Ever imagined that cinnamon could help your weight loss efforts? A recent study shows that eating 2 tsp of this spice every day can boost the impact of your diet.
Every Indian kitchen has at least one shelf lined with herbs and spices. These are thrown into recipes and culinary creations daily. Beyond enhancing the flavour of many dishes, herbs and spices pack a plethora of health benefits, which you can check out on WebMD.
Indian spices are popular remedies
Cinnamon bark (Dalchini in Hindi) is a culinary spice known from ancient times in the Mediterranean region, Sri Lanka and India. Like other Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin and pepper, this is a popular remedy for some common ailments.
Additionally, a brand new scientific study by Indian researchers shows that eating a daily teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon induces weight loss. This is significant for Asians( especially Indians) who tend to develop metabolic syndrome, a condition that causes early onset diabetes.
Helps correct metabolic disorders
Almost ⅓rd of urban adults and 20-30% children in public schools of Delhi suffer from “metabolic syndrome.” Symptoms of this condition are belly fat and obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These factors collectively increase a person’s risk to diabetes and heart disease.
First study of this kind
Earlier research proved that cinnamon reduces inflammation. This spice is a good source of fibre and antioxidants, both vital to good health. Now, we know that eating 3 grams of cinnamon every day can improve your body’s glucose metabolism and liver health too. In addition, we have proof that this spice boosts weight loss, in people on a restricted diet who also walked 45 minutes daily.
Researchers say it lowers fasting blood sugar, waist circumference and even BMI. “We saw a drop in waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and serum triglycerides,” says Dr. Anoop Misra, Director, National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation and Chairman, Fortis CDOC Hospital( pic above).
Include it in all your meals
“ Adults should include cinnamon in their meals, particularly if they are at high risk for diabetes,” says Dr. Misra.
A note of caution: this advice doesn’t apply to children, pregnant and breast-feeding women. Experts say that cinnamon sometimes interacts with diabetes drugs and blood thinners too.
How to eat cinnamon
#1 The recommended intake of cinnamon powder is under 1 teaspoon (approximately 2g)/daily.
#2 Powder is more effective than the whole spice. Pound the spice fresh, by hand, to maintain active ingredients. Machine grinders generate heat which typically destroys these.
#3 Sprinkle cinnamon on your food, and beverages, which should ideally be at room temperature.