Cinnamon is a heavenly spice that seems to add the missing piece to so many recipes. True cinnamon is called Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon), and originates from the island Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon). Ceylon cinnamon is harder to find in the US but is gaining popularity in Europe and South America.
It has a less strong, bitter taste than the cinnamon we are accustomed to in the US, which is Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia). Cinnamon has been used since 2000 BC, where it was held in very high regard for relieving arthritis, coughs, and sore throat. Let’s take a look at 10 reasons to include cinnamon in your diet.
1. Anti-clotting properties:
This potent spice contains a chemical called cinnamaldehyde (volatile oil) which has shown benefits for blood platelets. Blood clotting is essential when an injury is sustained, but it can affect blood flow if the platelets group together too much. Cinnamaldehyde helps prevent the excess clumping. It also inhibits the release of arachidonic acid from various platelet membranes, which is an inflammatory fatty acid that reduces the formation of the inflammatory messaging molecule known as thromboxane A2.
2. Anti-fungal properties:
The essential oils contained in cinnamon have antimicrobial properties and may stop various types of bacterial and fungal growths. A study from the International Journal of Food Microbiology showed that when cinnamon oil was added to carrot broth, it was able to stop the growth of foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties:
Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for serious diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and many types of cancers. The antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties, which means that they help fight disease and pain-causing inflammation.
4. Antioxidant rich:
Antioxidants are substances in foods that help fight disease-causing free radicals in the body. Cinnamon is packed with these substances, especially polyphenols, which is a class of antioxidants.
5. Blood sugar benefits:
One of cinnamon’s most impressive qualities is its ability to control blood sugar. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirmed that cinnamon sped up the emptying of the stomach, resulting in lower blood sugar after eating. Cinnamon has also shown benefits of persons with type 2 diabetes, by improving insulin response, therefore regulating blood sugar.
6. Brain function:
The sweet scent of cinnamon alone has shown the ability to boost brain function. A study led by Dr. P. Zoladz showed that when participants chewed cinnamon gun or simply smelled cinnamon, visual motor speed, virtual recognition memory, and overall cognitive functions were boosted.
7. Good source of calcium:
Cinnamon is an excellent source of calcium and dietary fiber. When calcium and fiber are combined, they bind with bile and remove it from the colon, promoting colon health. When bile is removed, the body must break down cholesterol to create new bile, which can lower levels of cholesterol in the blood. High cholesterol is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.
8. Helps with cold & flu and winter infections:
Cinnamon has a warming effect and helps the body release toxins through sweating. It stimulates blood flow and circulation and enhances perspiration. Cinnamon is also armed with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties and fights germs and pathogens that cause colds and flu. It is a key spice for cold and flu season.
9. May help fight cancer:
Cinnamaldehyde is a compound in cinnamon that gives the spice its distinctive flavor. This compound may help fight cancer. New research conducted at University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and the UA Cancer Center showed that the compound strengthened animals’ cells to protect against carcinogens through detoxification and repair.
10. Weight loss:
Cinnamon is a fat burning spice. It stabilizes blood sugar levels and increases the metabolism of glucose. Since high blood sugar levels can lead to increased storage of fat, cinnamon helps prevent this. Cinnamon improves insulin function, thus you lose weight.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Effect of Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Gastric Emptying, and Satiety in Healthy Subjects.” NCBI. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 23 Aug 2015.
2. “Cassia Cinnamon: MedlinePlus Supplements.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 23 Aug 2015.
3. “Antibacterial Activity of 11 Essential Oils against Bacillus Cereus in Tyndallized Carrot Broth.” NCBI. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 23 Aug 2015.
4. “Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes.” Diabetes Care. Diabetes Care, n.d. Web. 23 Aug 2015.
5. “College Researchers Discover Molecular Component of Cinnamon Prevents Colorectal Cancer in Mice.” The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. The University of Arizona, 8 June 2015. Web. 23 Aug 2015.
6. “Nrf2-Dependent Suppression of Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colon Carcinogenesis by the Cinnamon-Derived Dietary Factor Cinnamaldehyde.” Cancer Prevention Research. Cancer Prevention Research, 8 May 2015. Web. 23 Aug 2015.
