The spice comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree in the Cinnamomum family. It used to be more valuable than gold. This spice has a pleasant taste and warm smell that has made it popular in cooking, especially baking and curry. It has been the most commonly used medicinal spice since ancient times.
The cinnamon nutrient profile contains 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. 4 grams of fiber and an adequate amount of calcium. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin K as well as some antioxidants. Cinnamon is a delicious spice and modern science has now confirmed what people instinctively have. known for a long time. Here are ten cinnamon health benefits backed by scientific research.
Antibacterial, Antiviral, And Antifungal Properties
Cinnamaldehyde, the main active ingredient in cinnamon, can help fight various types of infections. Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil found in the bark that has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It inhibits certain bacteria such as salmonella and also fights respiratory infections caused by fungi.
Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which has been shown to damage cells and contribute to almost all chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants such as choline, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, etc. Cinnamon is very powerful as it acts as a natural food preservative.
Reduces Inflammation
Cinnamon fights infection and repairs damaged tissue. The cinnamaldehyde contains helps reduce swelling and prevents blood platelets from clumping together. It is useful in acute and chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. Cinnamon also improves circulation and promotes blood flow to the joints where blood circulates.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin is an important hormone in controlling your blood sugar levels and regulating your metabolism.
Daily consumption of cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It delays the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, allowing less glucose to enter the system.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamate, which can decrease the enzyme activity that produces cholesterol, thereby reducing the number of fatty acids in the blood. Helps reduce bad cholesterol in your body, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Some evidence suggests that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with short-term lowering of blood pressure. It also helps lower cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of heart problems.
Protection Against Cancer
Cinnamon has anti-cancer properties. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevents the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Daily consumption of cinnamon provides a protective effect against cancer, especially colon cancer.
Fight Acne
Cinnamon is better for skin health. Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria. To make an acne mask, combine 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to form a paste. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes. then wash off.
Skin Softening
Cinnamon keeps skin glowing and smooth. As the skin ages, the skin loses its elasticity due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to become dull. Many lotions can provide this protein to help restore natural elasticity, but the cinnamon extract is best.
Reduces symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease Cinnamon is a neuroprotectant that helps neurons and improves motor function. Compounds found in cinnamon inhibit the growth of a protein called tau in the brain, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Real Cinnamon
Cinnamon originally comes from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree and is known as real cinnamon. now. In modern times, the most popular variety is Cassia cinnamon, which is grown in large quantities for mass production. This is a Chinese variety and has since been cultivated in several geographical areas.
For this reason, you’re more likely to find cassia cinnamon in a store or supermarket. Ceylon cinnamon is the original variety, it is found and grown in Sri Lanka and has a lower cinnamic aldehyde content, making it very desirable for desserts with a slightly milder flavor. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is much more expensive and harder to come by. The main benefit of Ceylon over cassia is that Ceylon contains very low levels of coumarin. Coumarin is a plant compound and can be toxic to humans, but Ceylon has levels nearly 250 times lower. So while both can enjoy the benefits of cinnamon, Ceylon is preferable.
May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Cinnamon is high in powerful antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative damage that can lead to cancer.3 Studies, for example, have shown that cinnamon acts as a powerful antioxidant in the cells of the human colon, reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Therapeutic Benefits
Naturopaths also ascribe numerous therapeutic properties to cinnamon, especially Ceylon cinnamon.
Cinnamon is believed to treat the following conditions:
However, it is important to note that the amount of cinnamon needed as a repellent is unknown and everyone’s response to it is different. Heal your health condition. You must continue to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Most studies on cinnamon used large amounts of cinnamon as a supplement. This practice may not be safe for everyone, and taking large doses can be problematic. But simply adding cinnamon to foods like toast, yogurt, and tea is a great way to add flavor, micronutrients, and antioxidants to your diet.
One of the most popular baking spices, cinnamon is used in classic cinnamon rolls and cakes, as well as breakfast dishes like French toast and oatmeal. It’s also used in many savory dishes like Middle Eastern-inspired chicken and lamb. Often paired with fruits like apples, pears, and oranges for baking, cinnamon is used in health drinks like cinnamon tea and golden turmeric milk for its tangy-sweet flavor.
Consult a Registered Dietitian for tips on adding more cinnamon to your diet. Do not take it if you are allergic to it.
Other Benefits Of Cinnamon
- Relieves digestive problems
- Helps to manage polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) symptoms
- Improves eye health
- Help to reduce or manage HIV symptoms
- Induce weight loss
