Do you reap all of the amazing health benefits of Cinnamon? From heart health, to help with diabetic symptoms, to fighting infection, this is one powerful spice you should be cooking with regularly.
Cinnamon’s unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.
- Heart Health – At Penn State, researchers found that a diet rich in spices like cinnamon and turmeric helped curb the negative effects of downing a fatty meal. Cinnamon reduces several of the most common risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure. Cinnamon can also increase HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.
- Helps with Diabetes – Cinnamon is known to have an anti-diabetic effect. It helps lower blood sugar levels and also can improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which is the hormone needed for keeping blood sugar levels balanced.
- Provides Antioxidants – Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants like polyphenols. One teaspoon of cinnamon has as much antioxidant capacity as a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Some studies show that the antioxidants in cinnamon have potent anti-inflammatory benefits. These properties help in relieving the pain and stiffness of muscles and joints. Cinnamon is commonly recommended for arthritis.
- Fights Infections and Viruses – Cinnamon is a natural anti-microbial, antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral agent. The immune-boosting abilities of cinnamon are found in cinnamon’s essential oils.
We hope you find this list of 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Cinnamon helpful. For more posts to help you with your active and healthy lifestyle, visit our Food and Fitness Section. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so that you never miss a healthy recipe. Enjoy!
Disclosure: The author of this article is not a trained medical professional, nor a dietician. All of the information in this post is based on research and personal experience.
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