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NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
5 Delicious Cinnamon Drinks That Are Good For Diabetes Diet
Living with diabetes can be quite challenging as you have to frequently monitor your diet. Certain foods and drinks can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which can worsen your condition. Luckily, there are several foods in our kitchen pantry that can help prevent this. Spices, in particular, such as cinnamon (dalchini), are known to work wonders for managing diabetes. According to nutritionist Rupali Datta, cinnamon is enriched with flavonoids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for diabetics. Below, we'll be sharing five easy cinnamon-based drinks that you can incorporate into your diabetes diet. Take a look! How Does Cinnamon Help With Diabetes? Cinnamon may help manage diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that consuming cinnamon daily significantly reduced fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Also Read: 6 Reasons Why You Should Be Drinking Cinnamon Water Daily Here Are 5 Cinnamon-Based Drinks You Must Try To Manage Blood Sugar Level: 1. Cinnamon Water Cinnamon water is known to offer several health benefits, including managing blood sugar levels. It is super easy to make and can be a part of your daily diet. The best time to drink cinnamon water is on an empty stomach or 10-15 mins before any of your meals. Find the full recipe for Cinnamon Water here. 2. Cinnamon Ginger Tea Making cinnamon ginger tea at home is pretty simple. All you have to do is boil water with cinnamon powder. Switch off the flame, then add green tea to it. Close the lid and let it infuse for a few minutes. Strain and enjoy your hot cup of cinnamon ginger tea! Click here for the full recipe for Cinnamon Ginger Tea. 3. Cinnamon Milk If you're a fan of drinking milk, consider adding a bit of cinnamon to it next time. Along with adding a nice flavour to the milk, it will also help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Sip on it before going to bed, and you're sure to have a good night's sleep. Click here for the complete recipe for Cinnamon Milk. 4. Cinnamon Coffee Yes, you can enjoy cinnamon coffee as part of a diabetes-friendly diet. Just add a pinch of cinnamon powder to your coffee while brewing. This spice may help enhance insulin sensitivity and also balance the bitter flavour of caffeine. Give it a try! Find the full recipe for Cinnamon Coffee here. 5. Cinnamon Green Tea Another must-try cinnamon drink is cinnamon green tea. The combination of cinnamon and green tea may help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and support better blood sugar control. It's a light, soothing drink that fits perfectly into a diabetes-friendly routine. Click here for the complete recipe for Cinnamon Green Tea. Also Read:
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The healthiest dark chocolates to make your Valentine's Day even sweeter
Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, flowers and, of course, chocolate. But did you know that indulging in dark chocolate could actually be good for your heart? Yes, you read that correctly — dark chocolate is more than just a delicious treat; it has some sweet benefits for your cardiovascular health too. Before you start stockpiling candy bars, though, there's a bit more to the science than simply grabbing the darkest-looking chocolate on the shelf. As a registered dietitian, I know that not all dark chocolates are created equal, and I want to help break it down for you so you can grab the healthiest dark chocolate for your love (or yourself) before Valentine's Day arrives. Dark chocolate isn't just a decadent treat. It's a delicious source of nutrients and compounds that support heart health. "Dark chocolate has flavonoids, a type of antioxidant, which studies have correlated with heart health, improved blood flow, and potential for cancer prevention," says Amanda Goodman, a registered dietitian. When focusing on heart health, these flavonoids have been shown to deliver a host of cardiovascular benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure and enhanced function of blood vessels. For example, a 2015 review study from Harvard looking at the chocolate consumption habits of more than 20,000 people revealed that regularly consuming moderate amounts of chocolate is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Specifically, the findings, published in the journal Heart, showed that middle-aged and older adults who consumed up to 3.5 ounces (98.8 grams) of chocolate daily had lower rates of heart disease than those who refrained from eating this food. One reason this may be the case is that chocolate consumption may help improve blood flow in your arteries, making it easier for your heart to do its job. Additionally, flavonols (a subgroup of flavonoids) in dark chocolate help combat inflammation, an underlying cause of many cardiovascular problems. But there's more to dark chocolate's magic, especially when it comes to handling stress and heart health. A smaller published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed dark chocolate consumption may help reduce the cardiovascular strain induced by stress, making it easier for the body to stay calm under pressure. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, didn't produce these stress-busting benefits, further underscoring why dark chocolate reigns supreme for heart health. "Dark chocolate is also a source of magnesium," shared Samantha Turner, a registered dietitian and the owner of Forks and Grace. If you have low levels of magnesium you may be at greater risk for heart problems like irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure and strokes, while maintaining healthy levels of this mineral could play a key role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. But the health benefits linked to dark chocolate don't stop at heart health. Data published in BMJ in 2024 indicate that an increased consumption of dark, but not milk, chocolate was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. There's also evidence that dark chocolate helps reduce the inflammatory burden of chronic kidney disease and may help improve cognitive function and mood in older adults. However, the benefits of dark chocolate aren't automatic. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa and enjoying it in moderation is crucial to reaping the rewards. Overindulgence or opting for varieties overloaded with sugar could dampen its positive effects. And, of course, your overall diet should be balanced and rich in nutrient-dense foods in order to reap the most positive health benefits. The conclusion? Dark chocolate, in the right form and portion, is more than just a snack — it's a heart-helper and stress soother all rolled into one delicious package. When choosing dark chocolate, aim for bars that contain at least 70% cacao. Colleen Wysocki, a registered dietitian and the owner of ZEST Nutrition, advised that while the minimum should be 70%, consumers will get more of the antioxidants and fewer calories, saturated fat and sugar if they choose a cacao percentage of 85% or higher. But remember that some brands sneak in extra sugar or unhealthy fats to balance out the bitterness of high cocoa content (which, admittedly, can be an acquired taste). Be sure to check the label — if added sugar or questionable ingredients top the list, it might be time to swipe left. "Look for cacao as the first ingredient instead of sugar," says Wysocki. Some brands add sweetness by leaning on low- and no-calorie sweeteners, like stevia. These additions can help make dark chocolate taste a bit more sweet without the worry about too many added sugars. In fact, evidence from one small study indicates that among people with diabetes, consuming sugar-free dark chocolate bars sweetened with stevia, erythritol and inulin may result in better blood glucose control versus eating a conventional dark chocolate bar. That said, not everyone tolerates these sugar alternatives well, so if you prefer to steer clear of them, be sure to check the label before making a purchase. You may also want to consider choosing Fair Trade Certified chocolate if you prioritize supporting brands that ensure their workers are paid fairly and work under safe, ethical conditions. Fair Trade chocolates also promote sustainable farming practices that benefit communities and the environment. Finally, you may want to consider opting for organic chocolate. When a chocolate is certified organic, you know it's made from cacao and other ingredients grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The farming methods used in organic chocolate production prioritize soil health, biodiversity and sustainable practices, ensuring environmental and consumer benefits. Now, for the million-dollar question — how much dark chocolate can you actually eat to stay healthy? Moderation is key. Wysocki suggests sticking to about 1 ounce (one or two small squares) of dark chocolate per day to reap the cardiovascular benefits without loading up on calories and sugar. While it might be tempting to devour an entire bar, remember that dark chocolate, like all good things, is best enjoyed in moderation. Here are some ways to enjoy dark chocolate without "overdoing it": Pair with fresh fruit. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, oranges or cherries. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the rich flavor of the chocolate while adding vitamins and fiber. Choose pre-portioned options. Buy individually wrapped dark chocolate squares or pre-portioned bars. Use as a topping. Shave or grate a small amount of dark chocolate over yogurt, oatmeal or a smoothie bowl for a sweet touch without consuming a full bar. Make DIY trail mix. Combine a few dark chocolate chips with nuts, seeds and dried fruit for a balanced snack packed with protein, healthy fats and antioxidants. Enjoy mindfully. Take the time to savor each bite of dark chocolate. Eating slowly allows you to fully appreciate its flavor and helps prevent overeating. Now that you're armed with the science of dark chocolate's heart-healthy perks, it's time to put theory into practice. Don't just grab any old chocolate bar. This Valentine's Day (or any day, really), show your heart (and your taste buds) some love by choosing wisely. From rich, velvety options to ethically sourced delights, we've got the sweetest suggestions to make your chocolate choice as savvy as it is indulgent. Let's unwrap the best dark chocolates to keep your ticker happy and your sweet tooth satisfied. Amanda Goodman, MS, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian and owner of Amanda Goodman Nutrition Samantha Turner, MPH, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Forks and Grace Colleen Wysocki, MS, RDN, CLC, registered dietitian and owner of ZEST Nutrition Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
