10 Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a delicious spice that can be used in a wide range of cooking recipes. It is a common ingredient in sweet dishes in particular and is a favorite among many people that enjoy dessert after their main course.
In addition to tasting great, though, cinnamon also holds a number of properties that are very healthy for us. Its ingredients can help to protect us against a wide range of complications such as cancer, diabetes, infections and even Alzheimer’s. In addition, it makes a suitable alternative to sugar, helping to provide a diet that is healthier and reduces obesity. There are many benefits of cinnamon, let’s take a look!
Cinnamon Benefit #1: Combats Diabetes
For most of us, the level of sugar in our blood is controlled automatically by our bodies. This is done mostly thanks to a hormone which we know as insulin. People with type 2 diabetes have the ability produce insulin, but their bodies have a resilience to it, meaning it does not work as well as it should.
Cinnamon, however, helps the body to become more sensitive to the hormone, helping to ensure that it is more effective. This helps to ensure that the body can regulate its blood sugar levels, helping to overcome the effects of type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon Benefit #2: Good for the Heart
Heart disease is among the biggest killers on Earth. Typical causes of heart disease are high blood pressure, high triglyceride and high cholesterol levels. Cinnamon has been shown to help reduce these factors which, in turn, helps to reduce the prospect and severity of heart disease.
It has also been shown to improve the circulation of the blood, which helps to ensure the body is able to repair itself effectively. This includes the repair of heart tissue, helping to ensure it remains strong and healthy. In addition, cinnamon has also been shown to act as a coagulant to help prevent bleeding.
Cinnamon Benefit #3: Anti-Aging
Oxidation is a process that caused cells to become altered. While the change is very small, even tiny changes will accumulate to become something more significant in the future. This accumulation of change and damage contributes to aging and also to various complication. The good news is that cinnamon has properties that help prevent oxidation from occurring in our bodies.
Studies have shown the cinnamon contains a lot of anti-oxidants, which helps to prevent the causes of aging and other complications. In fact, some have it ranked as high as number 7 in the list of foods providing antioxidants.
Cinnamon Benefit #4: Protects the Brain
As time goes by, our bodies gradually succumb to the effects of aging. There is no part of the body that is spared. Our brains are also exposed to the effects of aging, and this can lead to disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These can be devastating to individual sufferers and their families.
While anti-oxidants help prevent the effects of aging, it also activates proteins that help to prevent the brains cells from undergoing change. This helps to leave the brain as intact as possible, protecting it from the onset of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Cinnamon Benefit #5: Anti-Inflammatory
Swelling and inflammations can be the cause of considerable pain, and they can also potentially lead to some quite serious complications. These inflammations can be a result of numerous complications and are quite prevalent in elderly people. The antioxidants that are contained within cinnamon, however, help to reduce such inflammations.
Cinnamon contains at least 7 flavonoid compounds which help to reduce swelling and inflammation. In the short term, this helps to alleviate pain and other symptoms of swelling. Reducing these swellings can help reduce pain significantly, making life more bearable even if only the symptoms are being addressed.
Cinnamon Benefit #6: Fights Infection
If harmful microbes are able to get a foothold hold in our bodies, then we might find ourselves with a potentially serious infection. These can cause us to become very ill and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. With anti-bacterial properties that help to combat bacteria and other microbes, cinnamon helps to prevent such infections.
Cinnamon’s anti-infection properties have been known for generations and it is used as such in many parts of the world. It is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-biotic and can be used in helping to combat issues ranging from skin infections and digestive infections to the common cold.
Cinnamon Benefit #7: Reduces Cancer
As we go through our daily routines, our cells pick up damage as they are exposed to the world around them. These damaged cells could potentially develop into cancer, and the results can be absolutely devastating. We are currently undertaking considerable research to find a cure, and the result could lie in cinnamon.
Cinnamaldehyde is a compound that is found in cinnamon. It has been shown to cause cell apoptosis and also inhibit the growth of tumours. Also, the anti-oxidant properties of cinnamon also help to prevent damage to DNA, helping to avert cancers from forming to begin with.
Cinnamon Benefit #8: Helps Allergies
Allergy symptoms can range from the mildly irritating to life-threatening. Allergic reactions are caused by histamines that usually have the task of helping removed unwanted compounds from your body. They will sometimes act when the compounds are harmless to us. Some people even have allergic reactions to substances that are essential to us.
Cinnamon has properties that help to reduce inflammations caused by histamines, helping to reduce symptoms. It has also been shown to aid in the absorption of nutrients, which helps to reduce immune reactions from occurring. Some feel that cinnamon can also be used to relieve the symptoms of asthma attacks.
Cinnamon Benefit #9: Protects Oral Health
Our mouths are full of different types of bacteria, some of which is helpful, and some not so helpful. Certain bacteria in our mouths can contribute to tooth decay, infections and bad breath. Cinnamon, however, has anti-bacterial properties which help to kill the bacteria, helping to prevent complications from occurring. It also has the added benefit is having a pleasant smell, which is useful in oral health and hygiene.
Cinnamon is already used for various oral health and hygiene products in a number of ways because of its anti-bacterial properties. It is also used in a range of other cosmetics and fragrant products.
Cinnamon Benefit #10: Sugar Substitute
Sugar, as tasty as it may be, can be very harmful to our health. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, and obesity can lead to a wide range of complications. Its excellent sweetening abilities, however, make it a necessary addition to many foodstuffs.
For people that are finding it hard to overcome the craving for sweet foods, cinnamon makes for an excellent alternative. It still provides them with the sweetness they are yearning for, but without the sugar. This helps to provide people with a far healthier diet, and one which will not contribute so much to obesity.
