Christmas spice cinnamon helps you lose weight by burning fat, research claims
The spice has already been linked to reducing the risk of diabetes and cutting cholesterol
CHRISTMAS spice cinnamon helps people lose weight by burning fat, research suggests.
Experiments showed its main ingredient cinnamaldehyde acts on cells called adipocytes.
Tests on volunteers found it increased the use of genes, enzymes and proteins which boost their metabolism.
Professor Jun Wu, of the Life Sciences Institute at Michigan University in the US, said: "Cinnamon has been part of our diets for thousands of years - and people generally enjoy it.
"So if it can help protect against obesity, too, it may offer an approach to metabolic health that is easier for patients to adhere to."
She said as it's already used widely in food it might be easier to convince patients to stick to a cinnamon-based treatment than to a traditional medicine.
But she warned against winter revellers loading their egg-nog or mulled wine with extra cinnamon to keep the Christmas pounds at bay.
Prof Wu said further studies are needed to determine how best to harness cinnamaldehyde's metabolic benefits - without causing adverse side effects.
The spice has already been linked to reducing the risk of diabetes, cutting cholesterol, relieving symptoms of Alzheimer's and staving off heart disease and cancer.
Cinnamaldehyde is the active compound in cinnamon - and is also responsible for the flavour that lifts dishes, mainly desserts.
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The household ingredient could also aid those with Parkinson's disease. Scientists said in 2014 the spice is the source of a chemical that can protect the brain.
Livers convert cinnamon into sodium benzoate - an approved drug used in the treatment for brain disorders.
In a study of mice the found it enters the brain, stops the loss of proteins, protects neurons and improves motor functions.