Everyone is familiar with common cinnamon, but are you aware of the wonderful health benefits that cinnamon has?

Amazing Cinnamon

 

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries for the beautiful flavour and for the extraordinary medicinal qualities.

 

It derives from the inner bark of Cinnamomum tree. It is an evergreen tree with oval shaped leaves. Inner bark curls into rolls on drying. These sticks are grounded into powder.

 

The flavour and aroma derive from its essential oil, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. It originates from Sri Lanka, but mostly produced in Indonesia and China and Vietnam nowadays.

 

Ceylon Cinnamon originates from Sri Lanka and Cassia Cinnamon originates from China.

 

Nutritional composition of ground cinnamon consists of 81% carbohydrates with 53% dietary fiber, 11% of water, 4% of protein and 1% fat.

 

Essential oil is used for flavours and medicinal purposes. Cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil are both used for medicinal purposes.

 

 

Powerful Health Effects of Cinnamon

 

Cinnamon has high quantities of fibre, calcium and Iron.

Firstly, cinnamon is full of powerful antioxidants that prevents harmful free radicals causing oxidative damage in a cellular level.

According to research, cinnamon properties can significantly reduce C-reactive protein in the blood and increase antioxidant levels. C-reactive protein is an inflammatory marker to measure infection.

It contains huge amounts of polyphenol antioxidants that can be used as a natural preservative.

Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory agent, causing the levels of infection reduction and helping the body to repair damaged tissues.

Secondly, supplementation of cinnamon (one teaspoon per day) proved significant reduction of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This has been linked for reduced risk of developing heart disease and reducing blood pressure. Reduced blood pressure has many health benefits and potential for improving cardiovascular health.

Cinnamon bark oil is beneficial in dilating blood vessels by improving nitric oxide function, which lowers the blood pressure.

Thirdly, a reduction of blood sugar levels improves the insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance, which helps the body in the process of transportation of nutrients into cells. A compound mimics insulin effectiveness.

Cinnamon can decrease the amount of sugar entering the circulation post feeding by interfering with digestive enzymes. These enzymes slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive system, stabilising smooth blood sugar levels.

Many Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower the fasting blood sugar levels and improve haemoglobin A1 marker. It causes improvement in blood sugar control and lowering the risk of diabetes.

Other Advantages of Cinnamon

 

Fourthly, cinnamon may be protective against neurodegenerative diseases by preventing protein build up in the brain.

 

Fifthly, cinnamon may be helpful in preventing cancerous cells growth and there is scientific evidence confirming the protective effects.

 

Sixthly, Cinnamaldehyde compound is very beneficial against infections including fungi and bacteria and may prevent tooth decay and smelly breath.

It has been thought to be beneficial against viruses like HIV and Influenza.

 

The seventh point of potential benefit of cinnamon is that it could even be utilised in weight loss due to being an appetite suppressant and having qualities of speeding up the metabolism and regulating glucose levels.

 

Lastly, cinnamon may improve the skin appearance by enhancing the collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein in the skin that deteriorates with ageing.

Antioxidant properties may improve skin elasticity, firmness and collagen promoting effects.

 

 

Easy methods of using Cinnamon

 

Cinnamon oils can be easily used topically on the skin or used as a perfume.

Cinnamon (ground or stick) is widely used in everyday cooking and baking with various types of dishes and baked foods.

It can be easily mixed with other ingredients, sprinkled on top of food or infused as a tea or added to other drinks like Chai tea or Coffee.

Cinnamon tea can be made from the powder or the stick. And there are many varieties of readymade tea bags that can be easily consumed.

 

Easy Cinnamon Tea:

• 1 tsp of ground Cinnamon
• or
• one stick of Cinnamon 
• Cup of boiling hot water
• Add honey or milk to taste
• ENJOY !!