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Reaching Out to the Magic Ingredient #Cinnamon

I feel that dealing with any health condition can be perplexing for people, may it affect them in the shorter or longer run.


Case in point, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is yet another dilemma that hundreds of women across the globe are suffering from. It is estimated that it affects 5%-10% of women during their reproductive years. This leads to conditions such as hirsutism, long-term and short-term acne & scarring, weight gain, hair loss, infertility, menstrual irregularities, and lack of motivation to do anything since it affects your overall wellbeing.

The affected ones, with PCOS, are at higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, and uterine cancer - which again takes us to emphasize the importance of good nutrition as part of a PCOS management plan.


PCOS patients are often advised to consume a diet that is low in fat, predominantly plant-based, comprising of lean protein and heart-healthy fats. Saturated and trans-fats are not recommended - "junk food" - this category will include sugary foods, sugared cereals, candies, cakes, cookies, ice cream, salty and processed foods. We should consume carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index (GI). Whereas, good carbohydrate choices will include whole-grain and high-fiber foods (foods made from the entire grain seed - bran, germ, and endosperm).


Now let us, finally speak about the magic ingredient that we often look past in our very own kitchens - today we're all in praise of:


CINNAMON

Recently, there have been multiple studies that show evidence of insulin resistance in PCOS patients, even improving menstruation and fertility. The 'Cinnamomum Cassia's' - is the active component, most likely responsible for this biochemical therapy.



- Tips to include this almighty ingredient in your diet -


For PCOS, Ceylon cinnamon is preferred by health professionals, the other kind is the Chinese cinnamon (for general information purposes).


You can always begin your day with a morning cup of cinnamon tea, always amending it to your own taste, perhaps by adding some honey to it. I like that kinda tea.


DID YOU KNOW - Cinnamon can be added to both milk & black tea? But I would encourage you all to try it without sugar since it reduces the effectiveness of cinnamon. We anyways should consume the least amount of sugar, perhaps even cutting it out of our diet completely.


Cinnamon powder can be sprinkled on your yogurt, smoothies, shakes or even almond meals. It is a versatile spice that adds flavor to anything and everything, even to desserts. Seasoning your fruit salad is also a good way to incorporate this delicious spice to your daily diet. It's the perfect addition to any meal, beverage - hot or cold.


For all those seeking for tips to lose weight? Well, cinnamon can be a wonder for you guys too. Drinking a concoction of lemon, cinnamon, and honey in boiling water can help you lose weight and reduce the effects of PCOS, simultaneously. It is advisable to have this drink on an empty stomach in the morning.


This brings us to conclude our discussion about this magic ingredient, but lest we forget that PCOS, like many other medical disorders, can be managed with lifestyle modifications - weight loss, regular exercise, and a low GI diet), perhaps even naturally with cinnamon.


Lastly, I would like to ponder upon the fact that controlling and reducing stress levels is also essential for treating PCOS, since it regulates cortisol (let's call is the stress hormone) and endorphins (the happy hormone). We want more of the happy hormones in our body, which are often released after meditation, a good walk on the beach or even post-exercise. So take the initiative and live a healthier life for a better you <3 #BeingWell


References:


*All picture credits go to - www.pexels.com <3

 
 
 

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