Cinnamon is an Asian spice from Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its striking flavor and fragrant aroma. It is obtained from the inner part of the bark of the trunk of the Cinnamomum tree .
It is widely used in the preparation of sweet recipes, such as desserts, cakes and pies, and also in the preparation of savory recipes, as in some typical dishes from Turkey and the Middle East.
Around the world, cinnamon has several forms of use and is present in the daily lives of many people.
It is also quite common for cinnamon to be used in the preparation of beverages, such as teas, coffees and liqueurs, and this is where our subject begins.
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What is cinnamon tea?
Cinnamon tea is well known to many people who enjoy a hot drink with a more intense flavor. It can be made either with the infusion of sachets, sold in boxes, or with cinnamon sticks.
In addition to the flavor, the drink is consumed for its health benefits, due to the potentially beneficial properties of cinnamon.
Phenols are identified as the likely ones responsible for these actions that can help in the control of glycemia, reduce lipids, promote antioxidant action and control inflammatory processes in the body. In addition, it is believed that there may be benefits to the heart.
In general, cinnamon points to antibacterial, antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties studied in in vitro and in vivo tests (that is, in the laboratory and also in animals).
These properties can be present in cinnamon tea, as long as it is made with the infusion of cinnamon stick, and not the infusion of the sachet or the consumption of industrialized teas.
The drink is also closely related to weight loss and the risk of miscarriage. In the case of weight reduction, it may have to provide a discreet aid, since it is considered a thermogenic food. That is, it can raise metabolism a little, causing the body to burn more calories during digestion.
Regarding abortion, there is no consensus that it can really induce it, and the consumption of the drink divides opinions. In general, it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
What is it for?
Because it has several nutritional properties, cinnamon tea can also have several functions, from the most everyday, such as warming the body and relieving pain, even for more specific purposes, such as the treatment of some diseases.
This drink can be used to help control blood sugar, as it has a good amount of chromium, a nutrient responsible for improving insulin sensitivity and aiding glycemic control.
Because it is a thermogenic food, the spice increases the caloric expenditure during the digestion process, which contributes to weight loss. Therefore, those who are looking to lose weight can bet on cinnamon tea because it can help.
Another reason to consume cinnamon tea is that it has antioxidant properties, that is, it neutralizes free radicals that can damage the cells in our body.
With this, the drink acts in the prevention of premature aging, helps to prevent tumors and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
It is worth mentioning that cinnamon (either in infusion or used in cooking) is a natural anticoagulant, which reduces the risk of circulatory problems. It is very good for those who suffer from swelling in the body, for example.
Benefits of cinnamon tea: what is it good for?
The cinnamon can bring many health benefits, because the rich nutritionally spice, has fiber, manganese, calcium, iron and vitamin K . In addition, it is free of sugar and fat. Some beneficial health effects are:
Prevention and control of type 2 diabetes
Studies indicate that cinnamon tea can contribute to the increase in sugar metabolism in fat cells. That is, the drink helps in the prevention of type 2 diabetes , as well as cardiovascular diseases.
Cinnamon has chromium among its nutrients, which is responsible for increasing insulin sensitivity. It also works by improving glycemic control, helping to avoid blood sugar spikes in the body.
In addition, cinnamon also has in its composition the polyphenol MHCP, which is an oil with antibacterial, analgesic and antiviral action. It also regulates insulin levels in cells, reducing blood glucose levels.
Read more: Why does blood glucose rise after a meal?
Studies point out the beneficial effects of cinnamon in preventing diabetes, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by between 10% and 29%.
Cholesterol control
According to studies carried out with 60 people over 40 days, it was found that cinnamon has benefits that contribute to the reduction of total and bad cholesterol (also known as LDL).
By taking it daily, it contributed to a decrease in total cholesterol between 12% and 26%. Regarding bad cholesterol, the decrease varied from 7% to 27%.
This is believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of the spice.
Control of triglycerides
The same study that found the properties that control cholesterol also noted that there was a decrease in people’s triglyceride levels, a reduction that ranged from 23% to 30%.
High levels of triglycerides can lead to the development of diabetes and arterial diseases.
Fight colds
Cinnamon stimulates the immune system and contributes to improving the body’s response to viruses, such as those causing colds and flu. It also increases body temperature, ideal when you have a cold or cold in the body.
If combined with ginger tea, the effect can be enhanced, as it has anti-inflammatory action. The two together help to fight respiratory infections and cough .
Weight loss aid
The spice is considered a thermogenic food, that is, it increases the caloric expenditure of our organism during the metabolic processes (transformations that the chemical substances undergo inside the living organisms) and of digestion.
Therefore, we can say that indirectly, it ends up helping in the weight loss process.
Relief of PMS symptoms
Drinking cinnamon tea can help fight menstrual cramps. That’s because it improves blood circulation and reduces levels of prostaglandins (substances similar to hormones), the excess of which causes strong contractions and cramps.
A study with adolescents indicated that the intake of 420g capsules of cinnamon 3 times a day, during the menstrual period, significantly reduced menstrual cramps, nausea, vomiting and bleeding during the first 72 hours of the cycle.
How to make cinnamon stick tea?
To make cinnamon stick tea just put 2 cups of water (about 500mL) to boil next to a cinnamon stick. After boiling, keep it on low heat for 5 minutes and turn off. Remove the cinnamon stick and allow it to warm to drink.
How to make cinnamon powder tea?
As we have already seen, cinnamon is very beneficial for health and a good way to ingest it is in infusion, the famous tea.
It can be made from powdered or stick cinnamon. The spice should not be boiled with water, as this can cause it to lose much of its nutrients.
So, prefer to add the ingredient after removing the water from the fire and wait a few minutes for it to release its properties and aroma. Drink the tea while it is still hot.
How to make therapeutic cinnamon tea?
Adding other ingredients to the drink can make it even more potent for health. Check out some ways to prepare it either with cinnamon alone or in combination with other spices.
Powdered cinnamon tea
It is recommended to drink cinnamon tea powder right after preparation. If stored or taken to the refrigerator it can become bitter and lose the spice’s properties (which does not happen if cinnamon sticks are used).
Here is a recipe option:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (20g) of cinnamon powder;
- 1 cup (240mL) of water.
Preparation method:
- Put 1 tablespoon (20g) of cinnamon powder in a cup (240mL) and top it with boiling water;
- Cover the cup and let it steep for 10 minutes;
- Stir well with a spoon and drink warm;
- Tea can be sweetened to taste (sugar, sweetener, honey, etc.).
Cinnamon tea with ginger
Cinnamon and ginger, combined, have antibacterial action and speed up metabolism.
Cinnamon tea with ginger helps in the digestive process, has antiviral action, treats and prevents colds and flu, relieves pain, has slimming action, among others.
Here is a recipe option:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (20g) of cinnamon powder or two pieces of cinnamon stick;
- 1 tablespoon (20g) of cut ginger;
- ½ liter (500mL) of water.
Preparation method:
- Boil the water;
- Add the powdered cinnamon (or the two pieces of cinnamon stick);
- Add the cut ginger;
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes;
- Sweeten with honey to taste.
Cinnamon and clove tea
Cloves and cinnamon are very aromatic spices and are part of many people’s eating habits.
The two ingredients are very beneficial for health and when together, they act in the acceleration of metabolism and control of blood sugar levels, as both have antimicrobial and antioxidant action.
Here is a recipe option:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (20g) of cloves;
- 3 pieces of cinnamon stick;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation method:
- Put the cinnamon, cloves and water in a container, and bring to the heat until it warms up well (just before boiling);
- After heating, turn off the heat;
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes;
- Strain the tea and consume it hot or cold.
Cinnamon tea with lemon
Cinnamon and lemon combined form an excellent vitamin complex that boosts immunity.
They have anti-inflammatory properties and are widely used to treat problems such as arthritis , which is an inflammation of the joints.
In addition, both help to speed up the metabolism and can be allies in the weight loss process.
Here is a recipe option:
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick;
- 5 tablespoons (50mL) of lemon juice;
- 1 teaspoon (7.5g) of honey (optional);
- 1 cup of water (250 mL);
Preparation method:
- Heat the water to a boil;
- Add cinnamon and honey;
- Leave to infuse for 15 minutes;
- Strain the tea;
- Then add the five tablespoons of lemon juice;
- Drink every day on an empty stomach.
Cinnamon tea slims?
Cinnamon tea can assist in the weight loss process. This is because it is a thermogenic food, very suitable to complement diets for weight reduction.
It is important to note that weight loss results are not achieved with the consumption of cinnamon tea alone. It needs to be combined with a balanced diet and the practice of physical activities.
The drink stimulates the increase in the caloric expenditure of the body, which can help in the weight loss process.
Contraindications
Although cinnamon is beneficial for health, it can have some contraindications if consumed in excess.
It is important to note that this can vary according to each organism, therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to confirm if the spice intake is safe or not.
Check out some cases in which cinnamon tea can be contraindicated:
Pregnant and lactating women
The consumption of cinnamon tea is not indicated for pregnant women, regardless of the period of pregnancy.
The rationale is that drinking can cause an increase in contractions in the uterus, which is a risk factor for pregnancy.
Likewise, the consumption of the spice is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
People with hypoglycemia
It is indicated that people with hypoglycemia consume tea moderately, as it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (drop in the blood sugar).
Read more: What are the symptoms and causes of Hypoglycemia?
People suffering from liver and kidney problems
Research has shown that cinnamon has a toxic substance called coumarin, which in high concentrations can harm the liver and kidneys.
People with hypertension
Anyone suffering from hypertension problems should consult the doctor responsible for the treatment to know whether or not to ingest cinnamon tea.
That’s because there are health professionals who claim that the spice can increase blood pressure.
People who use specific medications
Anyone who uses medications should be careful with cinnamon and consult a doctor before consuming cinnamon tea. According to research, the coumarin present in the spice can interact with drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and anticoagulants.
Does cinnamon tea abort?
There are no studies that scientifically prove that cinnamon tea is abortive, however, its consumption is not suitable for pregnant women. Existing research shows divergent results on the subject.
Although there is no evidence, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) does not recommend that pregnant women take it, due to the possible relationship with abortions.
This is because the spice stimulates the increase of contractions in the uterus, which can be a risk factor for a pregnancy.
Another possible risk is that cinnamon tea stimulates the fall of menstruation, which can bring risks for an early pregnancy, especially in cases of high-risk pregnancies.
Although there is no evidence, the ideal is to avoid drinking the drink in case of suspected pregnancy, as recommended by ANVISA.
Does cinnamon tea make menstruation go down?
We know that cinnamon is a stimulating spice, which tends to increase circulation and body temperature, stimulating the burning of fat. In addition, it can cause muscle contractions, including in the uterus.
By increasing the contractions of the uterus, it can, therefore, stimulate the descent of menstruation and also make it come with greater intensity, in order to decrease the duration of the cycle.
Stimulated contractions can promote the release of the endometrium, which is the wall of the uterus that loosens when fertilization has not occurred (ie, menstruation).
Tea can also relieve cramps. This is because most menstrual pains are caused by blood retention in the uterus, thus, by stimulating the release of the endometrium, blood flow increases and cramps tend to decrease.
However, it is important not to overdo cinnamon tea intake, as it can cause the reverse effect.
Consumption in large quantities can also stimulate uterine contractions, causing sharp and sharp pains.
Cinnamon tea can bring several health benefits, but you need to be aware of the contraindications. In cases of doubt regarding consumption it is important to consult a doctor.
An aromatic tea helps to warm up the body and promote relaxation, being a good choice on the coldest days. Do you like cinnamon tea? Have you taken it? For what purposes do you usually consume it? Tell us in the comments.
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