Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss

Honey and cinnamon are two popular ingredients that have been touted for their health benefits, including weight loss.

In fact, many Hollywood celebrities were using this drink. If this diet works for them, maybe it may also work for you.

However, the claim of the honey and cinnamon diet can be too good to be true. Is it just a fad diet or can it really help you lose weight?

The honey and cinnamon diet works to prevent fat accumulation in your body. When using this diet plan, it is required to follow a low-calorie, healthy diet and take the honey and cinnamon drink several times throughout the day.

Both honey and cinnamon have properties that can help to lose weight and at the same time, you can also use them as home remedies.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for embalming by the Ancient Egyptians. But, during the Roman Empire, it is more expensive as compared to silver.

Numerous medicinal properties are linked with cinnamon. According to research, it has antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties (1).

It can also help to heal wounds because of its antioxidant properties. Cinnamon can also help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, thus it is essential for weight loss (2).

• Boosts metabolism – Using cinnamon can boost the metabolism process which eventually leads to increasing the metabolic rate. This may stimulate your body to burn more calories which can result in weight loss.
• Regulates the level of insulin in the blood – Cinnamon has the ability to control the level of insulin in your blood. This means that no fat will be stored in your body. With this, losing weight is possible.
• Suppresses appetite – Consuming cinnamon can curb your hunger pangs. This will limit the calorie intake that plays a big role in weight loss.
• Reduces the LDL cholesterol – Maintaining a low cholesterol level is a great help to lose weight. Cinnamon has the ability to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol levels that’s why you can expect to lose weight gradually.

Calories in Cinnamon

One tablespoon of Cinnamon (7.8 g) contains 19 calories.

Honey

Honey is linked to health and vitality because of its healthful properties. It is a good antimicrobial agent as it contains low pH and is able to produce hydrogen peroxide through its enzymes.

The research revealed that honey is effective to treat wound infections and burns. Likewise, it is also an effective cough suppressant as compared to other medications (3).

• Metabolizes the fat – Honey contains many different vitamins and minerals as well as 22 amino acids that work to metabolize the fat. It also controls the cholesterol level which is essential for weight loss.
• Burns fat – Honey is a great source of fructose that increases the energy level and burns fat. It also aids the liver to yield more glucose and at the same time keeping the normal level of brain sugar. With this, more fat-burning hormones were produced, thus facilitating weight loss.
• Healthier glycemic index – Honey is sweet but it does not cause a sugar rush into your body, but rather causes a healthier glycemic index.
• Helps with the digestion process – The antibacterial and antifungal properties present in honey work to kill the bacteria in your digestive tract. It makes the digestion process smooth and promotes weight loss.

Calories in Honey?

One tablespoon of honey (21 g) contains 64 calories.

Honey and Cinnamon Together:

There is some evidence to suggest that honey and cinnamon may work synergistically to promote weight loss. One study found that a combination of honey and cinnamon was more effective at reducing weight and body fat than either ingredient alone.

The study on cinnamon extract and appetite suppression was conducted in 2008 and published in the journal “Appetite.” The study found that cinnamon extract reduced appetite and calorie intake in healthy adults.

The study on honey and cinnamon for diabetes was conducted in 2009 and published in the journal “International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.” The study found that honey and cinnamon improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

A 2004 study published in the journal Appetite found that honey can help to suppress appetite by affecting the hunger hormone ghrelin. The study found that honey delayed the rise in ghrelin levels after a meal, which led to a decrease in hunger and calorie intake.

The study was conducted on 12 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to consume either honey or a control beverage after a fast. The honey group had significantly lower ghrelin levels and calorie intake at the 30-minute and 60-minute time points after the meal.

The researchers concluded that honey may be a useful tool for weight loss because it can help to suppress appetite and reduce calorie intake.

How to Use Honey with Cinnamon to Lose Weight

Knowing the various weight loss benefits of honey and cinnamon, we can say that they can help to lose weight naturally. Here are several ways to use honey and cinnamon to lose weight:

1. Honey and cinnamon in boiled water

This is the easiest way to use honey and cinnamon. All you have to do is to boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Let it cool for 15 minutes and stir a tablespoon of honey into the mixture.

Drink the honey and cinnamon mixture on an empty stomach in the morning. You can drink in the evening 45 minutes after dinner.

2. Honey and cinnamon as jam

If you love using jam, you can replace it with a honey and cinnamon mixture. It will increase the metabolic rate and rid of unnecessary calories.

To make a jam, you need to boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the boiling water. Make sure that the powder is well combined and no lumps are present. Continue to cook the mixture for another half an hour before you add a teaspoon of honey.

Once the jam is well done, place it in a glass jar and keep it at room temperature. You can use the jam on bread or drink the syrup on its own.

3. Honey, cinnamon and lemon juice

Lemon juice also helps in weight loss, thus adding it to honey and cinnamon can speed up the process of losing weight.

Likewise, lemon juice works as a liver cleanser and digestive aid. It also contains flavonoids that control the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Through the vitamin C content, fat metabolism increases, thus losing weight effectively.

All you need is a cup of hot water and make a mixture of honey, cinnamon powder, and lemon juice. Drink the mixture once in the morning before breakfast and another cup before bedtime.

4. Green tea with honey and cinnamon

Green tea is also known for its helpful effect to lose weight. It contains EGCG, an antioxidant useful to improve metabolism.

Adding green tea with honey and cinnamon will help to lose extra pounds and reduce abdominal fat. Drinking a mixture of these three ingredients you can expect a fast weight loss process.

Preparing the mixture is very easy. All you have to do is to boil 1 ½ cups of water for a few minutes. Add the green tea and leave for 5 minutes.  Remove the tea bag and add the honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon powder.

Does Honey and Cinnamon Drink Have Any Possible Side Effects

Honey and cinnamon drinks can be beneficial to weight loss, but you should consume the right amount to avoid possible adverse effects.

Before taking this drink, you must know first if you don’t have any allergy to cinnamon and honey. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not follow this weight loss drink without a doctor’s advice.

Likewise, diabetics can take the honey and cinnamon drink but with caution. Keep in mind that a honey and cinnamon drink is not an alternative if you want to skip meals. Otherwise, it can lead to dangerous crash dieting.

Final Verdict

The honey and cinnamon drink is safe as compared to other fad diets. But, to achieve the best possible results you should follow a low-calorie diet and be active.

Because honey and cinnamon are all-natural, minimal and mild side effects can be expected. Instead, you can ensure to benefit positive effects for your overall health.

However, if you’re looking for a quick fix to lose weight, then this diet option isn’t for you.