Secret Effects of Using Cinnamon, Says Science
Autumn is fast approaching, meaning cooler weather and the return of your favorite fall flavors in everything from coffee to desserts. In many cases, the flavor of fall comes with a healthy helping of cinnamon, a spice that's every bit as healthy as it is delicious.
So, just what benefits can you enjoy when you add a little bit of this delicious seasoning to your favorite foods? Read on to discover the surprising side effects of using cinnamon, according to science. And for more great additions to your diet, check out The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Cinnamon may lower your cholesterol.
Getting your cholesterol levels into healthy territory may be easier than you think—just make cinnamon a priority in your meal plan.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that, among a group of 60 adults with type 2 diabetes, those whose diets were supplemented with cinnamon reduced their LDL cholesterol by as much as 27% and their total cholesterol by as much as 26%. For more ways to keep high cholesterol at bay, check out these Eating Habits to Avoid if You Don't Want High Cholesterol, Say Dietitians.
Cinnamon may keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
Whether you have diabetes-related blood sugar control issues or just find yourself struggling with blood sugar-related mood changes, cinnamon may be able to help.
The same Diabetes Care study found that patients prescribed cinnamon supplementation reduced their average fasting glucose levels by as much as 29%.
Cinnamon may reduce your migraine risk.
If you suffer from regular migraines, try adding some cinnamon to your menu.
A 2020 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that, among a group of 50 adults who suffered from migraines, those who received capsules containing 600 milligrams of cinnamon each day reduced the duration, frequency, and severity of their migraines when compared to those who received placebo capsules.
Cinnamon may help lower your blood pressure.
Struggling with high blood pressure? Making cinnamon part of your regular routine may help.
A 2013 study published in Nutrition found that short-term consumption of cinnamon was associated with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Cinnamon may help you lose weight.
Losing weight doesn't have to mean depriving yourself of your favorite foods and flavors. Case in point: a 2020 meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition found that, across 12 clinical trials following 786 adult study subjects, cinnamon supplementation reduced body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass. For more simple ways to slim down, check out these 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.
Read this next:
- Surprising Side Effects of Eating Yogurt, Says Science
- One Unexpected Side Effect of Drinking Coffee Every Day, Experts Say
- The #1 Worst Pumpkin Spice Latte, Says Dietitian
