It’s officially fall and that means a whole lot of quintessential fall spices, my favorite being cinnamon! If you’re looking for a sweet, naturally sugar-free beverage loaded with health benefits, try cinnamon water!

Boil 4 cups of water, pour into a mason jar, and add 4-6 cinnamon sticks (more for a sweeter flavor). Let sit, ideally overnight, then enjoy hot or cold!

Cinnamon has been used since 2000 BC to treat coughs, arthritis, and sore throats. Today, science shows us that cinnamon is:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-fungal/bacterial
• Packed with flavonoids and polyphenols
• One of the highest antioxidant-rich spices on the planet

Despite conflicting evidence that cinnamon may help manage type 2 diabetes, it does appear to slow how quickly the stomach empties after a meal. This means cinnamon may help balance blood sugar levels. For the greatest benefits, choose organic Ceylon cinnamon.

Word of caution: Cassia, and to a lesser degree Ceylon, cinnamon contain trace amounts of coumarin, a substance that can cause liver problems in high quantities. Amounts normally consumed in food, tea, etc. do not pose a risk, but it’s recommended to avoid consuming more than 6 grams (2 teaspoons) of ground cinnamon daily long-term.

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