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, where it is commonly sold; it has found its way into everyone's home.
Aside from cinnamon being a staple during festive months, like in eggnog during the winter and pumpkin spice lattes, it has found its place in everyday uses.
But with cinnamon being part of many people's diets, how is it beneficial to our lives, and what types of uses does it provide? Cinnamon comes in many forms and types, including Cassia and Ceylon.
This article will explore cinnamon's health benefits, common uses, nutritional value, and associated risks.
Health Benefits
Here are 10 health benefits that you can get from using cinnamon:
1. Medicinal Properties
In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was considered a gift fit for kings, well-known for its medicinal properties. It was also affordable and widely available, leading to its use in early medicines.
Cinnamon contains a chemical component called cinnamaldehyde, which is used in medicine, offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
2. Antioxidants
The presence of chemicals like polyphenols makes cinnamon an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help counteract the deterioration of stored food products, and research suggests that they also reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Anti-Inflammatory
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation, especially when it becomes chronic. Therefore, cinnamon is a useful remedy to reduce inflammation in the stomach and other organs.
4. Decreases Risk of Heart Disease
Consuming cinnamon daily has shown promising results in reducing the risk of heart disease in diabetes patients by lowering cholesterol levels. This reduction helps stabilize cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Increases Sensitivity to Insulin
Insulin helps regulate metabolism and increases energy use by transporting blood sugar to cells. However, some individuals may experience insulin resistance, making the effects less effective.
Consuming cinnamon can help reduce insulin resistance, which lowers blood sugar levels and enhances insulin’s effectiveness.
6. Anti-Diabetic Effect
Cinnamon's ability to lower blood sugar levels can help support healthy blood sugar regulation. It mimics the effects of insulin, increasing glucose uptake and helping to maintain stable glucose levels. With just half to two teaspoons a day, you can benefit from cinnamon's long-term effects on blood sugar control.
7. Potential Beneficial Effect on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, involve the loss of brain cell structure. A study on mice with Parkinson's disease showed improvements in motor skills following cinnamon intake.
8. Fights Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Cinnamon has active components that create a protective barrier against respiratory tract infections and more. However, the effects of cinnamon have primarily been tested in test tubes and animal subjects, including rats.
Uses
Here are the top 5 everyday uses of cinnamon:
1. Oral Hygiene
Cinnamon tooth powder can help maintain good oral hygiene by reducing toothaches and preventing other oral health issues.
2. Antioxidant
Cinnamon extracts help maintain a healthy antioxidant activity, shown in studies to help reduce age-associated disorders and metabolic diseases.
3. Essential Oil
Cinnamon essential oil can be used to help reduce bad breath and strengthen teeth when applied topically.
4. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea has gained popularity, especially during the pandemic, as it helps alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.
5. Cinnamon Powder
Taking cinnamon and honey together can provide relief from conditions like the flu, cold, and even intestinal spasms.
Nutrition
Cinnamon is rich in several nutrients, including:
- Cinnamaldehyde, a bioactive compound in cinnamon.
- Macro and micro-nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, carbohydrates, calcium, and more.
- Anti-inflammatory elements.
- Anti-tumor properties.
- Cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Immunomodulatory effects.
- Antioxidant activity.
Risks
Excessive intake of cinnamon can lead to some risks, including:
· Low Blood Glucose Levels
As cinnamon stimulates insulin, consuming large amounts daily may cause a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, which can be harmful.
· Hepatotoxicity – Liver Impact
Coumarin, a compound in cinnamon, is known to be toxic in high amounts. Excessive cinnamon intake can negatively impact liver health.
· Allergies
If you have allergies to spices, it’s important to consult a physician before using cinnamon in home remedies. Always consume cinnamon after consulting a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a part of many cultural traditions worldwide, and its healing properties are highly valued in various communities. It's important to understand how this spice can impact your body, so take the time to learn more about its benefits.
For more information, visit our site at MeFirstLiving! Learn more about the benefits of cinnamon and how it can help heal your body.