Cinnamon Burns Fat!

This time of year cinnamon’s most common use is in traditional holiday foods and drinks. If you think that is where cinnamon’s use ends you may be missing out on an amazing health tool. Researchers from the University of Michigan in collaboration with researchers in China this week released a study in the journal Metabolism showing cinnamon was able to target the fat in cells directly, turning up their fat burning potential and improving metabolism.

Cinnamon is a powerful spice that has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. It is still used daily worldwide as a common spice in dishes and drinks. Cinnamon is used by many people for its anti-diabetic (anti-hyperglycemia) effect. Historical use and clinical trials conclude that it helps lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity improving blood sugar management and weight control.

Cinnamon is rich in the compound Cinnamaldehyde, which previously had been observed to be protective against obesity and hyperglycemia. In this study, researchers looked to find the mechanisms behind this protective effect. Using human cells from people of different ethnic origins and age ranges, researchers found that Cinnamaldehyde significantly increased thermogenesis (fat burning) and metabolic reprogramming. They concluded that with cinnamon’s widespread use and acceptance, it could ultimately lead to therapeutic strategies against obesity that are much better adhered to by participants.

Cinnamaldehyde induces fat cell-autonomous thermogenesis and metabolic reprogramming