Cinnamon: 8 Health Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, Risks

Cinnamon is a beloved spice worldwide, from the days of trading hundreds of years ago to the modern day and age where they are being sold; it has found its way into everyone's home.

Aside from cinnamon being a staple in festive months, like in eggnogs in winters and pumpkin spice lattes, it has found its way around everyone's daily uses.

But, with cinnamon being in everyone's diet, how is it beneficial to our lives, and what kind of uses does it provide? Cinnamon comes in many forms and types, known as Cassia and Ceylon.

This article will look into cinnamon's benefits, uses, nutrition and risks.

Health Benefits

Here are 10 health benefits that you can get from using cinnamon.

1. Medicinal Properties

In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was given as a gift fit for kings. It was highly known for its medicinal properties. It was also quite affordable and abundant, leading it to be used in predated medicines.

Cinnamon contains a chemical component called cinnamaldehyde, which is used in medicine as well. It also provides you with anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Antioxidants

The presence of chemicals like Polyphenol makes cinnamon an antioxidant. Antioxidants are in high levels inside of cinnamon, which has increased its use in modern medicine. Antioxidants help counter the deterioration of stored food products, and research shows that it also reduces the risks of potential diseases.

3. Anti-Inflammatory

Since cinnamons are rich in antioxidants, they are helpful in reducing inflammation, especially when it becomes chronic. Therefore, cinnamon is a good remedy to reduce inflammation in the stomach and other organs.

4. Decreases Risk of Heart Disease

A certain quantity of cinnamon every day has shown promising results of reduced heart disease risk in diabetes patients by reducing the level of cholesterol. The chemical reduction helps stabilize cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

5. Increases Sensitivity to Insulin

Insulin is the hormone that helps in regulating metabolism and increasing energy use. It helps transport blood sugar to the cells in your body; however, people may find themselves ineffective in receiving the proper effects of insulin.

Therefore, insulin resistance is reduced with the intake of cinnamon, which further helps lower blood sugar levels and allows insulin to benefit the individual with its effect.

6. Anti-Diabetic Effect

The blood sugar level lowering the quality of cinnamon can help your diet affect your body in maintaining a stable routine. It helps regulate glucose and other properties, creating a pattern of healthy attributes.

The cinnamon properties mimic the effects of insulin. It increases the effect of insulin and glucose and increases glucose uptake effectively. With half to two teaspoons a day, you can aid your body with the benefits of cinnamon in the long run.

7. Potential of Beneficial Effect on Neurodegenerative Diseases

The loss of structure of the brain cells is a disease called Neurodegenerative disease. These diseases are commonly known as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. A study conducted on mice with Parkinson's showed the improvement of motor skills due to the intake of cinnamon.

8. Fights Bacterial and Fungal Infections

The active components show that cinnamon creates a protective layer against respiratory tract infections and more. Again, however, the effects of cinnamon have only been tested in tubes and animal subjects like rats.

Uses

Here are the top 5 uses of cinnamon in your everyday life:

1. Oral Hygiene

A tooth powder can help maintain good oral hygiene, reducing toothaches and other health problems.

2. Antioxidant

Extracts help maintain a healthy antioxidant activity shown in studies, helping reduce age-associated disorders and damage to metabolic diseases.

3. Essential Oil

A swab dipped in oils can help when applied to teeth, reducing bad breathing and strengthening the teeth.

4. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea and increased its uses in the current pandemic, helping aid in the form of tea to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19.

5. Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon and honey, when taken together, give relief from conditions like flu and cold or even intestinal spasms.

Nutrition

Cinnamon is rich in properties such as:

• Cinnamaldehyde, bioactive property in cinnamon.
• Macro and micro nutrients such as vitamin A and C, carbohydrate, calcium, and more.
• Anti-inflammatory elements.
• Anti-tumor properties
• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Immunomodulatory effects
• Antioxidant activity

Risks

Here are a few side effects and risks of intake exceeding amounts of cinnamon in daily use:

· Low Blood Glucose Levels

As cinnamon stimulates the effects of insulin, a higher dosage in daily consumption can lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels which can harm you in a bad effect.

· Hepatotoxicity – Liver Impact

Coumarin, a property contained in cinnamon, is known to be toxic, so an increased amount of cinnamon may badly impact your liver.

· Allergies

If you have prior allergies to spices, it is best to consult a physician before following online remedies. So only consume cinnamon after a thorough diagnosis by a medical professional.

Conclusion

Cinnamon is a part of many traditions and cultures worldwide, and all communities highly value its healing properties. Learning more about this spice and studying how it will impact your body is necessary.

You can also find information regarding this at our site, MeFirstLiving! Check it out and learn more about the benefits of cinnamon and how it is used to heal your body.

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