10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Introduction

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas and a lot of gifts can make the evening best. Though there are cakes and pastries, these tasty rolls can be a delight. However, this aromatic spice is a superfood used in various dishes and has also been known for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.

The spice comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree from the Cinnamomum family. Once upon a time, it was more valuable than gold. This spice has a pleasant flavor and warm smell that has made it popular in cooking, particularly in baking and curries. It is the most popular medicinal spice used since ancient times.

The nutritional profile of Cinnamon one tablespoon of grounded cinnamon contains 1.4 grams of fiber and enough amount of calcium. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin K, and some antioxidants. 

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a delicious spice, and modern science has now confirmed what people have instinctively known for ages. Here are ten health benefits of cinnamon that are supported by scientific research.

1. Acts as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal  

Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection. Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil present in the bark displays anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It inhibits certain bacteria like salmonella and also controls respiratory infections caused by fungi. 

Did you know that it’s a natural coagulant that can prevent bleeding? Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has been found to have anticoagulant properties.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

2. Loaded with antioxidants

Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress that has been proven to damage cells and contribute to nearly every chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants such as choline, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, etc. Cinnamon is so powerful that it acts as a natural food preservative.

3. Reduces inflammation 

Cinnamon fights against the infection and repair damaged tissue. Cinnamaldehyde present in it helps to reduce the swelling and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. It is useful in acute as well as chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. Cinnamon also enhances blood circulation and pushes circulation to the joints where blood circulation is disturbed.

4. Manage type 2 diabetes 

Insulin is an important hormone to control your blood sugar levels and to regulate your metabolism. Daily consumption of cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, which results in a reduced amount of glucose entry in circulation. 

Drinking cinnamon tea after dinner might actually help reduce your blood sugar levels at night, leading to better metabolic health, avoiding the occurrence of metabolic diseases, and even supporting weight loss. The active compounds in cinnamon help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

5. Reduce the cholesterol levels

Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamate that may decrease enzyme activity that makes cholesterol, thus reducing the number of fatty acids in the blood. It helps to reduce bad cholesterol in your body which reduces the risk of heart diseases. 

6. Reduces blood pressure 

Some evidence suggests that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the cholesterol levels that help to reduce the risk of heart problems. 

7. Protective against cancer 

Cinnamon has anti-cancerous properties. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevents the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Daily consumption of cinnamon provides a protective action against cancer, particularly colon cancer. 

8. Combat acne 

Cinnamon is best for skin health. It helps to reduce the acne forming bacteria. To make an acne mask, combine three tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of ground cinnamon to form a paste. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash it off.  

9. Softening of the skin   

Cinnamon keeps your skin shiny and smooth. As skin ages, skin loses its elasticity due to the reduction of collagen and elastin that makes your skin dull. Many lotions may provide this protein to regain the natural elasticity, but the cinnamon extract is best. 

10. Reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease 

Cinnamon is a neuro-protective that helps neurons and improves motor function. Compounds found in cinnamon inhibit the growth of a protein named-tau in the brain-it is one of the trademarks of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Cinnamon isn’t just a tasty spice and it also may have incredible benefits for uterine health!! It contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help increase blood flow to the uterus. Additionally, cinnamaldehyde can stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for tissue regeneration.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

True Cinnamon

Originally, cinnamon came from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree and this is known as true cinnamon now. In modern times the more popular variety is Cassia cinnamon which is grown in larger numbers for mass production. This is a Chinese variety and has since been cultivated in multiple geographical areas. For this reason, you are more likely to come across Cassia cinnamon in a store or supermarket. 

Ceylon cinnamon is the original variety, found and grown in Sri Lanka and has a lower cinnamaldehyde content making it highly desirable for desserts with a slightly milder taste. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is much more expensive and harder to find. 

The main benefit of Ceylon over Cassia is that Ceylon contains very low amounts of coumarin. Coumarin is a plant compound and can be toxic to humans but Ceylon has almost 250 times lower levels of it. So while cinnamon benefits can be enjoyed by both, Ceylon is preferable.

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

Read more about: 10 Health Benefits of Giloy – The Ultimate Immunity Booster

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