When you think of foods that are good for you, cinnamon never really springs to the fore of your mind. The spice is commonly used in winter dishes and drinks to add a little heat and flavor; however it’s also full of beneficial health giving properties.
Recent studies have shown that cinnamon has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and can be used to fight off everything from stomach ulcers to yeast infections. It is also full of cytokines, which are linked to the prevention of arthritic pain according to the Department of Internal medicine at the Kangnam Korean Hospital.
According to Natural Heal, Natural Medicine by Andrew Weil, cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and so can protect against the inflammation of the internal tissues and organs. This sort of inflammation has been renowned as the cause of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and stroke. Such problems are generally caused by poor diet choices, by fatty and processed foods right up there as the main causes. Cinnamon allays these issues and reduces the chance of these cardiovascular related illnesses.
One of the other big benefits of cinnamon seems to be in the area of diabetes. According to studies from the US Department of Agriculture in 2003, cinnamon reduced the blood sugar levels of all the diabetics given 1g of a cinnamon supplement per day over a 40 day period. There was also a notable decrease in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
Manganese, Fibre and Calcium
Cinnamon is also a very good source of a number of vitamins and minerals and is full of fibre, iron and manganese, as well as calcium. Calcium and fibre together are used by the body to remove bile, which can cause damage to the stomach and also is known to increase the incidence of cancer. Fibre also prevents constipation and encourages the smooth running of the bowel. There is also some research to show that it may even reduce the proliferation of cancer cells and so may play a large part in cancer drugs in the future, according to the University of Texas.
Menstrual Pain and Infertility
Cinnamon has been shown to help lower the main caused during mensuration and also is said to contain a number of natural chemicals. Cinnamon is full of cinnamaldehyde, which is shown to reduce progesterone and also testosterone in women. This in turn will help balance the level of hormones in the body and makes conception all the more likely.
Of course, just because cinnamon has a range of wonderful health benefits doesn’t mean you should eat It in large doses or eat fatty unhealthy foods with it as an ingredient. Cinnamon supplements or a small amount added to food will provide you with the benefits of this amazing spice.
This article was written by Cormac Reynolds who works for Regenerative Nutrition offers you the very best in food, including cinnamon supplements .
Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo