Are There Calories in Cinnamon?

There are an insignificant amount of calories in cinnamon. The spice typically contains anywhere from 17 to 19 calories per serving. Cinnamon is considered to be conducive for weight loss, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. There are some foods that cinnamon is used in that contain a high amount of calories, however, such as sweet rolls.

Cinnamon is one of the more widely used spices. It is usually added to foods that are sweet or high in carbohydrates. Most do not have to worry about the amount of calories in cinnamon, but the number of calories that are in the foods it might be added to. Some studies show that cinnamon can help the body burn calories efficiently by regulating blood sugar levels.

The amount of calories in cinnamon per serving is typically around 18, with a normal serving size of 1 tablespoon (Tb). The fat content of cinnamon is very low, at less than 1 gram (g). While the majority of its fat composition is saturated, cinnamon does contain a healthy percentage of unsaturated fats. Most of the calories in cinnamon come from carbohydrates.

Cinnamon has several nutritional benefits, besides being naturally low in calories. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can be helpful for those with type 2 diabetes. Those who are sensitive to spikes in blood sugar that can come from consuming a high amount of carbohydrates will find that a touch of cinnamon can help reverse those effects. Regulating the body's insulin response to foods can help metabolize the food more efficiently and reduce further sugar cravings.

Since the amount of calories in cinnamon is low, it can be used to add flavor to more bland foods, such as plain oatmeal. The spice is also known to help preserve food, making it a natural additive that can prevent rapid deterioration. Some find that eating foods with cinnamon keeps their low-density cholesterol levels in check. The spice also has been shown to have some anti-carcinogen effects in leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

A serving of cinnamon contains a trace amount of vitamins and antioxidants. There is also a small amount of protein contained in a serving of cinnamon. The majority of the spice's carbohydrate count is made up of fiber, which means that the carbohydrates are complex in nature and help lead to a "full" feeling. This can prevent overeating, which is why cinnamon can be a good natural supplement and food garnish for someone who is trying to lose weight.