By Deepti
info@impressivetimes.com
From celebrity kitchens to wellness reels, cinnamon — or dalchini — is making a comeback as a go-to natural fat-burner. But is this humble Indian spice truly effective for weight loss, or is it just another wellness fad?
With the rise of injectable weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro in India, many are still turning to kitchen ingredients and Ayurvedic wisdom for more sustainable solutions. A recent survey revealed that 87% of Indians prefer natural methods to manage their weight — and cinnamon is now trending across health forums.
Even actor Harshvardhan Rane called it his personal “fat-burner” in a resurfaced clip that’s doing the rounds online.
Cinnamon is the bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus, widely used in Indian households — from masala chai to biryani and Ayurvedic kadhas. There are mainly two types:
Cassia Cinnamon (most commonly used in India)
Ceylon Cinnamon or “True Cinnamon” — gaining attention for its lower coumarin content and sweeter taste
Nutrition experts say cinnamon isn’t just about flavor — it’s loaded with antioxidants, digestive benefits, and metabolism-boosting properties.
According to Dr. Archana Batra, Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator, cinnamon may offer multiple health benefits that support weight management:
“Fluctuating sugar levels trigger carb cravings. Cinnamon stabilizes this, which helps with appetite control,” says Dr. Batra.
The active compound cinnamaldehyde stimulates metabolism, making your body burn calories more efficiently — especially when paired with exercise and a clean diet.
Cinnamon’s antioxidants help tackle chronic inflammation, often linked to stubborn weight gain and metabolic disorders.
Nutritionist Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, Founder of The Health Pantry, confirms:
“Cinnamon isn’t a miracle cure, but it supports insulin function, helps control appetite, and can be part of an effective weight-loss routine.”
She explains how:
Improves insulin sensitivity: Especially with Ceylon cinnamon, polyphenols aid in reducing fat storage
Slows gastric emptying: Keeps you fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack
Balances post-meal sugar levels: Prevents sugar crashes that lead to cravings
Morning Detox: Add ½ tsp cinnamon powder to lukewarm water with lemon
Smoothies & Oats: Sprinkle on breakfast bowls or protein shakes
Herbal Tea: Steep cinnamon sticks in hot water with ginger or tulsi
Cooking: Mix into lentils, curries, or healthy desserts
Caution: Avoid overconsumption. Stick to Ceylon cinnamon if using regularly — it has less coumarin, which in excess may affect liver health.
Cinnamon may boost fat-burning potential, but it isn’t a standalone solution. Experts stress it works best when paired with exercise, a high-protein diet, and adequate hydration.
So while it’s not the magic wand for fat loss, cinnamon is a science-backed addition to a healthy lifestyle — straight from your spice rack.
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