Cinnamon and weight loss

Image by Darwin Bell via Flickr

Some many people have been on the weight loss merry-go-round for years losing 10 pounds, then gaining 20 pounds, only to purge the body of the excesses through a combination of dangerous dieting and medication.  Due to  such unhealthy practices, the body's metabolism is thrown way off track thus likely causing more weight gain. Sadly,  people have put themselves at risk for adverse drug reactions to these medications.
Nowadays informed consumers are learning about natural food substances that enhance weight loss without the dangerous side effects of drugs.  One such substance is that all around spice -  cinnamon. Yup, the same things that we bake sinfully delicious pastries with pies and cakes

Cinnamon benefits

Yes, good old cinnamon, the same stuff that is so good in pies, cakes, donuts, cookies and other sweets.  Scientists conducting a USDA study have found that cinnamon has beneficial antioxidants that are beneficial in battling heart disease and diabetes.

How does cinnamon affect weight loss?  Well, fat cells are more likely to store glucose in the abdomen since there is a large blood supply there, due to the presence of the digestive organs.  Interestingly, glucose is readily stored in the abdomen due to this blood supply.  This is why this abdominal fat is associated with metabolic syndrome, which is a precursor to  numerous disease including diabetes and heart disease.

How much should I take?

It is recommended to take 1/2 teaspoon to two teaspoons daily.  But, of course, taper this dose to your own stomach and any other medical conditions that you may have.  Also please see your health care provider for  his okay.

There are also many interesting recipes that can help with this recommended dosage:

cinnamon with applesauce
cinnamon in hot drinks, such as the flavored coffees
Oatmeal and other cereal

Have fun and experiment with the recipes.Your health will thank you.

Sources:

Shomon, Mary, "Cinnamon: help for insulin resistance and weight loss"www.about.com

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