From Anti inflammation to Antioxidant: Here Are 5 Impressive Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is so much more than a spice, it has many other health benefits that you don’t know.

Cinnamon has been used as a medicine in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. It is now the second most popular spice known for its aromatic and mystery smell, making it popular in cooking. Lots of researches has proven that this aromatic tree bark could be more valuable than gold, especially when it comes to health benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Due to its high quantities of cinnamaldehyde (a compound that boosts metabolism and improves concentration), cinnamon can also improve physical and mental capabilities, and can stimulate fat burnings to help with weight loss. However, research on cinnamon is still ongoing.

Nutrition

You may not have ever thought about the nutritional content of cinnamon because we normally eat only a small amount of cinnamon. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon weighing 3g provides:

• energy: 7 calories

• carbohydrates: 2.1 g

• calcium: 26.1 milligrams (mg)

• protein: 0.1 g

• magnesium: 1.56 mg

• phosphorus: 1.66 mg

• potassium: 11.2 mg

• fiber: 1.6 g

Types of Cinnamon

Many don’t know that there are actually two kinds of cinnamon. - the regular kind of cinnamon we find at the store, and Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka, which is known as 'true' cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is very expensive, so most foods in the U.S. — including sticky buns and breads — contain the cheaper cassia cinnamon.

5 Health Claims of Cinnamon

1.Help Manage type 2 Diabetes

Though there is no cure for diabetes, many research pointing to the health benefits of cinnamon is linked to type 2 diabetes. It can help manage this condition through two different ways, which are reducing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity. Its compounds can act on cells by mimicking insulin, thus greatly improves glucose uptake by your cells. Shane Ellison, MS, a medicinal chemist claims that “It’s even shown to work better than most prescription meds.”

2.Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection. Cinnamon oil has been found to effectively against respiratory tract infections caused by a type of fungi. It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella.

3.Loaded with Antioxidants

Surprisingly, cinnamon’s antioxidant capabilities are superior to that of many well-known superfoods like garlic and oregano! Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation, reducing risk of cancer and other diseases.

4.Freshen Breath

Cinnamaldehyde comes into play again, killing that pesky oral bacteria. To achieve fresher breath, chew your cinnamon gum or make your own mouthwash by boiling 5 cinnamon sticks in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes, then use it as you would a regular mouthwash!

5.May Cut the Risk of Heart Disease

Cinnamon has been linked with reduced risk of heart disease, the world’s most common cause of premature death. In an animal study, cinnamon has been shown to lower blood pressure. Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system.

How Much Cinnamon Per Day Can We Take?

Like many other food or herb, there are side effects and toxicities of cinnamon. For example, high doses of cinnamon can be toxic to the liver. Cinnamon, be it in the form of cinnamon tea or cinnamon powder or as a raw spice, has to be taken in the required levels.

The recommended dosage of cinnamon powder is - a maximum of 1.2 tsp per day for 5 days. Remember you should mix Cinnamon powder in food. Just swallowing it is corrosive on your stomach.

Ceylon cinnamon black tea is the favorite method for most of us to take cinnamon. About 1 cup of Cinnamon Black Tea in the morning is perfect.

Cinnamon tea is one of the easiest ways to consume cinnamon. You can boil a cinnamon stick to add to the cinnamon tea. 1/3rd inch of a 5gm cinnamon stick per day is recommended.