Cinnamon is a valuable aromatic spice widely recognized throughout the world as a natural flavor enhancer in the kitchen, for its aphrodisiac effect and for its multiple medicinal properties that range from contributing to digestive processes to functioning as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiseptic and antiparasitic.
These benefits have made it a highly recommended ingredient to protect against cardiovascular diseases, control type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss in low-calorie diets. You can get it in the supermarket in its natural state in two different forms: in twigs or ground.
It is obtained from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree and its consumption in the gastronomic field in general was born in India a couple of centuries ago. Today, because of its sweet, warm and spicy flavor, it is popularly used to flavor and aromatize numerous culinary recipes, in baking, to prepare home remedies and even soft and light beverages such as infusions or cinnamon tea. But, do you know the effects of taking cinnamon daily? Below we tell you the benefits and contraindications of its excessive consumption and when it should be avoided.
What are the benefits of taking cinnamon on a daily basis?
- Itreduces the levels of glucose present in the blood thanks to the fact that cinnamtannin or compound B1 stimulates the insulin receptors, thus favoring the cellular capacity to assimilate glucose.
- It promotes weight loss due to its thermogenic and metabolic effects that intensify energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
- Improves digestion, relieves gas, nausea and heartburn. This is because it contains fiber, iron and calcium, which act on the bile salts responsible for solubilizing and eliminating lipids and fat-soluble vitamins from the body, thus achieving an efficient digestive process.
- It is a powerful natural antioxidant, working as an effective free radical scavenger, anti-aging and an excellent ally in the treatment of acne and fungus.
- As a source of calcium, it also helps to strengthen bones.
- Relieves menstrual discomfort, being cinnamon tea an effective natural remedy to reduce pain.
- Contributes to the reduction of infections. This is thanks to cinnamaldehyde, an active component of cinnamon that fights fungal or bacterial infections.
So, is it healthy to take cinnamon on a daily basis?
The answer is: yes. Drinking cinnamon tea every day and in moderation is favorable in multiple aspects, since it helps to control the levels of glucose and bad cholesterol in the blood. It also benefits digestion, eliminates gas and flatulence. You can drink three cups daily (preferably on an empty stomach or before each meal).
However, you should keep in mind that the consumption limit for cinnamon is 6 grams per day for a maximum period of 6 weeks, having to stop taking it for at least 1 or 2 months to cleanse the body of its effects, thus reducing the risk of side effects such as allergies, skin irritation, hypoglycemia or liver damage in patients with liver problems.
Remember that excessive consumption of any ingredient generates contraindications, in the case of cinnamon, ingesting it in high doses can cause cramps, drowsiness, increased heart rate, discomfort in the digestive system, nasal, lacrimal and sweat secretion.
How to prepare cinnamon tea or infusion?
For this very simple procedure you only need 3 essential ingredients: cinnamon, of course, water and sugar or sweetener to taste. The process is as follows:
- Boil water for a few minutes
- Add cinnamon (ground or in sticks).
- Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Sweeten with sugar, sweetener or honey (optional).
Who should avoid consuming cinnamon often?
There are some exceptions in which certain people should not ingest cinnamon at least temporarily. These are the following:
- Pregnant women: this spice has an emmenagogue function, that is, it helps to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, making menstruation a little more abundant and interfering directly with pregnancy and causing risk of miscarriage.
- Breastfeeding women: may cause allergies to the baby.
- People with heart problems: cinnamon causes acceleration of the heart rhythm, for this reason, it is not recommended for patients suffering from heart-related conditions.
- Those suffering from hepatic, stomach or intestinal diseases such as gastritis, since it may have an irritating effect that may end up complicating the condition.
- Patients undergoing treatment with medication or antibiotics.
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