You may recall seeing an aromatic, savory-smelling brown branch made of a tightly twisted piece of bark or brown powder and wonder what it is, if it is edible, and if so, what are the benefits of consuming it.
This savory substance is cinnamon, and yes, you can and should consume it!
There are several delicious ways you can consume cinnamon, and one of my favorites is in the form of tea.
Why would you want to drink cinnamon tea?
Well, cinnamon tea has been associated with a whole host of health benefits!
Cinnamon tea has been shown to aid in blood sugar regulation, balancing cholesterol levels, and weight loss. It has demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and has been shown to enhance immune function.
Cinnamon may aid with reducing PMS symptoms, disease risk reduction, and lowering systemic inflammation. This aromatic tea has also been shown to improve the appearance of the skin, preserve brain function, improve digestion, provide essential nutrients, and freshen your breath!
Cinnamon tea reduces blood sugar level:
This tea may reduce blood sugar levels by lowering insulin resistance. Cinnamon may slow the breakdown of carbohydrates within your gastrointestinal system, thereby preventing blood sugar spikes after meals. The most benefits come from drinking cinnamon tea during your meals. Be sure to consult with your health care provider if you are already taking prescription medication to lower your blood sugar before consuming cinnamon tea.
Some studies show that cinnamon tea may help to lower ‘bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol levels and increase ‘good cholesterol or HDL cholesterol levels. In addition, there is an active compound within cinnamon that has been shown to decrease the enzymatic activity involved in the formation of cholesterol, further reducing the overall amount of fatty acids within the blood.
- Cinnamon tea may promote weight loss,
- reducing body fat percentage,
- increasing lean muscle mass, and
- decreasing waist circumference.
The active component in cinnamon has been shown to prevent the growth of various viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi. Included on this list are E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus, all of which can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans.
Cinnamon tea for menstrual cramps:
Cinnamon tea has been shown to reduce menstrual cramps and other premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like menstrual bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. The active compound in cinnamon has been shown to aid with balancing hormones and thus further reducing PMS symptoms. Hormone balancing, coupled with the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon, has been reported to reduce pain associated with PMS.
Cinnamon tea for skin:
Powerful compounds in cinnamon fight skin aging by promoting collagen formation, increasing both the hydration and elasticity of our skin.
Even smelling aromatic cinnamon tea may preserve brain function by protecting brain cells and improving motor function in those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Research has shown that cinnamon also improves cognitive processing in the brain.
Also Read: Mindfulness as a Tool For Stress Management and Goal Achievement
The antioxidant levels in cinnamon are noteworthy and rival many superfoods! Antioxidants are important to our health as they reduce oxidative stress within the body. High levels of oxidative stress have been correlated to a higher incidence of disease.
A powerful compound in cinnamon that gives it the distinctive savory smell and flavor, called cinnamaldehyde, also reduces swelling and prevents platelets within the blood from sticking together. It further reduces inflammation by blocking substances associated with abnormal cell growth, which reduces the risk of disease.
The potent anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon may extend to reducing systemic and specific inflammation, including certain types of headaches and arthritis pain.
Cinnamon tea for health:
Cinnamon tea improves heart health by reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol, inflammation, fatty acid levels in the blood, and improving circulation. Active components in cinnamon have also been shown to reduce blood pressure.
Cinnamon contains essential compounds like iron, calcium, and the trace mineral manganese. These compounds are important for bone health, preventing anemias, and aiding with metabolism.
Consuming cinnamon, which contains fiber, is beneficial to digestion, proper immune function and helps to normalize bowel movements. Fiber, which feeds our beneficial microbes in our gastrointestinal system, helps to regulate the proper balance of microbes within our gastrointestinal system, and since the majority of our immune system is contained within our gastrointestinal system, cinnamon tea also helps to improve our immune function.
And if nothing else on this list is reason enough to grab a mug full of cinnamon tea, maybe this will – the active, powerful compounds contained in cinnamon also freshen breath and prevent tooth decay by killing oral bacteria.
After reviewing this list of fantastic health benefits of cinnamon – aiding with blood sugar regulation, balancing cholesterol levels, weight loss, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, and has been shown to enhance immune function.
It may aid with reducing PMS symptoms, improving skin appearance, preserving brain function, improving digestion, disease risk reduction, lowering systemic inflammation, providing essential nutrients, and having fresh breath – you just have to grab a mug full of delicious cinnamon tea!
