
accelerates metabolism and rejuvenates - such properties are perfectly used in cosmetics that claim to be anti-aging, smooth out wrinkles and tighten the skin;
strengthens cell structure - this beneficial feature is good for nails and hair, helping them become stronger and healthier.

In ancient times, the spice was used as a medicine for colds and coughs, relieved bad breath, or was used as a flavor enhancer in cooking. The beneficial properties of cinnamon can be listed endlessly, but one of the most important is weight loss.

How does cinnamon help with weight loss?

Cinnamon is very effective for weight loss. Due to its ability to accelerate metabolism, the spice helps food to be digested faster without being deposited in problem areas. Its use helps reduce appetite and cravings for sweet, calorie-filled foods. Of course, cinnamon itself is not a cause of weight loss, but as an addition to your diet and regular exercise, it works very effectively.

The spice is filled with a complex of vitamins and minerals that promote strong immunity. It not only maintains health at the proper level, but also cleanses the body of toxins and serves as an excellent tool in the process of achieving the goal of achieving the desired weight. Cinnamon should be added to your diet with other foods. This could be honey, lemon, tea, coffee with milk, or just a glass of warm water. The main thing is to find your own, suitable companion for the menu, which will make the diet more interesting and enjoyable.

Effect of cinnamon with honey on the body

As a result of clinical trials, scientists have proven that the combination of cinnamon and honey makes it easier to cope with age-related changes. In addition, this combination helps strengthen the immune system and prevent respiratory diseases, neutralizes the effects of stress and emotional tension. In folk medicine, the combination is used to eliminate the manifestations of arthritis, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.

Cinnamon with honey has a positive effect on the digestive system:

helps reduce stomach acidity;
prevents heartburn;
relieves pain attacks in the intestinal area and relieves stomach colic;
activates the processes of regeneration of mucous membranes and tissues, accelerates scarring of ulcers;
increases the quality and speed of digestion of fatty and heavy foods;
prevents constipation, diarrhea and flatulence;
activates the processes of removing toxins from the body.

The benefit of cinnamon with honey for weight loss is to normalize digestion through the removal of undigested food residues. Weight loss is also facilitated by the restoration of intestinal microflora, as a result of which all bacteria, fungi and parasites are eliminated.

You can also lose weight with cinnamon and honey due to the fact that these products reduce appetite. Regular consumption of the mixture improves the processing of glucose in the blood, as a result of which it does not turn into fat deposits, but is converted into energy necessary for full life.

Regular intake of the healing mixture does not allow new fat to accumulate. Existing deposits, even on internal organs, are removed from the body in 2-3 weeks. It is during this period that the main loss of excess weight is observed.

Within a month, a person can lose from 2 to 7 kilograms. In combination with following a diet (eliminating fats and complex carbohydrates from the diet) and moderate physical activity, you can achieve slimness in 3-6 months. For people who are constantly losing weight, honey with cinnamon is just a “bomb”. This does not require expensive medical procedures or the use of synthetic drugs, which do not always have a positive effect on human health and well-being.

Cinnamon contraindications

Although cinnamon has many benefits, like any other medicine, it can harm the body if you do not limit your consumption and treat it thoughtlessly. First of all, the spice can be harmful to those who are at risk of intolerance.

Also at risk for side effects from consuming spices may be:

people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract - cinnamon will actively affect the mucous membrane, causing irritation and pain;
hypertensive patients and those with problems in the cardiovascular area - with increased blood pressure and increased heart rate, complications in the functioning of the body may occur;
pregnant and lactating women - cinnamon promotes contractions of the uterus, which leads to the threat of miscarriage and can negatively affect the taste of milk;
those with kidney and liver problems due to the relative toxicity of the spice;
patients taking any medications - cinnamon can enhance their effect and lead to a drug overdose.

Despite the long list of contraindications of cinnamon for weight loss, its benefits are much greater. In order to fully enjoy its beneficial properties without consequences for health, it is important to take into account the characteristics of your body and not exceed the permissible volumes of consumption.

Unproven claims about honey and cinnamon

The idea of combining two powerful ingredients to create an even more powerful medicine makes sense.

However, no studies have shown that the combination of honey and cinnamon creates a miracle substance that cures a variety of ailments.

Additionally, many of the suggested uses for honey and cinnamon are not supported by science.

Here are some of the popular but currently unproven claims about honey and cinnamon:

Combat allergy symptoms. There have been some studies on honey's ability to reduce allergy symptoms, but the evidence is weak (,).
They treat colds. Honey and cinnamon have strong antibacterial properties, but most colds are caused by viruses.
Treat acne. Although the antibacterial properties of both ingredients may be beneficial for acne-prone skin, studies have not examined the mixture's ability to treat it.
Promotes weight loss. Several studies show that replacing sugar with honey leads to less weight gain, but there is no evidence that honey and cinnamon will help you lose weight (,).
Relieves pain from arthritis. Honey and cinnamon reduce inflammation, but there is no evidence that applying these products to the skin can reduce inflammation in the joints.
Soothes digestive problems. There are claims that honey can coat your stomach with a film, and that both ingredients fight bacterial infections in the intestines. However, these claims are not supported by research.

Bottom line: Honey and cinnamon are good for your health, but there is no evidence that combining them will enhance their effects.

How to drink cinnamon for weight loss

To properly drink cinnamon for weight loss, you can consume it in drinks. This feature is characteristic due to the sweet aroma and pleasant smell of cinnamon. It is often used in honey drinks, regular tea, coffee or even kefir. There are two versions of the spice available for sale: in the form of a tube or ground powder, it is used as a supplement or the main ingredient of the drink. So, in a ready-made honey drink, plain water or tea, you can put a tube of cinnamon, which, when stirred, will release beneficial properties. For coffee and kefir, ground powder is more suitable, it looks interesting as a decoration, and then smoothly dissolves in the drink.

Recipes with cinnamon for weight loss

Among fitness trainers and nutritionists, a certain picture has already emerged of the most useful and effective combinations of cinnamon with other products. You shouldn’t invent unnecessary things, experiment, risking your own health, when everything has been studied for a long time. The following 10 recipes with cinnamon for weight loss will allow you to diversify your menu and choose the best way to use it according to your own preferences.

Cinnamon with honey

Honey is a real cache of useful substances for the body. It helps fight diseases, improves skin color, makes its structure elastic, improves digestion and speeds up metabolism. It is not surprising that cinnamon and honey, drunk on an empty stomach, are considered the most effective products for weight loss. This recipe should be consumed 30 minutes before breakfast.

Its preparation is carried out as follows:

Pre-boiled, not yet cooled water is poured into the glass;
Add half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the liquid;
add 1 teaspoon of honey, mix everything thoroughly and drink.

Kefir with cinnamon and ginger

The combination of kefir and cinnamon may seem rather unusual, but its benefits in losing weight and normalizing digestion have long been proven. A mixture of kefir, cinnamon and ginger in the right proportions will help you achieve the desired result and a flat stomach.

To prepare a cinnamon drink for weight loss, you must follow the following scheme:

prepare 0.25 liters of kefir with a minimum percentage of fat content;
add half a teaspoon of cinnamon to it;
add the same volume of ground ginger;
You can add a pinch of red pepper to taste, the main thing is not to overdo it;
mix the drink thoroughly;
wait until the mixture cools down and drink it.

Kefir with cinnamon and ginger for weight loss is preferably consumed cooled and prepared in the evening. If the mixture had to be prepared in the morning, you should wait 30 minutes before it infuses. Cinnamon is considered a difficult product for the gastrointestinal tract, so you should use it carefully before meals, it is better if you first receive a doctor’s recommendations.

Cinnamon water

Water and cinnamon is the simplest combination of products that will help you lose extra pounds. This drink quenches thirst well and reduces appetite, allowing you to consume much less food during a meal than in a regular meal.

To prepare you will need:

take a cinnamon stick, break it into several pieces and put it in a glass;
Pour pre-prepared boiling water into a glass with cinnamon;
leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

Cinnamon water for weight loss is not only a simple drink, but also an economical one. Cinnamon can be brewed several times in a row, after the drink has already been drunk.

Coffee with cinnamon

Coffee is a favorite drink of millions of people around the world, but not everyone drinks it with cinnamon, although in many coffee shops this combination is served as a separate product. The advantage of this combination is that cinnamon reduces the calorie content of coffee, reducing its value by 40-60 kcal in contrast to the usual indicators. The recipe is especially useful for those with a sweet tooth who like to add a lot of sugar to their coffee and snack on sweets.

To make coffee with cinnamon for weight loss you will have to:

pour ground coffee and cinnamon in equal proportions into a cup;
brew the mixture with boiling water prepared in advance;
let the resulting consistency brew for 10 minutes.

Cinnamon tea

Tea is present in the diet of almost every person, so it is not surprising that this drink is among the most popular recipes and effective methods of losing weight. To prepare a healthy mixture, you only need freshly brewed tea, milk and ground cinnamon.

Cinnamon tea for weight loss is made according to the following principle:

fresh tea is poured with boiling water, leaving a few centimeters to the edge of the mug;
milk is added to it to taste;
followed by half a teaspoon of cinnamon;
The drink is carefully mixed.

Honey lovers can add a couple of spoons to the drink, so it will turn out even sweeter and healthier.

Honey with cinnamon

Regular consumption of honey with cinnamon makes it possible to reduce the accumulation of fats in the body. Appetite after such a drink will noticeably decrease, and microelements will help keep the body in good shape and immunity at a decent level. To prepare honey with cinnamon for weight loss, you need to add two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon to a glass of clean water, then mix and leave for 30 minutes. You can use tea to mix cinnamon and honey, then the drink will turn out to be a complete dish for breakfast or dessert after lunch.

Turmeric with ginger and cinnamon

Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon can help tone the entire body and improve the performance of a weight loss program. They will support the immune system, improve digestion and give an additional boost of strength to those who train intensively or work a lot. A combination of spices can be a truly delicious addition when used with other foods.

To prepare you will need:

bring water in a kettle to a boil and pour into a glass;
mix 2 teaspoons of turmeric and ginger in water in the same proportion;
stir the mixture and leave to infuse for a quarter of an hour;
as soon as time passes, add 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and black pepper to the glass;
then add half a glass of coconut milk and a teaspoon of honey.

Another effective drink can be prepared with milk.

To do this you will need:

Mix 0.5 liters of milk with 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, the same volume of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon;
Heat the entire mixture over the fire until it boils;
leave to cool, pour into a glass and put a cinnamon stick in it.

Apple with cinnamon

Apple with cinnamon for weight loss is very refreshing, removes toxins from the body, quenches thirst and reduces appetite. It is best to drink water chilled, but you can also warm it to room temperature. To prepare, you will need a sweet apple, water and 2 cinnamon sticks. If the apple is not sweet, you can add 1 teaspoon of honey to the drink to taste.

The recipe for apple water is as follows:

cut the apple into slices and remove the peel;
place the slices in a saucepan, cover with boiled water and add cinnamon;
Infuse the mixture for 2 hours, then pour into glasses and drink.

Cinnamon with milk

Cinnamon with milk for weight loss is the simplest recipe. It is suitable for those who love warmth and comfort, care about their health and dream of plunging into childhood memories, because Santa Claus in many Christmas films loves to drink milk with cinnamon and cookies.

To prepare it you will need:

add a third of a teaspoon of cinnamon to a glass of milk;
mix thoroughly and heat over the fire, avoiding boiling;
Cool the mixture to a pleasant temperature and drink.

To taste, you can add honey or chocolate to the milk, then the drink will become an even more delicious dessert or a full-fledged dish.

Cinnamon with lemon

Cinnamon with lemon is considered a real vitamin complex that can replace many other products, and it is also useful for weight loss. They jointly maintain a normal level of insulin in the blood, prevent the body from storing fats, accelerate metabolism and reduce appetite. For a lemon and cinnamon drink, you will need 1 cinnamon stick and 5 tablespoons of lemon juice, a few teaspoons of honey and water.

It should be prepared according to the following scheme:

boil water, add a cinnamon stick to it, remove from heat and leave to cool;
as soon as the liquid has cooled, pour in lemon juice and add honey;
turn off the water and cool the drink.

The drink should be consumed 20 minutes before breakfast or 1 hour before bedtime, then its effectiveness will be highest.

Water with honey-cinnamon mixture

An excellent mixture is cinnamon and honey for weight loss. Drinking water with the addition of such ingredients reduces weight, removes fat deposits from the abdomen , and makes the figure slim. The drink improves digestion and tones the body. To make it, pour a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a glass of boiling water and wait a little. Place a teaspoon of honey in warm water and add a slice of lime or lemon if desired. Take the cocktail in the morning on an empty stomach (half an hour before breakfast) and before bed.

Cinnamon for weight loss: reviews from nutritionists

Feedback from nutritionists regarding cinnamon for weight loss is positive. Of course, the spice itself is not the only reason for weight loss, but it actively helps other substances and stimulates the body to burn fat.

Anna Larionova, 45 years old, nutritionist, Voronezh:
“Cinnamon is beneficial for the body in many ways, but as a nutritionist, I consider its main advantage to be a decrease in appetite. If you just drink drinks and continue to eat sweets and remain sedentary, nothing will change. But in combination with exercise and a balanced diet, it can be a good addition.”
Alexander Voronin, 38 years old, nutritionist, Yekaterinburg:
“High blood sugar is a direct path to the development of diabetes mellitus and diseases of the cardiovascular system, in addition, it is the cause of obesity. To prevent such complications and keep the body in good shape, you should add cinnamon to your diet. Such a simple and pleasant product can reduce the number of calories consumed daily, will help speed up metabolic processes and reduce appetite. This spice will help sugar to be absorbed properly and will regulate blood sugar. You won't be able to significantly reduce weight with cinnamon alone. But a few centimeters will go away from the waist.”
Natalya Karpova, 31 years old, nutritionist, Moscow:
“Cinnamon appears in all doctors’ recommendations for losing weight, but it can not only help, but also harm. Before preparing cocktails and eating spices, you should pay attention to your health and contraindications to its use. If no negative factors are found, it will be an excellent addition to the diet. I quite often recommend its use to my patients and the results are justified.”

The benefits of this miracle spice

Do you think cinnamon is only good for adding flavor to your culinary creations? But no - this spice brings enormous benefits to our health and is an effective way to lose excess weight. Moreover, according to reviews from those losing weight, cinnamon is perfect for losing weight in the abdomen and sides - one of the most problematic areas of the female body.

Cinnamon The benefits of cinnamon lie in its rich chemical composition. It contains a lot of dietary fiber, antioxidants, tannins and essential oils. Cinnamon also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E, K, PP and many mineral elements (iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, etc.) Let's see what properties this spice has and how it helps you lose weight.

So, cinnamon:

accelerates metabolism and starts all metabolic processes - including the breakdown of fatty tissue;
has a beneficial effect on the digestion process - food that is heavy on the stomach is much easier to digest (including sugar, which is stored in fat due to incomplete absorption);

Interesting: Fat burning drinks

normalizes the production of insulin, and, consequently, the level of glucose in the blood - it is the excess amount of sugar in the blood that is one of the causes of excess weight;
when consumed with other correct ingredients, it reduces appetite and eliminates hunger (you will find the correct combinations in the proposed recipes).

In addition, this spice calms the nervous system, increases the body's immune threshold and is excellent for treating infectious diseases. A real storehouse of useful properties!

Note! Be sure to take into account contraindications (especially if you use cinnamon to lose weight, and not as part of regular dishes/baked goods). It is not advisable to use it during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, with high blood pressure or temperature, as well as peptic ulcer disease.

To lose weight, cinnamon is usually consumed in the form of tea or other drinks (according to nutritionists, it works more effectively in drinks). Below you will find a selection of the most effective methods for losing weight using cinnamon - all recipes are simple and available at home. Using them in a course, you can lose up to 5 kg per month. The maximum duration of the course is 2 weeks, then you need to take a break for at least a month.