Cinnamon is a very flavorful spice that has been revered for its medicinal value for thousands of years. Modern science has now confirmed what people have known for ages.
Here are 10 amazing benefits of cinnamon.
Cinnamon is Rich in Compounds with Powerful Medicinal Properties
Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of a tree scientifically known as Cinnamomum. It has been used throughout history as an ingredient, dating back to ancient Egypt. It was once rare and precious, considered a gift fit for kings. Today, cinnamon is inexpensive and can be found in every supermarket, used as an ingredient in various foods and recipes.
There are two main types of cinnamon:
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Ceylon Cinnamon: Also known as “true” cinnamon.
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Cassia Cinnamon: The more common variety today, often referred to simply as “cinnamon”.
Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of the cinnamon tree. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed. When dried, it forms curled strips known as cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground into cinnamon powder. The unique aroma and flavor of cinnamon are due to its oily components, particularly high in cinnamaldehyde. This compound is responsible for many of the powerful effects of cinnamon on health and metabolism.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Antioxidants protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon is undoubtedly a winner, even surpassing “superfoods” like garlic and oregano. In fact, the effects of cinnamon are so potent that it can be used as a natural food preservative.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon can help your body fight infections and repair tissue damage. Inflammation is very important. However, when inflammation is chronic and targets your body’s own tissues, it can become a problem. Cinnamon may be useful in this regard. Studies have shown that this spice and its antioxidants have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Cinnamon is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, which is the most common cause of premature death worldwide. In people with type 2 diabetes, taking 1 gram (about half a teaspoon) of cinnamon daily has been shown to be beneficial for blood markers.
It lowers total cholesterol, “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while keeping “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol stable. Cinnamon also increases levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Cinnamon can improve several key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin is one of the key hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It is also important for transporting blood sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. The problem is that many people are resistant to the effects of insulin. This is known as insulin resistance, a hallmark of serious conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that cinnamon can significantly reduce insulin resistance, helping this important hormone work effectively. By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels and Has Powerful Anti-Diabetic Effects
In addition to its beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar through several other mechanisms. Cinnamon is well-known for its blood sugar-lowering properties. First, cinnamon has been shown to reduce the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal. It does this by interfering with several digestive enzymes, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract. Second, a compound in cinnamon can act on cells by mimicking the effects of insulin.
Cinnamon has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels, with 1-6 grams (0.5-2 teaspoons) daily having effective anti-diabetic effects.
Beneficial for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of structure or function of brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are the two most common types. Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the accumulation of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Cinnamon helps protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels, and improve motor function.
May Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer is a serious disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. Overall, it suggests that cinnamon extracts may help prevent cancer. It works by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, and it appears to be toxic to cancer cells, leading to cell death.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can activate protective antioxidant responses in human colon cells, but whether cinnamon has any effects on living, breathing humans needs to be confirmed in controlled studies.
Helps Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Cinnamaldehyde is one of the main active components of cinnamon and may help combat various infections. Cinnamon oil has been shown to be effective in treating respiratory infections caused by fungi.
It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. However, so far, there is no evidence that cinnamon can reduce infections in other parts of the body. The antibacterial properties of cinnamon may also help prevent cavities and reduce bad breath.
May Help Fight HIV Virus
HIV is a virus that slowly destroys your immune system and can lead to AIDS if left untreated. Cinnamon extracted from the cassia variety is believed to help combat HIV-1, the most common strain of the HIV virus in humans.
Best to Use Ceylon (“True” Cinnamon)
Not all cinnamon is created equal. The cassia variety contains a large amount of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. All cinnamon should be beneficial to health, but due to the coumarin content, high doses of cinnamon may cause problems.
Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) is much better in this regard, with studies showing that its coumarin content is far lower than that of the cassia variety. Unfortunately, most of the cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cheaper cassia variety.
Difference Between Cinnamon and Cassia
Cinnamon refers to the dried bark extracted from the Cinnamomum tree, while Cassia refers to the bark extracted from other plants in the Lauraceae family. Cassia typically appears dark brown or blackish-brown, while cinnamon has a reddish-brown surface. Cassia is generally flatter and does not leave an oily mark when scratched with a fingernail, whereas cinnamon does leave an oily mark when scratched. The amount of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon is slightly higher than in cassia.
Conclusion
Ultimately, cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on Earth. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce risk factors for heart disease, and has many other impressive health benefits. If you are using the cassia variety, be sure to obtain Ceylon cinnamon or stick to small doses.