Have you been trying your hardest to lose those extra pounds?
Numerous studies today are focused on weight control, and how to help you lose excess body fat.
The reality is that many factors influence weight loss and cause complications for those who want to achieve and maintain the perfect body weight.
There are hundreds of types of diets, fads, exercise programs and other methods that aim to help you lose weight. There are some easily available ingredients such as honey and cinnamon for weight loss.
This article aims to help you know and understand:
- The factors that influence weight loss
- The effects of obesity on your overall health
- the benefits of both honey and cinnamon for Losing weight
Also Read: 13 Essential Oils for Weight Loss That Actually Work
Factors that Affect Weight Loss
Science suggests that there is no one sure way to lose weight, just because each of us has differing metabolic and lifestyle factors.
Some factors that affect weight loss can include diet (ratio of calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates), exercise levels, Diabetes mellitus, family history, alcohol and smoking habits, mental and emotional well-being, hormonal changes, stress (environmental, social, etc.) and Hypertension. (1)
The Effects of Obesity on Overall Health
The primary model for effective weight loss points to a combination of reduced calorie intake and an increase in physical activity.
Obesity is said to be responsible for many conditions that severely impact mental and emotional well-being.
Some of these conditions can include:
- Increase in strokes, hypertension and heart disease.
- Increase in incidence of type 11 diabetes (Adult Onset diabetes)
- Joint pains, sleep disorders, poor digestion and low energy levels.
Obesity is also linked to the increased risk of certain types of cancers like:
Key Takeaway: Many factors influence weight management. Dietary and health habits play a big role in overall body weight.
Benefits of Honey for Weight Loss
Honey dates back to prehistoric times and is said to be one of the purest and healthiest foods on earth.
Honey is traditionally linked to good health, strength, energy, vitality, and longevity. (2)
Studies also show that cinnamon has an increasing beneficial effect on managing and preventing certain types of cancer.
Recent studies are showing encouraging signs that cinnamon and honey may be helpful to successful weight loss.
Here are some reasons why:
When it comes to overall health, evidence suggests that honey plays a critical role in overall health and well-being.
Honey is filled with plant nutrients such as antioxidants from plant nutrients (polyphenols) peptides, organic acids, and enzymes that have a very powerful effect on many health issues. (6)
Other minerals include:
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Magnesium
- Phosphate
- Calcium
- Carbohydrate
- Chlorine
- Iron
- Protein
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
These nutrients give honey the beneficial power it has so it can be a remedy for nearly everything. (7)
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
1. Honey is Antibacterial and Antiseptic
Honey is said to have a very low pH level which is the main factor in helping to slow the growth of bacteria in the body.
- Helps destroy bacteria that can cause infections
- Treats wounds and burns
- Fights viruses and viral infections
- Helps relieve symptoms of cold and flu
- Helps fight allergies and allergy symptoms
2. Honey is Packed with Antioxidants
The antioxidants in honey (calcium, selenium, manganese and other minerals) are said to help restore good immune balance.
The medicinal properties and antioxidant support from honey are believed to help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system to help fight sickness and disease.
Key Takeaway: Honey is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It is rich in necessary nutrients and antioxidants.
3. Honey is Good for Balancing Insulin Levels
Honey has a low glycemic effect in the body when consumed.
Its influence on blood sugar levels helps to control and balance insulin which is very important if you are struggling with diabetes.
4. Honey Helps Control Your Appetite
While honey may be known as a high sugar food because of its high glucose and fructose content, it is shown that these natural sugars help control hunger and suppress your appetite.
These are the two main factors that can help in losing weight. So when taking honey, one may feel full for a longer time.
5. Honey and Weight Loss
Although honey is naturally sweet, studies show that there are simple sugars which provide a healthier alternative to other forms of sugar.
Because of its low glycemic index, the glucose and fructose in honey are said to help balance blood sugar levels and reduce food cravings to help control appetite. (8)
Moderate amounts of honey (about 1 tablespoon per day) can help replace regular sugar in foods like:
- Tea, coffee, and other beverages
- Cereals, baked goods, and shakes, etc.
- Dressings and sauces
The Benefits of Cinnamon for Weight Loss
If you want to maintain overall health, lose weight, protect your heart and control diabetes, then take another look at cinnamon!
Cinnamon is one of the most widely used spices in the world. For many centuries it’s been used for its numerous health benefits.
This ingredient has been used in traditional and modern medicines to prepare perfumes, cosmetics, medicinal cures for many ailments.
It also preserves and flavors foods.
Studies also show that cinnamon has an increasing beneficial effect in managing and preventing certain types of cancers.
Studies have also shown that cinnamon is one of the world’s “wonder foods” for treating and preventing many disorders and diseases that affect us.
It is also listed as perhaps one of the best foods that provide antioxidant protection in the body.
Cinnamon’s strength is said to come from a compound called cinnamaldehyde as well as cinnamic acid and cinnamate.
Cinnamon is full of wonderful minerals and nutrients such as:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Copper
- Selenium
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
It also contains a host of vitamins, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, fiber and carbohydrates. (9)
It is a wonder that this simple substance can be so full of natural, protective and health-promoting substances. (10)
Read more about some of the proven benefits of cinnamon:
1. Cinnamon is a Natural Food Preservative
Cinnamon has long been used to flavor and preserves foods. It is shown to increase the shelf life and quality of foods, by reducing oxidation when foods are prepared, processed and stored. (11)
2. Cinnamon Fights Inflammation, Bacteria, and Fungus
Studies show that cinnamon helps fight infections in the body.
It is said to be one of the best defenses against bacterial and fungal infections.
- Cinnamon oil is also used to help treat respiratory tract infections.
- It helps reduce swelling, relieves pain and muscle soreness and controls allergic reactions and symptoms.
- It also helps reduce the growth of bacteria (Listeria and Salmonella).
3. Cinnamon is Rich in Antioxidants
The antioxidant properties of cinnamon can help the body fight the effects of free radicals that play a big role in causing many major illnesses and diseases.
4. Cinnamon Reduces Malignant Cell Growth
Cinnamon is also known, scientifically, to have a direct impact on the growth and development of malignant cells in certain types of cancers, including cervical, breast cancer and also leukemia, especially in women.
It is also noted that cinnamon may help patients manage the effects of chemotherapy in cancer treatment.
Cinnamon is shown to help control and manage these symptoms of obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Key Takeaway: The powerful nutritional properties of cinnamon help the body fight bacteria and viruses that can cause major illnesses including cancer and other lifestyle diseases.
5. Cinnamon Lowers Cholesterol and Fat Levels
Studies are showing that consuming at least 120 mg of cinnamon per day can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. (12)
It tends to increase the production of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
It also reduces the incidence of heart disease. (13)
Key Takeaway: High-fat diets increase the incidence of bad cholesterol in the blood. Cinnamon is shown to help reduce and balance cholesterol levels.
6. Cinnamon Controls Type I & Type 2 Diabetes
Ongoing studies show that cinnamon may have a positive effect in reducing insulin resistance in diabetic patients.
It helps to lower blood sugar levels and slows the metabolism of carbohydrates in the digestive tract (two major issues in diabetes control).
Cinnamon is a natural sweetener and contains no sugar or extra calories.
- It is a safe and very healthy replacement for sugar in meals.
- Its flavor enhancing properties helps reduce sugar intake.
- Assists in controlling the slow release of sugar in the blood for diabetics (glycemic index). This helps you control weight, balance insulin levels, and reduce food cravings. (14)
- It increases energy levels.
Key Takeaway: Many people around us are plagued with diabetes. Cinnamon shows remarkable benefits in helping to balance insulin levels and control diabetes.
Also Read: 13 Real Home Remedies for Diabetes (That’ll Actually Work )
7. Cinnamon is Good for the Immune System
Incidences of low energy levels may be related to metabolic health and lifestyle.
Some metabolic disorders can lower energy levels and leave you feeling exhausted and sluggish.
It is said that cinnamon can boost immunity and provide a wide range of immune-boosting nutrients. (15) One teaspoon of cinnamon provides:
- 68% manganese
- 85% calcium
- 4% iron
- 4g. fiber
- 3% vitamin K
It is also shown to reduce carbohydrate breakdown in the digestive tract, by increasing the glycogen levels, which promotes better energy.
Also Read: 11 Natural Remedies for Pneumonia Plus How to Use Them
8. Cinnamon Cleans the Colon
A healthy colon is said to be one of the ways to help flush toxins out of the system and help maintain a healthy body and support weight management. (16)
Studies show that cinnamon can also help activate detoxifying enzymes in the colon and protect the body against malignant growths in the colon cells. (17)
9. Cinnamon Improves Heart Health
Obesity can affect the health of the heart and how it functions.
Studies show that diets high in cholesterol not only increase body weight but have a direct link to the incidence of diabetes, strokes and heart attacks. (18)
It has been shown that consuming at least 120 mg. of cinnamon per day can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and also helps the body maintain “good” cholesterol (HDL) a.
This can help reduce the incidence of heart disease. (19)
Key Takeaway: Cinnamon’s nutritional benefits help improve heart function, protect from strokes and reduces fat levels and cholesterol that affect weight loss and management.
Also Read: 6 Essential Oils for Heart Disease & Heart Health
10. Cinnamon Controls the Appetite
Some of the key factors in maintaining a healthy weight are controlling your appetite and food portions.
Cinnamon is said to help the slow release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream.
This helps the body to feel full for longer periods and suppresses appetite to help in weight loss. (20)
Ways to include more cinnamon in the diet:
- Sprinkle on cereals, oats, yogurt, smoothies, etc.
- Add to muffins, pancakes, bread and apple pie.
- Add a dash of cinnamon to your tea, milk, and shakes.
Cinnamon combined with honey can also protect the skin against irritants, rashes, etc.
Key Takeaway: Studies indicate that weight loss is influenced by many underlying factors and can be the gateway to major life-threatening conditions.
Bottom Line
When we look at the overall health benefits of cinnamon and honey, the evidence points to promising results regarding weight loss.
While there are no quick fixes to this vexing problem, studies indicate that a consistent regimen of diet and increased levels of physical activity will help greatly in reducing incidences of obesity and weight gain.
Foods such as honey and cinnamon are all natural ways to curb most of the contributors of weight gain. They are definitely worth a try!
Read Next: How to Use Honey and Cinnamon for Cold
