The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea is a drink that can be taken as a complement to a healthy lifestyle.

Written and verified by the pedagogue in physical education and nutritionist Elisa Morales Lupayante.

Last update: 09 October, 2022

Cinnamon tea is a very aromatic and refreshing drink. A slice of orange and other ingredients can be added to further enhance its flavor and make it a much more pleasant option. Find out about the health benefits of cinnamon tea!

During the cold months, cinnamon tea can be consumed both to warm up and to hydrate the body. However, it can also be consumed in other scenarios, always in moderation.

Outside of the culinary world, cinnamon is a spice that has been widely studied, due to its impressive composition. In fact, most point out that it has proven to be especially useful in regulating blood glucose levels in the case of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

It is, therefore, considered a promising food that, if investigated in greater depth, could provide more relevant data to establish recommendations about its use as an adjuvant treatment. Keep reading to find out more about the health benefits of cinnamon tea.

Cinnamon and health

Cinnamon is an exotic spice whose most notable characteristic is its aroma. According to data from the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, it contains proteins, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, selenium, vitamins B6, C, phenols, and aldehydes (cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, eugenol, etc.).

It has been attributed mainly anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties.

Cinnamon and cholesterol

Although several investigations have been carried out with the aim of finding out if cinnamon can help regulate cholesterol, the evidence obtained is still insufficient to establish definite conclusions and recommendations. Furthermore, it should be taken into account that the studies conducted have not been carried out on humans, but on rodents.

A study published in 2013 concluded that the variety Cinnamomum cassia could have a hypocholesterolemic effect and, therefore, could help to improve cardiovascular function.

For the time being, it cannot be stated that cinnamon tea can be a beverage capable of helping to regulate blood cholesterol. However, its potential as an adjuvant treatment is still being studied.

Cinnamon and sugar

In a study published in 2013 in The Annals of Family Medicine, it was concluded that cinnamon had no significant effect on glycated hemoglobin levels in the blood. And it was emphasized that the heterogeneity of the sample, the dose used, and the duration of therapy didn’t provide compelling evidence. Therefore, further investigations would be necessary.

Benefits associated with cinnamon tea

In spite of the lack of scientific evidence, it has been stated on several occasions in the popular sphere that regular consumption of cinnamon tea could be positive as an adjuvant treatment in cases of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Because of this, many patients decide to consult their doctor about the use of this remedy.

Cinnamon tea is also recommended to relieve stomach discomfort, eliminate gas, stimulate appetite, and prevent nausea and vomiting, among other issues. These benefits would be linked to the fact that cinnamon, by stimulating salivation, would help the formation of gastric juices, thus helping digestion to be carried out correctly.

Contraindications

Coumarin is a toxic compound that can be found in cinnamon. In large concentrations, it’s known to cause liver and kidney damage. Therefore, it’s essential in order to maintain a moderate consumption of the spice.

• During pregnancy, it’s essential to avoid consuming cinnamon, as it stimulates blood flow and causes the uterus to contract.
• Similarly, nursing mothers should also avoid cinnamon tea, as it can cause allergic hypersensitivity due to its compounds.
• When you have intestinal ulcers, consuming cinnamon tea causes further irritation. It’s best to completely avoid cinnamon in these cases.
• Cinnamon can accelerate the heart rate. For this reason, people with heart conditions should avoid cinnamon tea, as it could speed up the heartbeat and endanger your health.
• The properties of the spice can alter the way other medications act in the body, generating unpredictable effects (interactions). Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid it during treatment with antibiotics.

Cinnamon tea: an aromatic beverage with potential

In conclusion, even though there are plenty of health benefits of cinnamon tea, it’s necessary to wait for the results of scientific research before considering it a remedy suitable for the treatment of diseases.

The most appropriate way is to enjoy it as a drink, which can hydrate and warm us during the colder months of the year.

If you want to consume it as a remedy, it’s always advisable to consult with your doctor before doing so. We would give the same advice if you want to integrate it as a frequent complement to your diet.