Cinnamon is one of the world’s oldest known spices. 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 health and healing properties that come from the active components of the essential oils found in its bark. Cinnamon has extremely high antioxidant activity due to its numerous health benefits. In addition to being used as a medicine by other cultures since ancient times, health benefits can also come from its consumption, which can be listed below:
1. Lowers Cholesterol:
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.
In addition, cinnamon can significantly reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood), and total cholesterol.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels And Treats Type 2 Diabetes:
Several studies have shown improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control from taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per 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 present in cinnamon are believed to provide protection against heart disease.
Including a little cinnamon in the food helps those who suffer from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
4. Fight Cancer:
A study published by researchers at the US Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Additionally, the combination of calcium and fiber found in cinnamon can help remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells, thus preventing colon cancer.
5. Mouthwash And Cavities:
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat toothache and combat bad breath. Small pieces of cinnamon can be chewed or gargled with cinnamon water which 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 cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most of the chronic cough, cold and clear out the sinuses.
Cinnamon was also found to cure flu, influenza, sore throats, and congestion.
7. Brain Tonic:
Cinnamon increases 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 on both external and internal infections. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers, and head lice.
9. Facilitates menstrual cycles:
Cinnamon has also been found to be helpful for women’s health, helping to relieve menstrual cramps and other feminine discomforts.
10. Birth control:
Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after childbirth delays menstruation and therefore helps to avoid conception.
11. Breastfeeding:
Cinnamon is also believed to help in the secretion of breast milk.
12. Reduce Arthritis Pain:
Cinnamon spice contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may 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, they had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and were able to walk without pain within a month.
13. Digestive Tonic:
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from 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 gases 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 in nature and helps 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 buildup of blood platelets.
16. Natural Food Preserver:
When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
17. Headaches and migraine:
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 to remove impurities from the blood. Therefore, it is often recommended for pimples.
Also external application of cinnamon powder paste with a few drops of fresh lemon juice on pimples and blackheads would give a beneficial result.
19. Thins the blood and improves blood circulation:
Cinnamon is a blood-thinning agent that also works to increase circulation. This blood circulation significantly helps to eliminate pain. Good blood circulation also ensures the supply of oxygen to the cells of the body, which leads to increased metabolic activity. 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 tissues in the body.
21. Muscle And Joint Pain Relief:
Those who eat cinnamon regularly often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, are reduced or even eliminated.
22. Immune system:
Honey and cinnamon paste is good for boosting the immune system, eliminating regular fatigue and increasing the longevity of an individual. It is also known to have anti-aging properties.
23. Itching:
Honey and 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. Thus, 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 keep a little bit of cinnamon. Sprinkle it in your tea or coffee, over oatmeal or a sweet potato and it 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.]
