Honey and cinnamon, a popular flavor pairing found in baked goods, oatmeal, tea, and even meat recipes, have been used separately for medicinal purposes for centuries. Some believe that combining the two boosts their medicinal properties, a practice rooted in oriental and Ayurvedic medicine. This combination has been suggested to help with various ailments, including arthritis, cancer symptoms, hair loss, bladder infections, toothaches, pimples, high cholesterol levels, the common cold, upset stomach/indigestion, immune system support, heart disease, weight loss, fatigue, bad breath, and hearing loss.
This article explores the science-backed benefits and potential risks of combining honey and cinnamon, particularly in coffee.
Nutritional Profiles of Honey and Cinnamon
To understand the potential health benefits of honey and cinnamon, it’s essential to consider their individual nutritional compositions.
Honey (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 64
- Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 17 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 17 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, ground):
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 0 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Cinnamon is also a source of calcium and iron. Two teaspoons of cinnamon provide:
- 4% of the Daily Value of calcium
- 2% of the Daily Value of iron
- 40% of the Daily Value for manganese
- 10% of the Daily Value for Fiber
Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon in Coffee
Considering the individual health benefits of honey and cinnamon, it's not surprising that they may also be helpful when paired, particularly in a beverage like coffee.
Read also: Can You Eat Honey on a Ketogenic Diet?
Potential for Heart Health
Both honey and cinnamon may individually lower the risk of developing heart disease. Honey has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and potentially boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Cinnamon, in turn, has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels. Since high cholesterol is linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease, the cholesterol-reducing effects of both honey and cinnamon together may reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Wound Healing Properties
Honey has demonstrated effectiveness in healing wounds, including foot ulcers caused by diabetes complications. Cinnamon may also contribute to wound healing. A test-tube study revealed that cinnamon oil helped protect wounds against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Arthritis Relief
A study at Copenhagen University found that giving patients a mixture of honey and cinnamon before breakfast helped to relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Within a week 73 out of 200 patients were relieved of pain. After one month of treatment patients who could previously not walk or move around were able to move without pain.
Combating Infections
Studies have suggested that a mixture of honey and cinnamon can kill germs in the bladder, potentially providing a cure for bladder infections. Cinnamon also displays antimicrobial effects, making it a potential food for optimizing oral hygiene and fighting infections. Cinnamomum zeylanicum works as a powerful antibacterial agent, effectively inhibiting the growth of gram-negative bacteria like E. coli.
Digestive Health
Honey and cinnamon have become popular in managing digestive issues, such as constipation, nausea, and ulcers. Honey is a predigested nectar, making it easy for the body to break down. Cinnamon's antimicrobial characteristics can help with bacterial overload in the digestive system, especially for those suffering from an E. coli bacterial infection.
Read also: Homemade Honey Facial
Allergy Relief
Cinnamon and honey may help fight allergies and allergy symptoms. Researchers found that cinnamon was the most potent agent in killing the highly allergic house mite. Honey also serves as a natural therapeutic agent for fighting allergies.
Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease
The combination of honey and cinnamon may help reduce the risk of heart disease through several mechanisms. Cinnamon supplementation could lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while slightly increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
Other Potential Benefits
Honey and cinnamon both possess powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. When used together, cinnamon powder and honey offer a range of health benefits, improving cholesterol and immune system health, while aiding weight loss and fighting heart disease. Regularly combining cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties with immune-boosting raw honey boosts the body’s immunity and ability to fight off respiratory infections like the common cold.
Cinnamon in Coffee
Cinnamon can be added to coffee with a simple shake, potentially elevating the benefits of your morning brew.
Supporting the Immune System
Cinnamon is high in essential vitamins and minerals necessary for immune system function. By providing your body with vitamins C and B, as well as potassium, manganese, zinc, and more, cinnamon helps keep your immune system operating as it should. In addition, cinnamon is a great source of antioxidants, helping protect your body from oxidative stress.
Read also: Keto Honey Substitute Options
Supporting the Digestive System
Cinnamon helps reduce inflammation in the intestines and maintain normal function. It also helps protect your intestines from infection and trigger helpful gastric secretions. The sweet aroma of cinnamon helps calm and soothe our brains.
Regulating the Circulatory System
Cinnamon is effective at helping regulate blood sugar and has been used in traditional medicine to treat blood sugar-related conditions. It can also help remove harmful fats from your blood, lowering unhealthy fat levels and supporting circulatory system health.
Acting as a Powerful Antioxidant
Cinnamon is a highly effective antioxidant, containing a wide selection of compounds called flavonoids, which provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The essential oils in cinnamon are incredible antioxidants, helping protect your body from free radicals.
May Help With Hair Growth
Cinnamon may help with hair growth and reduce hair loss. It contains a special enzyme called natural peroxidase, which can bring out brighter colors in your hair.
Increasing Energy Levels
Cinnamon is a natural stimulant that can prevent fatigue and help maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Because cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, it keeps levels balanced throughout the day, reducing spikes and crashes. This makes cinnamon the perfect pairing for your daily cup of coffee, which can sometimes lead to mid-afternoon crashes.
Weight Loss and Coffee
Coffee with cinnamon may benefit weight loss. Spicy lattes, herbal teas, and fragrant coffees are aromatic pleasures that may help you lose weight, eat less, and have a faster metabolism.
The Role of Coffee
Moderation is the key to healthy coffee and caffeine consumption. Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that three to five cups daily is safe for most women who aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding. The caffeine in black coffee might make you less likely to gain weight. Drinking black coffee 30 minutes to four hours before eating might also help you eat less. The Harvard School of Public Health found four cups of black coffee daily could encourage body fat loss.
The Role of Cinnamon
Adding cinnamon to moderate coffee brings many potential health and weight loss benefits. Consuming less sugar in your daily coffee already benefits your life. Cinnamon is a fantastic replacement for sugar. It has antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Cinnamon may also regulate blood glucose better to help your body process food healthily and avoid cravings and weight gain.
Additional Ingredients for Weight Loss
Adding honey to your cinnamon coffee provides additional benefits. Honey delays the ghrelin response and blunted the glucose response compared with sucrose. Adding ginger, turmeric, or fenugreek might also help weight loss.
Ways to Enjoy Cinnamon in Coffee
There are many delicious ways to add cinnamon to your coffee.
- Cinnamon Nutmeg Latte: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with brown sugar in a mug. Mix and top with coffee and your milk of choice.
- Cinnamon Maple Latte: Combine maple syrup, coffee, and steamed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte: Make a syrup with cinnamon, sugar, water, and vanilla. Once the syrup cools, brew some coffee and combine it with your syrup and heavy cream over ice.
- Honey Cinnamon Latte: Mix honey and cinnamon in your cup, adding a touch of boiling water to help combine them better. Once mixed, add your coffee and favorite milk.
- Mexican Cinnamon Mocha: Add coffee, milk, and chocolate sauce to a glass and stir. Once mixed, add cinnamon and optional spices like chili powder or cayenne.
- Vanilla Cinnamon Coffee: Add French Vanilla Coffee Concentrate, cinnamon, and milk to a glass and stir.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While honey and cinnamon offer potential health benefits, it's important to be aware of potential risks.
Toxic Exposure
Cinnamon sold in retail stores may contain high levels of coumarin and other toxic elements. Eating large amounts of coumarin has been associated with an increased risk of the development of cancerous tumors.
High Sugar Intake
Honey contains high amounts of sugar. It should be used in moderation, especially by those with diabetes.
Individual Reactions
Cinnamon and honey are safe for internal and topical use, but like all foods, some people may react adversely. If you use cinnamon essential oil, remember that a small amount (one to two drops) goes a long way.
Type of Cinnamon
Cassia cinnamon is the most popular type in supermarkets, but it’s less expensive, of lower quality than Ceylon cinnamon, and has some potential side effects. Ceylon cinnamon is known as “true cinnamon” and is the better choice if you’re going to consume it regularly.