Let us sink our teeth into a topic not frequently discussed
As I begin to mechanically transcribe today’s article, I am thinking of cinnamon buns. But, what are the health benefits of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries in many different cultures. It has a warm, sweet taste and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Cinnamon is also rumored to have many health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and boost brain function.
While more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits, there is some evidence to suggest that cinnamon may be beneficial for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
If you’re looking to add more cinnamon to your diet, consider using it in these healthy recipes:
Cinnamon Oatmeal: Start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal flavored with cinnamon and a touch of honey.
Cinnamon Chicken: Add a sweet and savory twist to your usual chicken recipe by adding cinnamon to the spice blend.
Cinnamon Apples: Enjoy this classic fall flavor by baking apples with cinnamon and a bit of sugar.
What are the different benefits of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is available in two main forms: ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks. Ground cinnamon is the most common form of spice and can be found in most supermarkets.
Cinnamon sticks, on the other hand, are pieces of bark from the cinnamon tree that have been rolled into long, thin sticks.
They have a stronger flavor than ground cinnamon and are often used to make cinnamon tea.
What are the advantages of cinnamon?
Cinnamon has a number of potential health advantages. Here are some of the key ways in which cinnamon may be useful:
1. Cinnamon May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon has been shown to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who took cinnamon capsules for 90 days had lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who didn’t take the supplement.
Cinnamon may also help improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy.
If you have insulin resistance, your cells don’t respond properly to insulin and sugar builds up in your bloodstream.
Cinnamon may help increase insulin sensitivity, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels.
2. Cinnamon May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injury or infection.
However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, the cinnamon extract was found to reduce inflammation in rats with arthritis.
3. Cinnamon May Boost Brain Function
Cinnamon has also been linked to improved brain function. One study showed that taking cinnamon capsules for four weeks improved memory and attention in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Cinnamon may also help protect the brain from damage. In a test-tube study, the cinnamon extract was found to reduce the buildup of harmful beta-amyloid plaques in cells.
These plaques are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Cinnamon May Have Antioxidant Properties
Cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants. These are nutrients that help protect cells from damage.
In one test-tube study, the cinnamon extract was found to scavenge harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
5. Cinnamon May Fight Bacteria and Fungi
Cinnamon has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties. This means it can help fight bacteria and fungi.
In one study, the cinnamon essential oil was found to kill Candida albicans, a type of fungus that can cause infections in the mouth, throat, and genitals.
Cinnamon extract has also been shown to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens like Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.
6. Cinnamon May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Cinnamon has been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who took cinnamon for 90 days had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and higher HDL (good) cholesterol levels than those who didn’t take the supplement.
Cinnamon may also help reduce triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
7. Cinnamon May Help relieve Menstrual Cramps
Cinnamon has been used as a traditional remedy for menstrual cramps. In one study, women who took cinnamon capsules for the first three days of their period had less pain than those who didn’t take the supplement.
8. Cinnamon May Help protect against Cancer
Cinnamon has also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. In one test-tube study, the cinnamon extract was found to kill cells from a type of liver cancer.
Cinnamon extract has also been shown to stop the growth of colon cancer cells and reduce the size of tumors in rats.
9. Cinnamon May Boost Immunity
Cinnamon has been traditionally used as a natural remedy to boost immunity. In one study, cinnamon extract was found to increase the activity of immune cells.
Cinnamon may also help fight viral infections. In one test-tube study, the cinnamon extract was found to inhibit the growth of the influenza virus.
10. Cinnamon May Improve Digestion
Cinnamon has also been used as a natural remedy to improve digestion. In one study, cinnamon was found to increase the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Cinnamon may also help relieve nausea and vomiting. In one study, women who took cinnamon capsules before surgery had less postoperative nausea and vomiting than those who didn’t take the supplement.
You see, there are so many health benefits to gain from adding LEGIT cinnamon to your diet. I personally use Ceylon cinnamon for it is more unadulterated by nature.
Why use Ceylon cinnamon for health benefits?
When buying cinnamon, make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon. This is the true cinnamon and is less likely to contain coumarin.
Cinnamon supplements are available in the form of capsules, powders, and oils. Look for supplements that are certified organic and free of additives.
Cinnamon can also be added to food. It can be used to flavor coffee, tea, smoothies, and baking recipes. Ceylon cinnamon sticks can also be used to make homemade cinnamon tea.
Cinnamon is generally safe when consumed in small amounts. However, taking large doses of cinnamon supplements may cause liver damage. If you have liver disease, avoid taking cinnamon supplements.
Cinnamon may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications.
Pregnant women should avoid taking large doses of cinnamon supplements. Cinnamon may stimulate contractions and lead to premature labor.
Hope you enjoyed today’s article about the health benefits of cinnamon. Feel free to leave a comment down below.