Drinking cinnamon tea after meals can aid digestion, speed up metabolism, and control blood sugar levels.
If there’s one tea that people with diabetes should include in their daily routine, according to nutrition experts, it’s cinnamon tea.
The wonder spice is known for managing blood sugar levels, increasing insulin sensitivity and controlling inflammation. Many people consume it at bedtime or after lunch to promote food digestion, speed up metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Drinking cinnamon tea after dinner can help keep blood sugar levels under control at night, which can prevent metabolic disease. Cinnamon is also effective in reducing appetite.
Several studies have discovered the benefits of cinnamon, with the spice being particularly helpful in regulating blood sugar.
In India, cinnamon has been used for centuries to add flavor to food and also for medicinal purposes.
Cinnamon can be consumed in different ways and is therefore available in stick, powder and oil form.
Because it helps with weight loss, dieticians and nutritionists often recommend cinnamon tea to shed extra pounds.
Cinnamon is used as a home remedy to treat fever, inflammation and diarrhea. In addition, it also helps improve metabolism and heart health. For these reasons, cinnamon can be found in almost all Indian cuisines.
Benefits for people with diabetes
1. Regulating blood sugar levels: Cinnamon contains bioactive compounds, including cinnamaldehyde, which have been shown to mimic the effects of insulin and help improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy production. By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels, especially after meals.
2. Slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates: Cinnamon slows the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down in the digestive tract. This can lead to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream after meals, helping to prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
3. Improving glycemic control: several studies have shown that cinnamon can improve blood sugar control among people with diabetes. These improvements may include lower blood sugar, lower HbA1c levels (a marker of long-term blood sugar control), and improved insulin sensitivity.
4. Antioxidant properties: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Elevated blood sugar levels can increase oxidative stress in the body, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Cinnamon’s antioxidant properties may help mitigate some of these effects, promoting overall health and well-being.
5. Anti-inflammatory effects: Inflammation plays a role in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Cinnamon has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall metabolic health.
How to consume cinnamon
“Enjoying cinnamon or cinnamon in various culinary creations can be a delicious way to lower blood sugar levels. Whether it’s sprinkled on oatmeal, yogurt, or added to drinks like tea or coffee, incorporating half to a teaspoon after each meal could provide benefits. .
However, it is essential to be vigilant as individual responses vary and doses outside of the 1000-2000 mg range may not produce the desired effects. Combining cinnamon with diabetes medications while closely monitoring blood sugar levels is recommended.
In addition, the duration of diabetes may influence the effectiveness of cinnamon, with potentially greater benefits seen in those with a shorter history of diabetes. By incorporating cinnamon into daily meals and snacks, individuals can explore a flavorful pathway to effective blood sugar management,” says Dr Pranav Ghody, Endocrinologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central.
Ways to consume cinnamon
•Sprinkle ground cinnamon on oatmeal, yogurt, or whole grains.
•Add cinnamon to smoothies or protein shakes for added flavor.
• Brew cinnamon sticks in hot water to make cinnamon tea.
•Sprinkle cinnamon over sliced fruit or roasted vegetables for a sweet and savory flavor.
•Use cinnamon as a spice in dishes such as curries or stews.
“While cinnamon can be a useful addition to a diabetes management plan, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or lifestyle interventions prescribed by a healthcare professional. Individual responses to cinnamon may vary, so it is advisable to monitor blood sugar levels closely. when including cinnamon in your diet and consult with a clinical nutritionist if you make significant changes in your diabetes management strategies,” says the expert, according to hindustantimes.com.
