Combining cloves and cinnamon in a daily drink not only offers a delightfully spicy and warming flavor but also delivers a host of health benefits. This powerful duo is known for its medicinal properties, making cloves and cinnamon water a simple yet effective addition to your daily routine. Here’s what happens to your body when you drink this potent infusion daily.
Benefits of Cloves and Cinnamon Water
1. Enhanced Digestive Health
- Cloves are known for their ability to increase gastric secretions and reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal distress such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
- Cinnamon can help manage symptoms of IBS, particularly bloating and discomfort, by relaxing the digestive tract.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
- Both cloves and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which combat inflammation in the body. Regular consumption can help reduce chronic inflammation, lowering the risk of diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
3. Improved Blood Sugar Control
- Cinnamon is particularly celebrated for its effect on blood sugar levels. It can mimic the effects of insulin and increase glucose transport into cells, helping to manage blood sugar levels.
- Including this drink in your diet can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
4. Boosts Immune System
- Cloves contain high levels of antioxidants, which are crucial for strengthening the immune system against infections.
- Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that can help fend off pathogens and aid in immune defense.
5. Supports Heart Health
- The compounds in cinnamon can help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while maintaining HDL (good) cholesterol.
- The eugenol in cloves is known for its heart-protective properties, such as improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease.
How to Prepare Cloves and Cinnamon Water
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 stick of cinnamon or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 liter of water
Instructions:
- Boil Water: Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add Ingredients: Add the cloves and cinnamon to the boiling water. If using a cinnamon stick, break it into smaller pieces to release more flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the water fully.
- Strain: Strain the mixture to remove the cloves and cinnamon pieces.
- Serve: Enjoy the infusion warm, or allow it to cool and drink it as a refreshing cold beverage.
Recommended Daily Intake
- Drink a glass (about 200-250 ml) of cloves and cinnamon water every morning on an empty stomach for the best results. You can also enjoy it throughout the day as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
Precautions
While cloves and cinnamon water is generally safe for daily consumption, it’s important to consider individual tolerance, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems. Also, because cinnamon can lower blood sugar, people taking diabetes medications should monitor their blood sugar levels to prevent them from going too low. Always consult a healthcare provider if unsure about introducing a new supplement to your diet.
This cloves and cinnamon water is a simple, natural way to boost your health and add a spicy kick to your hydration habits!