A cinnamon-and-honey cocktail is one of a number of weight-loss formulas sweeping the Internet. As with a few of the others, some health benefits may apply. Honey is a rich source of vitamins and minerals; cinnamon is a flavorful antioxidant spice. Together, these ingredients make a tasty brew that promotes health and weight loss. Coupled with diet and exercise, daily consumption could help you meet your weight-loss goals.
Health Benefits
Cinnamon and honey are healthy ingredients that pair well as a beverage. Both ingredients are sweet and aromatic. Rich in antioxidants, honey and cinnamon help improve overall health by protecting cells from damaging molecules, or free radicals. Historical uses for cinnamon include treating dysmenorrhea disorders and gastrointestinal upset. Honey's uses include healing wounds and soothing coughs. Both ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics.
Cinnamon Facts
Cinnamon has positive effects on blood sugar levels and may be a helpful adjunct to regular diabetes treatments for type-2 diabetics, says Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Maria Collazo-Clavell. Stable blood sugar levels can help promote weight loss by providing energy to the dieter and keeping food cravings at bay. When sprinkled on high-fat foods, cinnamon and other antioxidant spices reduce the body's negative response to such meals, according to Penn State researchers. The results are minimal, however. By no means does this mean you can devour high-fat foods and still meet your weight loss-goals by adding cinnamon to meals or sipping a cinnamon-and-honey beverage.
Honey Facts
A 2009 study in the "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition" notes that a group of type-2 diabetic patients who consumed natural honey for eight weeks experienced a reduction in body weight. Additionally, the patients' low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol levels, increased significantly. In light of these results, it appears a honey-and-cinnamon beverage can serve as both a weight-loss aid and health tonic.
Considerations
Use honey and cinnamon in conjunction with a low-fat diet for best results. Although a number of honey-cinnamon beverage variations exist, you can make your own brew by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon. Allow this to cool before adding 1 tsp. of raw honey. Honey that is heated loses some of its nutritional value. Diabetics should consult their doctors before using cinnamon and honey to avoid interactions with insulin.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes Treatment: Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?; Maria Collazo-Clavell, MD; September 2010
- "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition;" Effects of Natural Honey Consumption in Diabetic Patients: An 8-week Randomized Clinical Trial; M. Bahrami, et al.; November 2009
- Drugs.com; Cinnamon
- EurekAlert!; Antioxidant Spices Reduce Negative Effects of High-Fat Meal; August 2011
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