Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices in the world. The tree is native to Sri Lanka, where it was found thousands of years ago. It is the best spice available in terms of nutrition and health. It contains unique healing and healthy properties that come from the active components of essential oils found in its bark. Cinnamon has extremely high antioxidant activity so it has numerous health benefits. In addition to being used as a medicine by other cultures since ancient times, the health benefits can also come from eating it, which are listed below:
1. Lowers cholesterol:
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
Additionally, cinnamon can significantly lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood) and total cholesterol.
2. Lowers blood sugar levels and treats type 2 diabetes:
Several studies have shown better insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control from taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon a day. Improving insulin resistance can help control weight, as well as lower the risk of heart disease.
3. Heart disease:
Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system thus protecting the body from heart-related disorders. The calcium and fiber in cinnamon are believed to provide protection against heart disease.
Including a little cinnamon in food helps those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
4. Fight against cancer:
A study published by researchers from the US Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of cancer cells from leukemia and lymphoma.
Also, the combination of calcium and fiber found in cinnamon can help remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells and thus prevents colon cancer.
5. Tooth decay and mouth freshener:
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothaches and fight bad breath. You can chew small pieces of cinnamon or gargle with cinnamon water that serves as a good mouth freshener.
6. Cures respiratory problems:
Cinnamon is a very useful home remedy for common or severe colds. A person who suffers should take a tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon a day for 3 days. This process will cure chronic cough, cold, and clear sinuses.
Cinnamon also cures the flu, influenza, sore throat, and congestion.
7. Brain tonic:
Cinnamon stimulates brain activity and therefore acts as a good brain tonic. Helps eliminate nervous tension and memory loss.
Additionally, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon can improve cognitive function, memory, performance of certain tasks, and increases alertness and concentration.
8. Infections:
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antiseptic properties, it is effective in both external and internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers, and lice.
9. Facilitates menstruation cycles:
Cinnamon has also been found helpful for women’s health, as it helps relieve menstrual cramps and other female complaints.
10. Birth control:
Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after childbirth delays menstruation and thus helps prevent conception.
11. Breastfeeding:
Cinnamon is also believed to aid in the secretion of breast milk.
12. Reduces arthritis pain:
The cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
A study conducted at the University of Copenhagen, where patients were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with a tablespoon of honey every morning had significant relief from arthritis pain after one week and they were able to walk without pain within a month.
13. Digestive tonic:
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Besides adding flavor to food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and flatulence. It is very useful to eliminate gas from the stomach and intestines. It also eliminates heartburn, diarrhea, and morning sickness. It is often known as a digestive tonic.
14. Reduces urinary tract infections:
People who eat cinnamon regularly report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is diuretic by nature and aids in the secretion and discharge of urine.
15. Anticoagulant actions:
A compound found in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde has been well researched for its effects on blood platelets. [Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make the blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much]. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent the unwanted build-up of blood platelets.
16. Natural food preservative:
When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
17. Headaches and migraines:
Headache due to exposure to cold wind is easily cured by applying a fine paste of cinnamon powder mixed with water to the temples and forehead.
18. Pimples and blackheads:
Cinnamon helps remove impurities from the blood. Therefore, it is often recommended for pimples.
Also the external application of powdered cinnamon paste with a few drops of fresh lemon juice on pimples and pimples would give a beneficial result.
19. Blood thinning and improves blood circulation:
Cinnamon is a blood thinning agent that also works to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps significantly to eliminate pain. Good blood circulation also ensures the supply of oxygen to the cells of the body, which leads to increased metabolic activity. You significantly reduce the chance of having a heart attack by consuming cinnamon regularly.
20. Tissue toning:
There is considerable anecdotal evidence to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and contract body tissues.
21. Relief of muscle and joint pain:
Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.
22. Immune system:
Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system, eliminating regular fatigue, and increasing a person’s longevity. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.
23. Itching:
Honey cinnamon paste is often used to treat insect bites.
24. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium.
25. Healing: cinnamon helps stop bleeding. Therefore it facilitates the healing process.
In fact, cinnamon has several health benefits, as highlighted above, that can be used to improve health and boost the immune system. This is a great reason to have some cinnamon. Sprinkle it in your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or a sweet potato and this will do wonders for your health.
[However, there’s a word of warning to be taken that over dosage of cinnamon may be unwise. Also it is not recommended for pregnant women.
Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without consulting your doctor.]