Cinnamon is reddish-brown in color and made from the bark of the Cassia tree. Since ancient Egyptian times, cinnamon has been used as a medicinal spice to relieve stomach aches and respiratory ailments, as an anti-microbial agent and to treat exhaustion. New research suggests that cinnamon may aid weight loss by regulating blood glucose levels and speeding up the body's metabolism.
Metabolism
Cinnamon creates a thermogenic burn that increases your metabolism by burning stored fat faster. Technically, all foods have a thermal effect because we use energy for digestion, but not all thermal effects are created equal. Of the macronutrients, fats have the lowest and proteins have the highest thermogenic properties. Thirty percent of the calories in lean protein are used just in digestion. Spices such as cayenne and cinnamon speed up your metabolism and help you to burn more calories, promoting weight loss. Just adding 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon a day to your diet can boost metabolism by 20 percent. Try adding cinnamon to breakfast cereal or coffee for an energy boost in the morning.
Blood Sugar
The Mayo Clinic reports on recent research that suggests cinnamon can regulate blood sugar for people who have type-2 diabetes. A 2009 study found that cinnamon taken twice a day for three months improved hemoglobin A1C levels. Hemoglobin A1C measure blood sugar levels over a period of 2 to 3 months. If there is too much sugar, A1C levels will be elevated. One reason for cinnamon's impact may be that it increases insulin action. Controlling blood sugar levels will reduce hunger and cravings for sugar, which will lead to weight loss. Eating less food and metabolizing it faster will help you lose weight more quickly.
Cholesterol
Cinnamon can reduce triglycerides, LDL--"bad" cholesterol--and total cholesterol. A study published by the American Diabetes Associations shows that adding even 1 g of cinnamon daily also lowers serum glucose.Cholesterol reduction in the blood stream and weight loss go hand in hand. Reducing fats in your blood stream and arteries may make it easier lose fat all over your body. Cinnamon has been shown to help lose belly fat, which is associated with increased risks for heart disease and diabetes.
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