The number of diabetics in the world is increasing. Estimates estimate that diabetes cases have doubled since 2014 (6). Today, the values are approximately 8.5% of the total adult population.
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of a tree from southern India: a Ceylon cinnamon tree. Its properties have been known for several thousand years in traditional Indian medicine.
Recently, science has confirmed that cinnamon tea can help regulate blood sugar levels. A fact that rethinks the use of cinnamon infusions as a treatment for diabetics. (1,3,4)
The following article details how to make cinnamon tea, as well as determines its properties, benefits, and contraindications.
Cinnamon tea – Benefits and properties for diabetics
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. (6) Type 2 diabetics lose the ability to maintain normal glucose levels in the body.
Studies indicate that regular consumption of cinnamon can contribute to the normalization of glucose metabolism in the body (1,3). In other words, cinnamon tea can be used as a natural dietary supplement to improve blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. The benefits of cinnamon tea are:
- Lower blood sugar levels in diabetics
One of the potential properties of cinnamon tea is to regulate blood sugar levels. Research suggests that a 3 g dose of cinnamon per day may be a natural alternative in the early stages of type 2 diabetics. (1,3)
- It can lower cholesterol
The properties of cinnamon tea in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) have been partially confirmed. In preliminary tests with animals, a reduction in blood LDL and triglyceride levels were observed. (6)
- Prevent gastritis and colitis
Cinnamon tea and alcoholic extracts are capable of certain microorganisms that cause gastritis and colitis, such as Helicobacter pylori. One of the benefits of taking infusions is to create a protective environment against the attack of pathogens. (1)
- Antioxidant power
The polyphenols present in cinnamon have antioxidant properties. In other words, they can prevent oxidation caused by the effects of free radicals. (4) Drinking cinnamon tea daily can have benefits in preventing premature aging.
- Prevent insulin resistance
The properties of cinnamon tea as a hyperglycemic have been confirmed by science. (1,3) The components of cinnamon act as an insulin mimic and enhance insulin activity to stimulate glucose metabolism. One of the benefits of its daily use is preventing insulin resistance.
How to make cinnamon tea?
Making cinnamon tea is easy. Preparing a cinnamon infusion requires about 12 minutes. It would help if you had a cinnamon stick and unflavored tea (green, black, or white). If you have diabetes, you can sweeten it with sugar substitutes. People with diabetes are advised not to use honey. Here are the steps to make cinnamon tea:
- Ingredients
- Cinnamon stick (Ceylon cinnamon)
- 1 cup – 250 mL of boiling water
- One sachet – 2-4 g of black, green, or white tea
- Optional: sweetener taste
- Preparation
- Place the cinnamon stick in a mug.
- Add the boiling water and the cinnamon stick. Wait 10 minutes.
- Add the teabag or strand tea. Wait an additional 2-4 minutes. Remove the bag or filter the tea and cinnamon stick.
- Sweeten to taste with stevia or another diabetic sweetener.
Optional ingredients
If desired, cinnamon tea can be combined with warm milk or ghee butter. This recipe enhances the flavor of cinnamon even more and is used in Hindu medicine.
Another ingredient that goes well in cinnamon tea is ginger. You can add 1 to 2 thin slices of fresh ginger to the bowl before dipping for a spicy kick. For an acid contrast, you can squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into your tea.
Side effects and contraindications
While cinnamon tea is considered a safe infusion, people taking diabetes medications or other medications that affect blood glucose or insulin levels should not take therapeutic doses of cinnamon tea without consulting with their doctor.
As for side effects, some people may experience allergic reactions to cinnamon tea. In rare cases, cinnamon can cause the following side effects:
- Allergic dermatitis
- Skin rashes
- Stomach ache
- Hypoglycemia (if consumed in excess)
Taking more than three cinnamon infusions per day and medications can have an additive effect and cause blood glucose levels to drop too low.
People with diabetes who have been prescribed medication to control blood sugar should not reduce or interrupt their treatment dose by drinking cinnamon tea.
Pregnant women should avoid taking excessive amounts of cinnamon and should not take the tea as a supplement.
The contraindications of cinnamon tea are:
- Uncontrolled diabetics without consulting their doctor
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Taking medications that affect blood glucose levels
Is cinnamon tea good for weight loss?
While one of the properties of cinnamon tea is to reduce blood sugar levels (a benefit for people with diabetes), this does not mean that it is suitable for weight loss. If a person increases the number of calories they consume and drinks cinnamon tea, good results in reducing body weight should not be expected.
The properties of cinnamon tea reduce insulin production and limit blood sugar spikes. In other words, it is best to consider this powder as an effective species to minimize the effect of sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Not like a natural weight loss supplement.
Including cinnamon in the diet will not work miracles in losing weight. Its properties in eliminating body fat have not been confirmed by science. (6)
Cinnamon Honey Tea – Yes or No?
Cinnamon and honey are among the favorite combinations in haute cuisine; their flavors combine perfectly. However, an excess of love in the diet is not suitable for health, particularly diabetics.
Honey is made up of 90% fructose and other high-glycemic carbohydrates. While love may have antibacterial properties, going overboard with the benefits and properties of honey is a common misconception.
If you do not have problems with blood glucose levels, adding a tablespoon of honey to cinnamon tea is allowed. However, for diabetics, adding honey to cinnamon tea is not a good idea.
ABSTRACT
Cinnamon tea is one of the best infusions to prevent type 2 diabetes. Its properties and benefits include regulating blood glucose levels and reducing cholesterol levels. Making cinnamon infusions is simple; it requires cinnamon sticks, water, and black, green, or white tea.
People with diabetes who take medication should not use cinnamon tea as a treatment without consulting their doctor. Taking cinnamon infusions can interact with medicines and lower blood glucose levels excessively.
