1 Tbsp Cinnamon, Ground contains only 17 calories but offers a host of health benefits. Cinnamon is a popular spice used in many dishes around the world. It is not just tasty, but it also has some excellent health properties that can contribute to your wellbeing.
Cinnamon is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your body against disease and inflammation. It is also known to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a great natural remedy for diabetes. Moreover, cinnamon can be used as a natural sweetener to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
This article will explore all the health benefits of using cinnamon powder in your daily life, including its nutrition facts and practical tips on how to incorporate it in your diet.
Calories in Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon powder is a low-calorie spice that can add flavor and health benefits to your recipes. One tablespoon of ground cinnamon contains only 17 calories and no fat, protein, or carbohydrates. This makes it an excellent option for people who are watching their calorie intake or trying to lose weight. However, this small quantity of cinnamon also packs a significant amount of various vitamins and minerals. Manganese, calcium, iron, and vitamin K are some of the nutrients found in cinnamon that can contribute to your overall health.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon Calories
Apart from being low in calories, cinnamon also has many other health benefits that make it a popular spice. Some of the most notable benefits include its antioxidative properties, which protect your body against free radicals and cellular damage. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to lower your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease or cancer. Additionally, cinnamon is known to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a great natural remedy for people with diabetes. This spice has been shown to reduce fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c, a blood marker used to measure long-term glucose control. Moreover, cinnamon can also help to lower bad cholesterol levels in your body and improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for heart health.
Nutrition Facts of Cinnamon Calories
One tablespoon of cinnamon powder contains a host of vital nutrients that are essential for your well-being. Manganese, calcium, iron, and vitamin K are some of the key vitamins and minerals found in cinnamon powder. Manganese plays a crucial role in maintaining your bone health, whereas calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. Iron is necessary for maintaining healthy blood cells, and vitamin K is required for blood clotting and bone health. Cinnamon also contains small amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which support various functions of your body.
Cinnamon as a Natural Sweetener
Cinnamon is a natural sweetener that can reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Its sweet taste can add flavor to your meals and desserts without adding too much sugar. Using cinnamon instead of sugar can reduce your calorie intake and lower your risk of developing metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon can reduce inflammation caused by excessive sugar intake in your body. Cinnamon can also enhance the sweetness of fruits and vegetables, making them more enjoyable to eat.
Cinnamon Tea for Weight Loss
Cinnamon tea is a popular beverage that can aid in weight loss. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings and prevent overeating. Drinking cinnamon tea before meals can also cause you to feel fuller, leading to a reduction in calorie intake. Moreover, cinnamon tea has antioxidant properties that can help to boost your metabolism and promote fat burning. It also has a thermogenic effect on your body, which means it can increase your body's temperature and promote calorie burning.
Cinnamon in Baking
Cinnamon is a common spice used in many baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, and cookies. It adds flavor and aroma to these desserts without adding unnecessary calories. Using cinnamon in your baking can also provide a host of health benefits like reducing inflammation and regulating blood sugar levels. When baking with cinnamon, try to use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or mashed fruits instead of refined sugar. This will enhance the sweetness of your recipe while reducing sugar intake.
Cinnamon for Diabetes
Cinnamon is a natural remedy that can help in managing diabetes. Consuming cinnamon can reduce fasting blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and keeps them within a healthy range. Cinnamon also contains compounds that mimic the effects of insulin in your body. These compounds activate insulin receptors on cells, promoting the uptake of glucose from your bloodstream.
Cinnamon for Digestion
Cinnamon has digestive properties that can aid in digestion and alleviate digestive problems like indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Cinnamon can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes in your body, which help to break down food and absorb nutrients better. Moreover, cinnamon also has antimicrobial properties that can kill harmful bacteria and parasites in your gut. This can reduce your risk of developing gut-related infections and improve your overall digestive health.
Cinnamon for Inflammation
Cinnamon is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce inflammation in your body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of many chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid that can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory molecules in your body. These compounds can also reduce swelling and pain associated with inflammation.
Cinnamon for Heart Health
Cinnamon has many heart-protective properties that can promote heart health. Cinnamon can lower bad cholesterol levels in your body and improve blood circulation, which reduces your risk of developing heart disease. Cinnamon also has antithrombotic properties that can prevent blood clots, which can cause heart attacks or stroke. Moreover, the antioxidants found in cinnamon can protect your heart against oxidative stress, which can lead to heart disease in the long run. Consuming cinnamon regularly can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of developing fatal heart conditions.
Cinnamon is a spice that can add flavor to your meals while providing numerous health benefits.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Cinnamon
1. What are the health benefits of consuming cinnamon?
Cinnamon has been linked to several health benefits, including stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and boosting brain function. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
2. Can cinnamon help with weight loss?
Cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the accumulation of belly fat, which can contribute to weight loss. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness as a weight loss aid.
3. How much cinnamon can I consume per day?
The recommended safe intake of cinnamon is about 1-6 grams, or approximately 0.5 to 2 teaspoons, per day. Consuming large amounts of cinnamon supplements, however, can be toxic over a long period of time.
4. How can I incorporate cinnamon into my diet?
Cinnamon can be added to a variety of foods and drinks, such as oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, and baked goods. It can also be used as a spice in cooking savory dishes such as curries and stews.
5. Is there a difference between Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon?
Yes, there is a difference. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, has a lighter color and a milder, sweeter flavor compared to Cassia cinnamon, which is darker and has a stronger, more pungent flavor. Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring substance that can cause liver damage in some people when consumed in large amounts.