There are plenty of ways to satisfy a sweet tooth, but not all of them have to involve sugar. A simple swap can drastically cut calories and reduce the fat gain associated with the refined stuff.
Sugar impacts brain function, raises cholesterol, rots teeth, can overload your liver, increase chances of diabetes and is highly addictive, thanks to its massive dopamine release in the brain.
The best alternative? Cinnamon - a spice touted for its astonishing health properties. Replace the sugar in your coffee with a dash of cinnamon and you won’t just be adding lashings of flavour, but these nutritional benefits too:
1.Antioxidant powerhouse
Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These contribute to its anti-carcinogenic properties - some studies have shown that the spice slows growth of cancerous cells. The antioxidants also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, treating certain types of pain and headaches (such as arthritis), repairing tissue damage and preventing muscle damage.
2.Speeds metabolism
Research by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology suggests that cinnamon activates a protein called Sirtuin-1, that’s active in insulin regulation and lipid metabolism. Whole or ground, the presence of this super-spice in your body means it can reduce the storage of excess fat, burn more calories and assist in weight loss.
3.Controls insulin levels
A real wonder of cinnamon is its ability to lower blood sugar levels by as much as 29% - good news for those with Type 2 diabetes. It forces muscle cells to remove sugar from the bloodstream, converting it into energy. Even for non-diabetics, keeping blood sugar levels to a minimum is essential for health and weight loss.
4.Reduces heart disease risk
A daily dose of this tasty spice can help boost your heart’s health. It inhibits the release of inflammatory fatty acids and stops platelets from thickening the blood, lowering blood pressure. The levels of calcium and fibre in cinnamon help the body to flush out toxins and can reduce cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
5.Antifungal and antibacterial
Thanks to the properties of cinnamaldehyde, a compound that gives cinnamon its flavour and odour, this sugar alternative may help fight off different infections, particularly those caused by fungi. It’s also been shown to lessen the growth of bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella. You’ll keep your oral health in tip-top shape with this spice in your diet: its antimicrobial properties may help the onset of tooth decay and reduce bad breath.
6.Suppresses appetite
Eating sugar pumps up your insulin levels and blocks the all-important leptin levels - a hormone needed for appetite reduction and fat burning. Ditch the sweet stuff for a spice alternative and you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth healthily and feel fuller for longer. Sprinkle a teaspoon on your breakfast, mix it into your daily protein shake, or whip up some natural baked treats with the spice to start reaping its benefits.
