Updated May 15, 2015.

Hungry Girl here with the 411 on this much-asked question: Does cinnamon help you lose weight? It's been used in the medical arena for thousands of years: Europeans in the Middle Ages mixed cinnamon with meat as a preservative, and sixth-century Greeks prescribed cinnamon to help with indigestion and other ailments. But today we're talking about the popular claims regarding cinnamon as a weight-loss aid.


Here's a rundown of the health claims centered around cinnamon's role in weight loss... 

*Cinnamon is said to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar -- both key components for losing weight and controlling type 2 diabetes. 

* Cinnamon is also thought to boost metabolism -- that’s because your body uses more energy to process the spice than it does for other foods.

* Another way cinnamon might speed up your weight-loss journey? It’s full of fiber, a nutrient that’s essential for achieving that “full” feeling and signaling to your body that mealtime is over.  

My take on cinnamon as a smart addition to your diet?

Claims regarding cinnamon's impact on insulin and blood sugar are pretty credible. Just know that those findings aren't directly tied to weight loss. When it comes to being a metabolism booster, hard data is minimal. And while it is well documented that fiber helps you feel full, and that a high-fiber diet can be helpful for weight loss, it's unlikely you'll get much fiber from cinnamon alone...

One can only consume so much cinnamon in a day! In fact, TOO much cinnamon can be toxic, so don't go overboard.

But here's why I think cinnamon CAN aid in weight loss. A little cinnamon adds a lot of flavor to food for minimal calories, and that's ALWAYS a good thing when it comes to your diet. An entire teaspoon has just 6 calories and about 2g carbs, plus a little more than a gram of fiber. Cinnamon can also enhance the sweetness in your food, which means less need for sugar or other sweeteners. So why not add some zazzle to your food with some cinnamon?

Ideas for meals, snacks & sips! 

In oatmeal: Honestly, I don't know how anyone can eat oatmeal without a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's a must, oat lovers! Wanna try a new b-fast grain? Cinnamon-spiked quinoa all the way... 

In coffee: Don't just dump the stuff into your coffee cup... Add cinnamon to your coffee grounds before brewing your java! It’ll flavor up basic beans, saving you money on the flavored kind. 

Over fruit: I probably don't need to tell you that cinnamon is yummy over apple and banana slices, but have you tried it on fruit salad, pear slices, or halved peaches? Such a simple way to step up your fruit game! 

In creamy treats: Stir some into fat-free Greek yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, or light ricotta cheese... A little no-calorie sweetener is good in there too. And to take ordinary light vanilla ice cream to the next level, you know what to do: STC (shake that cinnamon)! 

In chili: Sounds crazy, I know, but I PROMISE it's worth trying. A little cinnamon brings out those rich chili flavors in a way that's too good to deny.

Hungry Girl recipes! 

Bacon Cinnamon Rolls - You already know to add cinnamon to sweet rolls... but give those cinnamon rolls a savory spin with smoky bacon! 

Mexican Hot Cocoa - Cinnamon-infused hot chocolate is mind-meltingly fantastic. Try it, but don't say I didn't warn you. 

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie - This blended drink is so refreshing... Only 163 calories, plus 10 grams of protein!

Savory Cranberry & Cheese Bites - Why should sweets have all the cinna-licious fun? These cheesy snacks aren't complete until you sprinkle 'em with cinnamon.

I Can't Believe It's Not Sweet Potato Pie - Butternut squash and cinnamon... in a sweet potato swap? Yup!

If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen with my cinnamon, whipping up some apple pie tostadas. Mmmmm… 
 
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