Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss
does it really work? -- Separating fact from fiction
HEALTH CLAIMS ABOUT CINNAMON AND HONEY
There are a number of printed articles and internet sites that proclaim some amazing health benefits from eating a mixture of honey and cinnamon. Some of these websites claim that honey and cinnamon can cure:
> heart disease
> arthritis
> colds and flu
> cancer
These claims are rather hard to believe. But another less dramatic claim which comes up often is that is that eating a mixture of honey and cinnamon promotes weight loss. Is this true?
honey and cinnamon for weight loss -- does it work?
One study from 2017 found that one of the compounds in cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde) may increase your body temperature via a process called thermogenesis. But all foods trigger a thermic effect in the body which helps to digest, absorb and dispose of food nutrients. Another study from 2011 found that replacing sugar in the diet with honey may contribute to weight loss. One possible reason for this is that honey taste sweeter than sugar so you can eat less to satisfy your sugar cravings. But there are no specific clinical studies regarding whether eating a mixture of honey and cinnamon is beneficial for weight loss.
a more balanced view
The website NaturalNews.com takes are more balanced approach to the subject of honey and cinnamon: "Folk wisdom still retains knowledge of the healing properties of both honey and cinnamon. Honey and cinnamon are still used as medicine in many situations, especially among people who, because of distance or income, have reduced access to mainstream health care. Honey possesses natural anti-bacterial properties. Honey poured on wounds or burns prevents infection and promotes healing. Regular consumption of honey and cinnamon together, when combined with an overall healthy diet and moderate activity level, can prevent heart disease by clearing clogged arteries. Drinking honey and cinnamon in lukewarm water results in them moving through the bladder and cleansing it, as well as clearing infections there. Drinking this beverage on a regular basis can also relieve, and in some cases entirely cure, arthritis pain. This drink also strengthens the immune system, helping ward off colds as well as some viruses. Applying a paste of honey and cinnamon to infected gums can ease pain and bleeding as well as slow the progression of the infection. When consumed together, honey and cinnamon can ease digestion, helping to prevent gas. Honey and cinnamon also provide energy, making people more mentally alert and ready for physical activity. The two biggest claims for honey and cinnamon are that they enhance the ability to lose weight, and they are effective against some forms of cancer. While these latter two claims are unproven, nature does provide an amazing range of natural healing substances, most of which are untested by medical science. Relying exclusively on honey and cinnamon for either weight loss or eliminating cancer is not advisable."
honey and apple cider vinegar may work for you
The way to lose weight is easy in principle but hard in practice. All you need to do is eat fewer calories than you burn in a day. To make up for this calorie intake deficit, your body will eventually burn fat stores to make the energy it needs. But we all know how hard this is. Your body does not want to be starved and hunger pains erode your will to shed pounds. So how can you reduce hunger pains and eat less food? One suggestion is to drink a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey. It's a bit of an acquired taste, but after a while, you may start to really like it.
how to make a drink with apple cider vinegar and honey
It is quite easy. Just blend some raw apple cider vinegar with some raw honey. Start with a 50/50 blend. If that is too tart, then increase the ratio of honey to 55/45 or even 60/40. But don't drink it straight! The acid in undiluted vinegar can be harmful to tooth enamel. Instead, dilute 1 tablespoon of the honey-vinegar blend into a glass of water (8 to 12 ounces). An even better way is to add the honey-vinegar blend into a glass of cold seltzer water. Unflavored seltzer water comes in 12 ounce cans and store brands can cost as little as 40 cents a can. It is a very refreshing beverage and is far better for you than a can of sugary soda.
Drink one 12 ounce glass in the morning as a substitute for breakfast. The honey will give you energy and the apple cider vinegar will help to suppress your appetite. If you need help getting through to lunch, then eat a piece of fruit. Eat a sensible, balanced lunch that is low in sugar and carbs, and high in fresh, unprocessed foods. Then around 3 pm when the munchies strike have another tablespoon of honey/vinegar blended into a 12 ounce glass of seltzer water. This should help to control your appetite until dinner. For dinner, again, avoid processed, fried and sugary foods. Instead eat a meal replete with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with modest amounts of meat and dairy. You can even add a few squirts of honey/vinegar to your glass of water at dinner.
no magic shortcuts
There are no magic shortcuts to weight loss. Reduce calorie intake on a continual basis and over time you will lose weight. For some, drinking this recommended blend of raw honey and apple cider vinegar can help to reduce the hunger pains that make dieting so difficult. In addition, there are significant health benefits from eating raw honey and raw apple cider vinegar.
what type of honey should I buy for this drink?
Make sure to buy raw and unfiltered honey from a reputable source. Since the flavors of the honey will get a bit lost when combined with vinegar, use a less expensive honey variety such as wildflower, holly or orange blossom.