Cinnamon Water for Weight Loss: Benefits and Side Effects

We hate to play favorites when it comes to spices, but if we had to name the one we love best, it’s hard to beat cinnamon for its sheer warmth and spicy-sweet kick. Not only does it rank at the top of our spice rack for flavor and versatility, but it could also help us shed unwanted pounds. More specifically, cinnamon water is said to be a delicious weight-loss tonic. But what exactly is it and does it really work? Here, a top dietitian weighs in on the DIY beverage’s health benefits, shares an easy recipe and outlines a few potential side effects you need to know about before you sip.

The benefits of cinnamon for weight loss

“Cinnamon has been shown to help boost weight loss, control blood sugar in people living with diabetes, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation,” says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Health Shots.

In fact, she points to a study in Annals of Family Medicine, which showed that people who consumed 6 grams of cinnamon (about 1 1/4 tsp. ) daily for up to 18 weeks slashed their blood sugar levels and decreased “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

And when it comes to supporting weight loss, study results are just as promising. Cinnamon boasts thermogenic properties, which simply means it almost literally helps fire up our metabolism. What’s more, an animal study in the journal Nutrients, suggests that supplementing with cinnamon helps prevent obesity by reducing fat accumulation.


		Which metabolism-boosting spice would you like to learn more about?

The bottom line on cinnamon for belly fat: Is it too good to be true?

That said, science isn’t, well, an exact science. Or at least it’s rarely black and white, cautions Amidor, explaining that the health benefits of cinnamon (and cinnamon water) can be difficult to interpret. “Higher quality research is needed to clarify the benefits,” she says.

She adds that while sprinkling cinnamon on food and beverages in the amounts commonly called for in recipes is safe—as is the amount called for in the study (about 1 1/4 tsp. a day), “when used in large amounts for longer periods of time, cinnamon can lead to side effects like gastrointestinal problems or allergic reactions.”

Some types of cinnamon (like cassia) contain a compound called coumarin, which can affect the liver, she continues. “Although cassia cinnamon usually doesn’t contain enough coumarin to cause significant issues, prolonged use of it can be an issue for people with liver disease,” she cautions. If you have liver-related health issues, consult your healthcare professional before adding cinnamon to your diet.

Cinnamon water recipe for weight loss

Now that we’ve addressed all the potential side effects of the spice, especially if consumed in large quantities, let’s address the wonders of cinnamon water, which, true to its name, is simply cinnamon-infused H2O—and makes for an easy way to consume the spice. A study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed that the beverage helps stoke fat-burning and increase lean muscle mass—which is central to keeping our metabolism firing on all cylinders.

Why cinnamon in water? Well, you can certainly get the health benefits from sprinkling the spice over oatmeal or in a smoothie. But cinnamon water is simple to make and sip throughout the day, keeping your metabolism humming. Plus the addition of H2O keeps you hydrated, which curbs cravings and wards off dehydration that can hamper fat burning.

To make a cinnamon water tonic for weight loss, fill a pot with 3 cups of water and add 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks. Cover and bring to a boil; simmer for about 15 minutes. Let cool (if desired), then pour into a tall glass and enjoy. Refrigerate the remainder (this recipe serves two).

Boost the benefits: 3 healthy add-ins for cinnamon water

Here, a few healthy (and yummy) add-ins for your cinna-cuppa:

Manuka honey

Karsell Collagen Hair Mask for Deep Conditioning, Keratin Hair Treatment with 4 Hydrolyzed Proteins, Moroccan & Avocado Oils Conditioner for Nourish, Calendula Gentian Extracts Care Dry & Damaged Hair

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

To infuse your cinnamon water with antioxidants, Amidor recommends adding Manuka honey. “Native to New Zealand, this variety of honey has proven antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities.” Additionally, studies suggest that honey may support weight loss in part by suppressing hunger hormones. Just be sure to use it in small amounts because it is still a sugar.

Ginger

Not only are ginger and cinnamon complementary flavors, they’re also great partners when it comes to encouraging weight loss, as both spices are shown to help rev the metabolism. The proof: A study in Metabolism shows that ginger increases feelings of satiety, while an analysis of studies in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition reveals that ginger helps whittle belly fat by revving metabolism and suppressing appetite.

Lemon

Is a slimming sip complete without a squeeze of lemon? We think not. And scientists tend to agree: An animal study in Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition shows the polyphenols in lemon help curb the accumulation of body fat.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Tags:

health,
weight loss

Conversation

All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.