Actor Harshvardhan Rane, well known for his rugged roles and ripped body, recently shared an exciting health hack - cinnamon. He referred to it as his natural "fat burner," and he credited this humble spice for helping him remain lean and fit. Cinnamon has been used in Indian households for ages, but mostly for its warm, earthy flavour. Now, even modern wellness communities are realizing that cinnamon might have more to offer than just taste.
According to Dr. Neha Bahl, a nutrition and wellness consultant based in New Delhi, "Cinnamon is the most underrated superfood. A pinch goes a long way, in balancing blood sugar, supporting heart health, and more." Cinnamon can be consumed in multiple ways - as a tea, in a smoothie, or sprinkled on breakfast oats - and contains many health benefits established through decades of traditional use and scientific studies.
Cinnamon influences your health positively in 8 important ways:
1. Increases metabolism and promotes fat loss : Cinnamon may help increase your metabolism by making you more sensitive to insulin which allows your body to utilize glucose correctly as energy instead of simply storing it as fat. “Cinnamaldehyde, which is the main active component of cinnamon, increases thermogenesis, when your body burns calories to generate heat,” says Dr. Bahl.
2. Helps balance your blood sugar levels: Cinnamon is especially beneficial to those who have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. It promotes less blood sugar fluctuations after meals by delaying carbohydrate break down. Just even half a teaspoon a day can influence post meal glucose levels.
3. Promotes Heart Health: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and is linked to supporting heart health. It can decrease levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides while simultaneously decreasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol (or at least not decreasing). Over time, this will help decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Promotes Digestive Health: Cinnamon has carminative properties which help alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion. Additionally, it helps the gut absorb nutrients better. People with slow digestion or irritable bowel may find it soothing and comforting.
5. Fighting Infections: Naturally Cinnamon is antimicrobial and antifungal, and can be helpful with bacterial infections, such as bacteria in the mouth and on the skin.
6. Improves Brain Function: Cinnamon has been shown to improve memory, concentration, and general cognitive function when consumed on a regular basis.
7. Alleviates Inflammation: With chronic inflammation being the precursor to diseases like arthritis and issues that could lead to heart problems, cinnamon boasts antioxidants such as polyphenols, which thwart oxidative stress. "Adding cinnamon to your daily life is a natural method for alleviating low-grade inflammation" she adds.
8. Improves skin health: Cinnamon's antioxidant and antibacterial properties could be helpful against acne or skin that shows aging qualities. "A cinnamon and honey face mask is an ancient solution that helps with glowing skin" Dr. Bahl concludes.
From kitchen spice to wellness superstar, cinnamon truly deserves a place in your daily routine — just like Harshvardhan Rane’s.
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