Harshvardhan Rane’s ripped physique — built on the foundation of discipline, stringent food habits, and regular exercise — is a source of inspiration to one and all. In a recent interview, the Bollywood actor praised the benefits of natural ingredients found in our pantry, and said — “Ye jo main daalchini (cinnamon) khaa raha hoon, ye hain mera fat burner. Jitne bhi zyada products hain duniya mein, unse thoda door rahiye, kyunki packaging mein kya hain aapko maaloom nahi (This cinnamon I’m eating, it is my fat burner. Try to stay away from all packed products in this world, because you don’t know what’s in their packaging).
“Toh main koshish karta hoon jitne real cheezein hain mere saamne main bas wahi khaun. Jo jo trending mein chal raha hai, main woh bilkul follow nahi karta (I try to eat real food as much as possible, and avoid following trending stuff),” he told Times Now Foodie, adding that “weight lifting every day, 2 sprint classes a week, and mostly staying far away from junk food,” are the secrets to maintaining his envious physique.
Cinnamon has long been used as both a traditional medicine and a popular spice to prepare a variety of savoury and sweet food items. But can it also help burn fat? We reached out to health experts.
Can cinnamon truly burn fat?
Rutu Dhodapkar, dietetician, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar, said, “While cinnamon does have several potential health benefits, there is limited conclusive evidence to support the claim that it aids weight loss.”
“Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could potentially contribute to weight loss by reducing insulin resistance and controlling hunger and cravings. It can also aid in blocking the activity of many digestive enzymes, thus slowing the absorption of sugar from the blood after eating a high-carbohydrate meal,” she explained.
She added that it is high in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and has the potential to reduce the risk of heart diseases, lower blood sugar levels, and help you fight bacteria and fungal infections.
Can cinnamon help you lose weight? (Source: Freepik)
Health benefits of cinnamon
Dr G Sushma – Consultant – Clinical Dietician, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, concurred and listed down a quick overview of cinnamon’s health benefits:
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Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals that may help decrease inflammation throughout the body. This may be beneficial as individuals age, since chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the evolution of many age-related illnesses.
Brain function: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may improve brain function and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to inhibit the buildup of these proteins. Much of this evidence is derived from animal and test tube studies, so there is still inconclusive research to validate this potential benefit
Antimicrobial properties: Cinnamon contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight off bacteria and other pathogens, making it a potential natural remedy for certain infections.
What to keep in mind
If you are considering adding cinnamon to your diet, there are a few things to keep in mind. ““Cinnamon can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before adding cinnamon supplements to your routine,” said Dr Sushma, adding that “some types of cinnamon may contain a compound called coumarin, which can be harmful in large doses”.
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Thus, she recommended choosing high-quality cinnamon products and using them in moderation. Last but not the least, keep in mind that cinnamon should not be used as a “substitute for medical treatment” or healthy diet and exercise regimen.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
