For those who are not familiar with Cinnamon, it comes from a plant that is native to Sri Lanka and South Asia. For many centuries, Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes and culinary uses all over the world.
Today, Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in America and other western countries due to its various health benefits for humans.
In all its powdered, stick, or ground form, Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that you can use in many ways.
The ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon as a spice and a medicine to treat infections, headaches, bleeding, and inflammation. The ancient Greeks used it to treat wounds, and the Romans used it to flavor wine.
1. Helps Preventing Alzheimer’s disease
Cinnamon is a spice that contains the chemical compound cinnamaldehyde.
It has been shown to have numerous health benefits, such as help in preventing Alzheimer’s disease as it reduces inflammation in the brain.
The content of Cinnamaldehyde and several other compounds provide Cinnamon its unique flavor and smell.
2. Lowers blood sugar and risk of type 2 diabetes
The use of Cinnamon to lower blood sugar levels has been studied more in recent years.
In a study published by Saudi scientists, researchers found that “cinnamonol” was responsible for lowering blood sugar and preventing type 2 diabetes.
3. May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
The antioxidants in Cinnamon could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering cholesterol levels.
Cinnamon has been used as a spice for over 2000 years. In recent years, researchers have found an antioxidant that can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A study by the American Heart Association found that people who consume Cinnamon in foods like oatmeal, applesauce, and yogurt had reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found when they added a one-quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon to desserts or main dishes, there was a significant decrease in cholesterol levels and increased blood sugar levels.
4. Maintains lower cholesterol levels
In a study conducted on mice by Dr. Dhar, researchers found that oral consumption of cinnamon powder reduces blood cholesterol levels and improves endothelial function.
Although this study was not conducted on humans, it provides evidence that Cinnamon may have similar effects.
5. May help manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms, including ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and acne. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Treatment may include medicine and lifestyle changes.
Cinnamon is an ingredient that naturally stimulates insulin production while regulating blood sugar levels. Hence may help treat PCOS symptoms like high blood sugar and high cholesterol because they typically occur alongside this disease.
Cinnamon also helps regulate insulin production for those not dealing with PCOS but who want to manage their weight or diabetes risk factors more effectively.
6. Improves gut health
Cinnamon has been used for centuries as a spice and in food. But, now, it’s also being used in the medical field.
A study found that eating Cinnamon can improve gut health by improving stomach acid levels, reducing blood glucose levels, and reducing inflammation.
7. Aid reduce inflammation
A study published in 2015 found that cinnamon extract caused a reduction in inflammatory markers IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1 in mice with inflammatory bowel disease.
The scientists concluded that cinnamon extract might be an essential treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation levels in clinical studies done on human subjects.
These studies specifically show reductions in IL-6 levels of up to 25% after only four weeks of daily consumption of 1g of ground cinnamon per day.
8. Relieves digestive discomfort
The spice has been found to have numerous health benefits, from easing the digestive discomfort of travelers to someone with chronic stomach issues.
9. Enhance insulin sensitivity
Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, according to a new study. Researchers from Sri Lanka gave rodents cinnamon doses of either 0.5, 1, or 2 grams per kilogram of body weight daily for 14 days. They found that those who consumed the most Cinnamon significantly reduced insulin resistance and improved their insulin sensitivity levels.
10. Promotes the healing of yeast infections
If you deal with fungal infections, Cinnamon would be a great addition to your medicine cabinet.
It has many of the same benefits as a traditional antibiotic but in smaller doses. It is also great for those that are sensitive to other medications.
11. May help prevent colon cancer
Cinnamon is a natural and safe way to ward off colon cancer, according to a new study.
The study found that daily consumption of Cinnamon can help prevent colon cancer cells from developing. It also showed that the extract of Cinnamon made cancer cells more sensitive to chemo drugs.
This study was conducted by the Institute for Integrative Medicine (IIM) at New York University and published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
12. May slow signs of aging
Studies show that the compound in Cinnamon that is responsible for its potent health-giving properties, called Cinnamaldehyde, can prevent oxidative damage to cells and may slow down the aging process.
Cinnamon may have several health benefits, including preventing the growth of bacteria and viruses, boosting brain function, and regulating blood sugar levels.
13. Holds anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties
Scientific research has shown that Cinnamon can inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The first reason to use Cinnamon is its antibacterial properties.
Cinnamon acts as an antimicrobial agent by destroying bacteria cells that can cause infection in humans or other animals.
Cinnamon’s essential oils contain Cinnamaldehyde, making Cinnamon toxic for microbes such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Cinnamon also contains various antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body, preventing bacterial infections.
14. May prevent neurological disorders
Cinnamon may prevent neurological disorders by protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
As the evidence mounts to show that Cinnamon may have a protective effect against neurological disorders, it is becoming apparent that this spice has the potential to become an essential natural treatment in the future.
