Cinnamon tea: the infusion that warms my winter and cares for my health

If there is a drink that combines simplicity, aroma and a touch of warmth, it is cinnamon infusion. In the colder months, it has become my favorite choice to accompany a moment of rest. It is light, with a spicy touch that isn't overwhelming and, best of all, its natural sweetness makes it perfectly balanced.

I must tell you that I'm not an infusion person (I'm a coffee person), but this infusion has been a revelation: unlike other infusions, it doesn't have a very strong aroma, so I enjoy it comfortably and without issues but, moreover, I drink it on days when I feel bloated, and as if by magic my intestines deflate within minutes. Also, the comfort provided by a hot beverage you know is really pleasant, and it couldn't be easier to prepare!

Cinnamon infusion: Benefits, variations and an easy recipe

Benefits of cinnamon infusion

Cinnamon is much more than an aromatic spice. I personally add it often to my recipes because I love its flavor, but it possesses very beneficial properties that carry over to this infusion we discuss today in the easiest way —as an infusion, some of its main benefits include:

• Regulation of blood sugar levels: Studies suggest that cinnamon may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, making it interesting for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. And for me it helps me not be so hungry and avoid snacking between meals!
• Rich in antioxidants: It contains polyphenols that help fight free radicals, promoting cellular protection.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: As I mentioned, it can help reduce inflammation in the body and contribute to overall well-being. The reason I take it is mainly for intestinal inflammation after eating some foods that cause me bloating, but in other inflammatory processes it can contribute to a faster recovery.
• Antibacterial and antifungal effects: Regular consumption could help fight certain harmful microorganisms (although I won't get into medical topics, that's for other specialists).
• Support for digestion: Cinnamon can relieve digestive discomfort and promote a healthy gut.

It is important to mention that these benefits are associated with Ceylon cinnamon, known as "true cinnamon". Although any type of cinnamon can be used to prepare the infusion, if you plan to consume it frequently, it's better to choose the Ceylon variety, which has lower amounts of coumarin, a compound that in excess could be harmful.

Easy homemade cinnamon infusion recipe

In herbal shops and supermarkets, you can find Cinnamon Infusions, but I believe this is the most ridiculously easy recipe I've left on the blog, and I strongly recommend making it at home before buying it.

Preparing cinnamon infusion at home is very simple and requires nothing more than a couple of ingredients. Here is the basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cinnamon stick (better if it's Ceylon cinnamon)
• 1 cup of water (use the cup you'll drink the infusion from as your measuring cup)

Preparation:

1. In a small saucepan, place the water and the cinnamon stick. Cover the saucepan to prevent the water from evaporating*.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This time allows the cinnamon to release all its flavor and properties.
3. Remove from heat and let rest for about 5-10 minutes to intensify the flavor while it cools a bit.
4. Strain the liquid into a cup and enjoy hot.

Tips

• If you are looking for an even quicker method, you can boil the water separately, pour it over two cinnamon sticks in a cup and let it steep for 10 minutes.
• *Besides preventing evaporation, covering the saucepan helps retain heat better, heating the water much faster and saving energy and time. We always recommend using lids!

Variations of cinnamon infusion

One of the things I like most about cinnamon infusion is that it is very versatile. You can adapt it depending on your mood or preferences. Here are some ideas to give it a different touch:

1. Sweeter: Add a little honey, sugar or maple syrup to enhance its natural sweetness.
2. Creamy: Add a splash of whole milk, plant-based drink or cream for a smoother texture.
3. Spicier: Add a couple of cloves, a cardamom pod or a slice of fresh ginger to intensify the flavor.
4. Refreshing and citrusy: Add a few thin slices of orange or lemon while boiling the cinnamon.
5. With apple: add a few thin apple slices while boiling to impart its unique flavor (which pairs very well with cinnamon) and its sweetness.
6. With coffee or black tea: For a caffeinated version, add a bag of black tea or a touch of coffee to the infusion.
7. Cold: Prepare the infusion in advance and store it in the fridge. Serve it with ice for a refreshing version (in that case, I recommend serving it in the jarra Romantic Candy, it works great for adding ice and chilling it without diluting the infusion).

Although I usually drink the infusion as in the basic recipe (water and cinnamon), some of my favorite variations are: with apple (its sweetness and touch with cinnamon is delicious), with a bit of clove and a splash of oat milk, and with lemon and a little honey.

Enjoy the moment

For me, and without being a fan of infusions, cinnamon infusion is much more than a simple hot drink. It's a moment to pause, enjoy its aroma and comfort yourself with its warmth. Whether plain, with milk, spiced with a touch of clove or sweet, this drink always has something special to offer. I hope you are encouraged to prepare it and find your favorite version.

If you want to enjoy its benefits daily, remember to choose Ceylon cinnamon to ensure you get all its properties in the healthiest way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Cheers to every cup! And even though it's served in a cup, I can't help but add a toast to this discovery: cinnamon tea... Chin, chin!