CINNAMON: HEALTH BENEFITS AND NUTRITION

Cinnamon is created by taking the stems of cinnamon trees and drying them into what all know as cinnamon sticks. These sticks can also be crushed into cinnamon powder, which is the oily portion of cinnamon that gives it a distinctive sweet and spicy aroma and taste of the cinnamaldehyde compound.

This compound is thought to be responsible for the benefits of cinnamon. In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon use has many health-promoting benefits.

Cinnamon contains manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin K, beta carotene, choline, amino acids, and natural spice compounds. It is believed to relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea.

Top 7 health benefits of cinnamon

Here are some more potential health benefits of cinnamon.

1) It prevents Candida infection:

Studies have shown that cinnamon can help lower the amounts of Candida fungus. Cinnamon has very powerful anti-fungal properties with an effective characteristic to treat this dangerous type of fungus.

A diet rich in carbohydrates can increase the chances of suffering from Candida overgrowth in the system. Cinnamon is widely used to cure a variety of diseases and infections.

2) It improves brain function:

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, and because of this, it is useful in preserving brain function. Studies have shown that it improves brain function and helps suppress the development of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and many others, including memory problems.

Research has shown that cinnamon can help block the buildup of specific proteins in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer's disease.

3) It fights viral and bacterial infections:

Cinnamon has natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The essential oil extracted from it has potent immunity-boosting compounds.

One can take cinnamon every day in tea. It can help lower the glucose level in the blood and maintain blood pressure. It is good for people suffering from diabetes and blood pressure issues.

4) It is high in antioxidants:

Antioxidants are extremely important compounds, especially today when we're eating all types of junk food that are only causing damage with oxidation. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants that reduce free radical damage.

There are more than 40 different protective compounds found in cinnamon. According to the ORAC scale, which is the measure of concentrations of antioxidants in different foods, cinnamon ranks number 7 among all foods, herbs, and spices.

5) It protects the heart:

One very useful property that cinnamon has is it improves heart health. It reduces several risk factors that lead to heart disease. For example, cinnamon consumption can help regulate high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure.

Keeping all these factors in check directly helps improve the heart's health and strength.

6) It helps maintain good oral hygiene:

Cinnamon is almost like the elixir of life because of the antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal benefits it has. Cinnamon or its essential oil help treat tooth decay, cavities, and mouth infections that may cause bad breath.

7) It lowers the risk of cancer:

The antioxidant properties of cinnamon protect body cells against damage and mutations that may lead to cancerous tumour growth. Cinnamon's most impressive action is against colon cancer.

Medical studies have revealed that the health benefits of cinnamon come from a compound called cinnamaldehyde. This compound inhibits tumour growth, protects DNA against damage and kills off cancer cells.

Cinnamon Uses

There are many ways that one can get cinnamon into their diet. One can add this to delicious smoothies, Asian stir-fries, water, juices, and low-carb baking recipes. Also, one can use cinnamon oil topically on the skin to fight pimples and acne scars or use it to brush teeth.

Cinnamon natural oils are extracted for use in diffusers and oil burners. These have a unique aroma which works well with apples and oranges. This helps to relax the body. When released into the air, the fragrant compounds calm the nervous system and promote deep relaxation. Cinnamon is a wonderful health supplement and definitely more than just a spice on your kitchen shelf!