If you've got a sweet tooth, dieting with cinnamon bark might be just up your alley. This traditional spice originates from an evergreen tree native to areas such as the West Indies, but over the years it's become a common household staple. Now you can use the same spice you sprinkle on your morning latte to help you lose weight, too.
Health Benefits
According to VitaWise, cinnamon bark has long been used for its suggested health benefits, given it is said to contain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic properties. It is also possible that the spice can have an anti-inflammatory effect as well as exhibiting antioxident action, as is described by drugs.com. But perhaps the most popular way cinnamon is used in the world of herbal remedies is to aid in digestion.
Weight Loss
Many trials have been conducted to support the use of cinnamon bark for weight loss. It has been studied as a support to the digestive system by breaking down excess fat cells stored in the body.
For diabetics, it has proved especially helpful, as cinnamon is supposed to help to control blood sugar levels. The compounds found in cinnamon may stimulate insulin receptors and inhibit the enzyme that inactivates them. Often, diabetics have a store of fat cells in the abdomen, and these cells are more sensitive to high levels of insulin. But diabetic or not, lowering blood sugar levels is going to aid in anyone's quest to lose weight.
Methods Of Use
Cinnamon can be used as a digestive aid in many forms. You can simply take it as a supplement in capsule form, easily found online or in your local grocery store. Another popular way to ingest cinnamon is by dissolving it in hot water and drinking it as a tea. Let the cinnamon boil in water for about 15 minutes, then strain and sip before meals. Sprinkle it as a topping on toast or other meals, or even just mix it in yogurt, applesauce or oatmeal.
How It's Processed
Cinnamon bark is harvested during the rainy season when it can most easily be removed from the evergreen tree it comes from. It's taken off the tree and peeled until the gritty, outer layers of bark are gone. The strips of bark are then rolled into quills and left out to dry to become cinnamon sticks. Any flakes that come off during this process are used for cinnamon powder or are distilled for cinnamon oil, according to an article posted at Science Today.
Adverse Effects
If you're a cinnamon lover, you will happy to know that it's been given the label of Generally Recognized As Safe by the FDA. However, a few things should be noted. Do not give cinnamon to children under the age of 2. As might be contrary to other foods, ingesting too much cinnamon can be toxic. Cinnamon bark has also been said to have anti-clotting agents and should never be taken by those who are using blood thinners. Lastly, cinnamon could have negative effects on people who have kidney dysfunction, according to the World's Healthiest Food's description of cinnamon and health. Always consult a doctor before trying herbal remedies such as cinnamon bark, as the spice could interact with medications you might be on.
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