Of all the spices that grace our homes, and are readily available in the market, Cinnamon is probably the oldest of the bunch. Popular for its distinctly sweet taste and convenient use in recipes, it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years around the globe. It is not surprising to learn why.
Cinnamon has been ranked No 1 out of 26 among herbs and spices in the world, pertaining to its potent antioxidant levels. Apart from that, it also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic properties.
Suffice to say Cinnamon is good for your health and should be a significant part of your diet.
Where Does Cinnamon Come from?
Cinnamon is made from the oily part of a particular tree it grows from. Most of its health benefits come from the bark of the Cinnamonum Verum tree. The bark contains special health-promoting compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate.
As of 2019, nearly 250 variants of Cinnamon have been identified so far, with the two most popular variants being Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon is also known as true or real Cinnamon, whereas cassia is the most widely used Cinnamon.
As we discussed, Cinnamon has many notable health benefits. Its fiber and manganese-rich nutrition profile can serve in improving heart conditions, cutting the risk of diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
1) Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Starting off on the long list of Cinnamon’s health benefits is its ability to help improve a bad heart condition successfully. Cinnamon, in many studies, has shown significant results in reducing the risk of heart conditions, including lowering high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure.
Cinnamon also helps the body in the formation of blood clots, which help prevent excessive bleeding. It has also shown great promise in increasing blood circulation and repairing damaged tissues, thus helping reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes.
2) Improve Insulin Levels, Fights Diabetes
There have been several conclusive studies concerning Cinnamon and its role in fighting diabetes. Even half a teaspoon of this condiment can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. It helps block several digestive enzymes to slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. This is why it is the most effective spice in combatting Type-2 diabetes.
3) Helps with Inflammation
As we mentioned before, Cinnamon is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants. Studies have found various flavonoids in Cinnamon, that all work in fighting dangerous inflammation levels throughout the body. It can lower the risk of heart diseases, cancer, and more.
As it lowers inflammation in the body, it also becomes an effective remedy in pain management. It reduces muscle soreness, decreases menstrual pain, and also decimates the effects of age-related pain in elderly adults.
5) Improve Brain Function
Cinnamon’s antioxidant-rich properties have versatile, positive effects on the entire human body that also includes the brain. Research proves that it can help improve brain function and reduce the risk of ever developing neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Studies also suggest that Cinnamon protects neurons from oxidative stress to decrease the chances of inflammation and cell damage. Hence, successfully improving brain function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
6) Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Cinnamon’s antioxidant properties can be useful in preventing cell damage, cell mutation, DNA damage, and cancerous tumor growth. It is now being prepped and studied as being a natural fighter of cancer in the body.
We have already talked about an active Cinnamon compound called cinnamaldehyde. Studies have shown that cinnamaldehyde can inhibit tumor growth, prevent DNA damage, and also kill off cancer cells. It may very well be declared a useful contender in fighting cancer in the future.
7) Prevents Infections
Apart from being a potent antioxidant, Cinnamon also carries with it strong antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial properties that help fight stubborn infections. Cinnamon, in its essential oil form, also contains potent immune-boosting compounds that flush harmful free radicals from our body.
Cinnamon can naturally fight harmful infections, whether it is bacterial or fungal. Cinnamon oil, in particular, is a potent remedy against bacterial infections like pneumonia, strep throat, etc. It also helps stop the growth of candida in the digestive tract, which, if left untreated, can result in aggravated digestive and autoimmune issues.
8) Skin Health
As we talk about Cinnamon’s effects on chronic body issues, many remain unaware of its ability to promote skin health. We have mentioned the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of this spice. They help prevent infection of the skin. A pinch of Cinnamon every day with tea or honey can drastically improve the condition of your skin. It can prevent skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and other skin allergies from developing. It also helps reduce rashes and redness of the skin due to sun exposure.
9) Reduces Allergy Symptoms
Studies have shown how effective Cinnamon can be in fighting inflammation and infections caused by bacteria, fungus, and viruses. This makes it a very potent remedy in fighting many common allergy symptoms and improves the condition of life.
10) Helps Hair
Cinnamon is an effective spice when it comes to improving the blood circulation of a body. This improved flow is responsible for making the hair stronger and appears smooth and shinier. The improved blood flow enables the hair to get ample amounts of nutrients and oxygen, enough for it to grow stronger and healthier.
Cinnamon in a Nutshell
Cinnamon is a hidden gem in your kitchen cabinet, as you use it without knowing its gift to the human body. From promoting good cardiovascular health to its promise in becoming a prominent supplement in fighting cancer, its benefits are endless.
There are many ways to include Cinnamon in your diet, and it is an easy ingredient for many of our usual recipes. When it comes to shopping for this condiment, try to buy organic Ceylon powder, as Ceylon is more potent than its counterparts.
Cinnamon can be infused into drinks like tea and milk. It can also act as a natural sweetener to replace the unsavory refined sugar used popularly in the kitchen. Its high time it makes a comeback into our life, not only as the delicious spice in our food but also as an essential dietary option that can help improve our lives.