Cinnamon has been a popular spice in almost all cultures and civilizations around the world for thousands of years. It’s used mostly like spice for desserts, but it’s also used as a spice for savory meals too. Its health benefits are often subject of discussion and repeatedly became subject to dispute among experts in nutrition.
Traditional Chinese medicine has known the properties of cinnamon for centuries and successfully used it to treat many diseases and conditions.
Important! Taking cinnamon in high doses can be toxic. Consult your doctor before taking cinnamon if you have diabetes, if you’re pregnant or if you have any other health problem.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon You Need to Know
Types of Cinnamon
You might think that cinnamon is only the spice that is sold in stores that’s used for baking or as a spice, but the truth is that there are several types of cinnamon and you need to know how to choose the right one.
The most common variety nowadays that’s sold in stores and that’s fairly inexpensive is Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia). Even though it’s the most commonly found cinnamon out there, you must be careful when consuming it because it contains a component called coumarin that can be really toxic if taken in large amounts. It’s also quite cheap and it has more pungent and harsher smell than the Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon). The Cassia Cinnamon sticks are dark brown color, they are thick and you can’t really break them. And because the stick is quite thick it doesn’t have many swirls.
Another type of cinnamon is Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) also called True Cinnamon. It contains far less coumarin that Cassia cinnamon (around 1200 times less) that’s why it’s safer to use. It also has a milder and more delicate smell than Cassia cinnamon so it’s perfect for all kinds of dishes, sweets and drinks. The Ceylon Cinnamon sticks have light brown color, they have many thin layers so they break easily. Also because it’s so thin, the Ceylon Cinnamon stick forms a lot of swirls. When buying cinnamon you should definitely buy Organic Ceylon Cinnamon simply because it has far less coumarin than the ‘store bought’ cinnamon thus it’s better for you.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon You Need to Know
Some of the health benefits of cinnamon include regulating the blood sugar levels, relieving nausea, diarrhea and bloating etc. It’s shown that it can decrease the blood sugar level and is therefore it’s recommended as a supplement in the diet of diabetics, but in moderation. The results of one study show that people who take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon a day have slightly reduced their blood sugar levels in a month or two. Of course, people with diabetes shouldn’t take these doses of cinnamon, unless they’ve previously consulted their doctor. Blood sugar levels can drop dramatically and they can even endanger their life, if high doses of cinnamon are taken along with the insulin.
Pregnant women should also avoid taking large amounts of this spice, because when taken in large amounts, it can be toxic.
The antibacterial and antifungal properties that cinnamon has, may help you fight some bacterial and yeast infections. Also it’s demonstrated that this aromatic spice may help in the treatment of drug-resistant fungal infections. Also because it has antibacterial properties, drinking hot cinnamon tea can help with sore throat.
Another study suggests that cinnamon may improve memory and enhance the cognitive function of the brain.
Cinnamon is also used to stimulate the blood circulation. Improved blood circulation helps for a better blood supply to the brain, heart and peripheral organs and improves their metabolic activity. Taking cinnamon may also help with swelling, because it can act as a mild diuretic.
Adding cinnamon to different desserts, meals or drinks may also help you with digestion.
