Here we explain how to use cinnamon to lose belly fat and which variety of cinnamon to take?
Cinnamon (dalchini) is a common spice used in the Indian kitchen. We have been hearing about its role in reducing weight. But did you know that cinnamon reduces belly fat? Apart from adding in food, if taken with hot water early in the morning or taken at night in your green tea can really boost metabolism and can reduce your weight and belly fat if the regime is followed religiously. The effects would be visible as early as 12 weeks.
Cinnamon Reduces Belly Fat – It’s Proven
This is now officially proven by researchers whereby they summarized the results of 12 clinical trials that enrolled 786 research participants in a meta-analysis published in a clinical nutrition journal. The study proved the effects of cinnamon in decreasing body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass.
In a 16-week study on Asian Indians, consumption of 3g cinnamon daily in a capsule significantly reduced blood sugar, waist circumference (belly fat), and body mass index. The study also reported reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile.
Excess belly fat is linked to several diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, etc. and cinnamon could be a simple and effective solution. Apart from reducing weight, cinnamon has additional antibacterial, antiparasitic and antioxidant effects. Cinnamon contains ingredients like cinnamaldehyde that help reduce blood sugar and has increases metabolism.
In a recent meta-analysis, it was reported that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduces BMI and body weight and that the same occurred in doses of ≥3 g/day and in PCOS patients.Â
Which Variety of Cinnamon to Take? Which Variety Is Safer?
There are two varieties of Cinnamon – Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon. Though both varieties have been proven in weight loss and reduce belly fat, Indians generally use Cassia in their diet as spices. However, it contains coumarin which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Ceylon cinnamon (also called true cinnamon) is considered a better choice as large quantities can be consumed safely. If you wish to procure Cinnamon, go for procuring Ceylon cinnamon from an organic store. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. Ceylon can be a bit expensive than the Cassia variety.
Can I have Cinnamon Side Effects?
As mentioned above, Cassia variety of cinnamon has more amount of toxic coumarin which is an alkaloid. Recent case report of a 34 year old female suggested cinnamon-induced liver injury (HILI) with symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice etc. when taking cinnamon for a prolonged duration for weight loss.
How to Use Cinnamon to Lose Belly fat?
The best way to take cinnamon is to grind it to powder. After that boil it in water, let it cool, keep it overnight and drink first thing in the morning. If you want to have it hot, then mix the powder in your green tea before bedtime for maximum benefits. Alternatively, one can take it in water, coffee, tea, yogurt and oatmeal. Also you can add cinnamon to your protein post-workout drink.
Unlike popular recipes, honey should be avoided with cinnamon as honey has sugar content and may counter the beneficial effects of cinnamon.
If you are trying to lose weight specifically in the belly/tummy area, then you must religiously follow the cinnamon drink early in the morning. It has been proven that cinnamon reduces belly fat irrespective of whether you exercise or not. It can do wonders that other diet and exercise regime is unable to do so. However, we must exercise as it is good for our health and also protects us from cardiovascular diseases, and elevate our mood.
Other than weight loss and belly fat loss, cinnamon has several other benefits such as reducing blood sugar, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, lipid levels, and also helping in digestion.
