All the Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon is much more than one of the basic spices of world cuisine, widely used as a baking ingredient. Its aroma has been credited with aphrodisiac properties, while its health effects are diverse: it may help promote weight loss, improve digestion, reduce anxiety and optimise glucose or cholesterol levels.
Certainly, one of the best ways to consume cinnamon is in a tea, so on OneHowTo we explain in detail the magical benefits of cinnamon tea. Add it to your daily routine and enjoy its exquisite and exotic taste.
Cinnamon tea to control your weight
Cinnamon is a centuries-old spice traditionally associated with Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean. Holding a beautiful cup of cinnamon tea in your hands, the first thing that strikes you is its unmistakable smell. This spice contains magnesium, iron, calcium, fibre and vitamins C and B1. Cinnamon has traditionally been used to ease digestive complaints such as diarrhoea, indigestion and bloating. However, it should not be relied on to treat persistent symptoms. But the benefits do not end there. Cinnamon tea may have mild expectorant effects and can feel soothing when you have respiratory symptoms.
Besides that, cinnamon tea may help you control your weight. Its thermogenic properties are sometimes linked with fat burning, but any effect is likely to be limited. Cinnamon may complement your efforts to lose weight, provided you also exercise regularly and eat a balanced, healthy diet; the tea alone is not a weight-loss treatment.
Rich in antioxidants
In addition to the above, cinnamon tea contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage, supporting overall wellbeing. These effects do not mean that the tea can prevent aging or disease.
This infusion may also support your cardiovascular health. Enjoying a cup of cinnamon tea may help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood glucose levels, although results can vary from person to person.
Improves brain activity
Another health benefit associated with cinnamon tea relates to the brain. Some studies have explored whether cinnamon affects brain areas involved in cognitive processes, visual memory, recognition and visual processing speed. So, among the potential benefits of cinnamon tea, its possible role in supporting concentration is worth noting, though it should not be expected to improve attention on its own.
Benefits for diabetics
For people who have type 2 diabetes, cinnamon tea may help support stable blood glucose levels. The compound cinnamtannin B1 may stimulate insulin receptors and inhibit an enzyme that interferes with their activity.
People with diabetes may prefer to drink cinnamon tea after meals. However, it is important to consult a doctor before doing so, to ensure that it does not interfere with medication for this condition. Cinnamon tea should not replace prescribed treatment, and blood sugar should continue to be monitored as advised by a healthcare professional.
It improves digestion and reduces inflammation
Cinnamon has carminative properties, meaning it may help reduce gas in the stomach. It can support digestion by stimulating salivation, so this is one of the benefits of cinnamon tea that may help ease indigestion and gastric gas. It should not, however, be relied on to prevent or treat ulcers. People with sensitive stomachs may find strong preparations irritating.
Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon tea may be of interest to people who suffer from arthritis, although it is not a substitute for treatment recommended by a doctor.
Reduces cholesterol levels
Cinnamon tea may help support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, though the effect is not guaranteed. Managing these levels is one part of reducing the risk of atheroma and supporting healthy blood circulation; cinnamon tea should not replace prescribed care.
How to make cinnamon tea
There is no established need to drink 3 cups a day of this drink, so enjoy it in moderation and preferably without sugar. To prepare it, steep a cinnamon stick in hot water for several minutes, then remove the stick before drinking. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before drinking this infusion regularly.
However, it is important to know that drinking cinnamon tea might have some contraindications for some people:
- Pregnant people should avoid concentrated or medicinal amounts unless their healthcare professional advises otherwise. If you are breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional before drinking it regularly.
- People with ulcers, gastritis or irritable bowel symptoms, as strong preparations may irritate the digestive system.
- Those taking anticoagulant drugs should check with a doctor, as large amounts of cinnamon may affect bleeding risk.
- People with heart problems or those taking heart medication should consult a doctor before using cinnamon tea regularly.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to All the Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea, we recommend you visit our Healthy living category.
- Cinnamon: Usefulness and Safety (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
- Cinnamon for diabetes mellitus (Cochrane)