Why Your Body Needs More Cinnamon in Winter: Key Benefits You Shouldn’t Ignore

Winter and cinnamon have a deep connection. This fragrant and multipurpose spice is used in many ways across the world – bakery goods, meals, and even drinks – and its versatility is not just limited to

enhancing flavour. According to experts, cinnamon is one of the best spices for your overall health and well-being, especially in cold weather. Experts say incorporating moderate amounts of cinnamon as part of your balanced diet can help in blood sugar and weight management, apart from providing warmth.

What are the benefits of cinnamon for your body?

A few benefits of cinnamon, especially in the winter months, include:

Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure

In colder months, your blood pressure and cholesterol levels may go up due to constriction in blood vessels. And so, cinnamon is highly beneficial as it improves blood circulation and blood pressure while lowering blood lipid levels like LDL or bad cholesterol. High blood pressure and high blood fat levels can up your risk factor for cardiac diseases.

Regulates blood sugar

Cinnamon benefits those affected by higher blood sugar levels, not to forget type 2 diabetics. Studies say cinnamon aids in reducing blood sugar levels by slowing the glucose release into the bloodstream and improving glucose uptake.

Packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

Cinnamon has coumarin and cinnamic acid, along with eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. All of these substances have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties.

Slows digestion

According to studies, cinnamon slows down the digestion process, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream after meals.

How to consume cinnamon?

Cinnamon can be taken as a spice in regular food items or even as a supplement. Cinnamon supplements are typically consumed in split doses during the day and with or without food. Another simple way to alleviate your cinnamon intake is to spruce up your meals, beverages, and snacks with it. Cinnamon tea makes for a great beverage, which you can have twice a day for maximum benefits. Doctors advise drinking hot cinnamon tea every morning to regulate your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the winter months.

Make cinnamon tea at home

Using cinnamon in tea during winter can be a wonderful way to add warmth and flavour, along with several health benefits. Here is a simple method to make it easily at home:

Ingredients:

• Tea bags or loose-leaf tea of your choice, which includes black tea or green tea
• Cinnamon sticks
• Water
• Sweetener of your choice, like honey or sugar, which is optional

How to make:

• Boil around two cups of water in a pot or kettle
• While the water is boiling, prepare your tea. If using tea bags, place them in your teapot or mug. If using loose-leaf tea, add the desired amount to an infuser or directly
• Pour the boiling water over the tea bags or leaves and let it seep for two to three minutes
• Add a cinnamon stick to the tea by breaking or crushing it slightly to release more flavour
• Cover the teapot and let the tea steep for another two minutes
• Remove the tea bags or infuser and the stick
• Optionally, add a sweetener of your choice to taste
• Stir the tea well and serve it hot