What Does Drinking Tea with Cinnamon Do? Exploring Its Health Effects

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study published in Foods, cinnamon extract maintains significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties even after undergoing the digestive process. Drinking tea with cinnamon can offer a variety of potential health benefits, supported by research that has explored its effects on everything from metabolism to heart health.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health impacts of consuming tea with cinnamon, detailing its science-backed effects, including antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory action, and potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, heart health, and digestion. It also covers preparation methods and safety considerations for this popular beverage.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Cinnamon tea is loaded with polyphenols that combat free radical damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Action: The beverage has compounds that help ease chronic inflammation, which can lower the risk of heart disease and other conditions.
Blood Sugar Regulation: It can increase insulin sensitivity and slow carbohydrate breakdown, helping to manage blood sugar levels.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Cinnamon tea may improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, lowering bad cholesterol, and increasing good cholesterol.
Digestive Aid: Its natural properties can stimulate digestive enzymes, helping to alleviate bloating and indigestion.
Weight Management Support: The tea may aid in weight control by boosting metabolism and helping to regulate blood sugar and cravings.
Type Matters: Be aware of the difference between high-coumarin Cassia and low-coumarin Ceylon cinnamon, especially for regular, long-term consumption.

Cinnamon is a versatile spice that comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree and has been used for thousands of years in both cooking and traditional medicine. When brewed into a tea, its pleasant aroma and flavor are accompanied by a number of bioactive compounds that can influence your health. This comprehensive guide will delve into what happens in your body when you regularly enjoy this warming beverage.

The Power of Polyphenols and Antioxidants

Cinnamon is exceptionally rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. This protective effect is crucial for overall wellness, as oxidative stress from free radicals is linked to a number of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. In fact, research has shown cinnamon to have one of the highest antioxidant activities among common spices.

Protects cells from damage: The antioxidants in cinnamon tea, like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, help neutralize free radicals, safeguarding cellular health.
Boosts the body's natural defenses: Regular consumption can increase the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the body, enhancing its ability to combat free radical damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects for a Healthier Body

Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to many health issues, and compounds in cinnamon have been shown to help combat it. A review of various studies noted cinnamon’s ability to reduce markers of inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. This effect makes cinnamon tea a soothing and beneficial drink, especially for those with inflammatory conditions.

Eases chronic conditions: The anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief for symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Protects against internal damage: By reducing inflammation, cinnamon helps protect against the internal damage associated with issues like heart disease.

Impact on Blood Sugar and Insulin

One of the most widely studied effects of drinking tea with cinnamon is its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Multiple studies suggest that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar.

Increases insulin sensitivity: Cinnamon may help cells respond more effectively to insulin, the hormone responsible for shuttling sugar into cells.
Slows carb breakdown: It can interfere with digestive enzymes, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates and preventing blood sugar spikes after meals.

It is important to distinguish between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon, the most common variety, contains higher levels of a compound called coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses. Ceylon cinnamon has much lower coumarin levels and is considered safer for regular, long-term consumption. Most of the studies demonstrating blood sugar benefits, however, were performed using Cassia cinnamon.

Comparison of Cassia vs. Ceylon Cinnamon


Feature	Cassia Cinnamon	Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon)
Origin	China, Vietnam, Indonesia	Sri Lanka, Southern India
Appearance	Thick, dark reddish-brown sticks, hard texture
Flavor	Strong, intense, and spicy due to high cinnamaldehyde content	Mild, delicate, and slightly sweet
Coumarin Content	High (potentially toxic in large amounts)	Very low (safe for regular consumption)
Health Effects	Studies show moderate benefits for blood sugar, but with coumarin risk	Fewer definitive studies on blood sugar effects, but safer

Supporting Cardiovascular Health

Beyond blood sugar, cinnamon also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. It contains heart-healthy compounds that may reduce several risk factors for heart disease.

Lowers cholesterol: Some studies show that consuming cinnamon can lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, while potentially increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
Reduces blood pressure: Consistent intake over time has been linked to a reduction in blood pressure.
Prevents blood clots: The spice contains compounds that have shown anti-clotting effects, helping to prevent blood vessels from narrowing.

Digestive and Weight Management Support

For centuries, cinnamon has been used as a digestive aid. The tea's natural properties can help soothe the digestive system and promote better function. While not a miracle cure, incorporating cinnamon tea into a healthy diet may also play a role in weight management.

Eases discomfort: Drinking cinnamon tea can reduce bloating, gas, and stomach upset by stimulating digestive enzymes.
Boosts metabolism: Some evidence suggests cinnamon may help boost metabolic rate, which aids in burning calories more efficiently.
Regulates cravings: Its ability to help stabilize blood sugar can also assist in controlling food cravings.

Conclusion

Drinking tea with cinnamon is a simple yet effective way to harness the spice's potent properties. Its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profiles offer wide-ranging benefits, from protecting cells and easing chronic conditions to supporting heart health and digestion. While research has shown promising results for blood sugar regulation, particularly with Cassia cinnamon, it's crucial to be mindful of coumarin levels, opting for Ceylon cinnamon for long-term daily use. As part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, a cup of cinnamon tea can be a flavorful and health-promoting addition to your daily routine.

For more detailed research on the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon, you can explore the study Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) Bark Extract after In Vitro Digestion Simulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you drink Ceylon cinnamon tea every day, you can benefit from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties without significant risk. If you use Cassia cinnamon daily, be mindful of the coumarin content, which can cause liver damage in large amounts over time.

Cinnamon tea may support weight management, including a reduction in fat mass, by boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar and cravings. However, it is not a weight loss cure on its own and requires a healthy diet and exercise for best results.

Drinking Ceylon cinnamon tea nightly is generally safe for most people. The calming properties can help with relaxation. If using Cassia cinnamon, limit the intake to avoid excessive coumarin consumption.

For regular, long-term consumption, Ceylon cinnamon (often called "true cinnamon") is the safest choice due to its very low coumarin content. While Cassia cinnamon is more common and often used in studies, its high coumarin levels pose a risk with frequent, high-dose intake.

You can make cinnamon tea by simmering a cinnamon stick in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. For added flavor and benefits, you can also add ginger, lemon, or a small amount of honey after it has cooled slightly.

Several studies suggest that consistent consumption of cinnamon may help lower blood pressure over time. This effect is linked to the spice's ability to help improve circulation and relax blood vessels.

Yes, some studies indicate that cinnamon can help alleviate painful menstrual cramps, reduce menstrual bleeding, and decrease nausea and vomiting during a woman's period. Its anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be responsible for this benefit.