A favorite food item that was used as a currency. The spice is a delight to the eye with its pleasant scent and a warm aroma that makes it an ideal ingredient for cooking, particularly curries and sweet baked goods.
Originating from the bark of a tiny evergreen tree The bark is removed and laid out in the sun to dry in which it is rolled into rolls referred to as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon can also be found in powder form.
1. It is antioxidant-friendly
As with other spices, cinnamon is a source of polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds that are antioxidants and protective properties. It is these polyphenols that offer many of the health benefits and aid in its function as a food preservative preparation.
2. It’s calming
These antioxidants also contribute to cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory benefits. As we get older, this can help since it is believed that the process of inflammation chronically is a major factor in the development of many ailments that are a result of age.
3. It’s antibacterial and anti-fungal
Cinnamon is believed to have numerous properties that are soothing and medicinal and is frequently used for its use in Chinese traditional herbal medicines. The distinct aroma and flavor of cinnamon are derived from essential oils found in the bark, referred to as the cinnamaldehyde.
Cinnamaldehyde is believed to be effective in preventing fungal and bacterial infections.
4. It may also have anti-viral qualities
A few studies suggest that cinnamon may also protect against certain viruses, such as the mosquito-related influenza as well as Dengue fever.
5. It could help reduce blood sugar levels and lower the chance of developing type 2 diabetes
Cinnamon is a well-known spice as a remedy for managing blood sugar. It is believed to achieve this through a variety of different mechanisms, such as controlling the amount of glucose that gets into the bloodstream.
Human studies are promising. They suggest that cinnamon could have a mild effect on the blood sugar levels of fasting in people with diabetes who suffer from low controlling blood sugar.
6. It could increase insulin sensitivity
Insulin is a hormone that’s involved in transferring blood sugars from our blood to the cells that we require it. This implies that it plays a crucial function in regulating our energy and metabolism.
As we age, we could become intolerant to an insulin-like effect, and it is possible to affect blood sugar levels and eventually cause type 2 diabetes. While further research is needed, however, it appears that cinnamon extracts can mimic insulin’s action and could lower the risk of developing insulin resistance.
7. It could be beneficial to the brain’s aging
The conditions like Alzheimer’s become more frequent as we get older and are usually due to a progressive decline of the brain’s cells. With Alzheimer’s, the the accumulation of protein fragments within the brain cause a slowdown in the speed at which an person remembers and thinks.
Cinnamon is a source of two compounds that are thought to block the formation of the proteins. A majority of this research is based on tests on animals and in test tubes however there is plenty to discover about what this effect might be beneficial to us.
8. It can help in managing blood pressure
There is evidence that suggests that the regular consumption of cinnamon may be associated with a reduction of blood pressure. Although the evidence is hopeful but it’s still early and more long-term, random controlled trials are required.
9. It could help protect against heart disease
The level of blood pressure isn’t the sole cardiovascular risk factor which is helped by regular consumption of cinnamon it is also believed to play a role in decreasing blood triglycerides aswell in cholesterol levels.
10. It can help support the health of your gut
Some spices, such as cinnamon, possess prebiotic properties. Consuming them frequently can aid in the restoration of balance the gut bacteria help improve digestion and help ease digestive issues.
11. It can help prevent cancer
While evidence so far only exists in test tubes and animal studies, extracts from cinnamon might help in preventing cancer. In this respect cinnamon appears to aid in reducing development of cancerous cells by hindering the development of blood vessels in tumors and destroying cancerous cells.
12. Cinnamon can help improve dental hygiene
The traditional use of cinnamon is as a tooth paste to treat toothaches and other dental issues like bad breath and bacterial overgrowth.