For hundreds of years, people have recognized cinnamon’s beneficial effects as a reason to treasure this spice. Some of the possible health benefits of cinnamon have been confirmed by modern research in recent years. It was highly valued in Ancient Egypt when it was first utilized around 2000 B.C. Medieval medical practitioners prescribed it for patients suffering from coughs, arthritic pain, and sore throats. It has overtaken black pepper as the most often used spice across the pond. Cinnamon can be purchased as a spice in either powder or whole, in the shape of pieces of bark. Cinnamon oil and pills are also available. It comes in two primary varieties, cassia and Ceylon. There is a notable difference between the nutritional value of the two options. Compounds in cinnamon have been linked to potential protection against cancer and cardiovascular disease due to their reactive, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antibacterial effects.
But additional research is required to validate cinnamon’s health benefits. The use of cinnamon dates back to 2,000 B.C.E. in Ancient Egypt, where it was considered a precious commodity. In the Medieval Era, it was commonly used to heal ailments like coughs, aches, and sore throats. In both the US and Europe, it has surpassed both cumin and paprika to become the second most popular spice, after black pepper. It can be purchased as a spice in either ground or whole form (in the form of pieces of bark). Additionally, its essential oil and dietary supplements are options for the general public. There are two types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. Comparing their nutritional profiles reveals significant differences. Potential health benefits include decreased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, additional proof is necessary for confirmation. It has been suggested that honey and cinnamon, may effectively cure skin problems.
What are the health advantages of cinnamon?
Cinnamon not only imparts a sweet and smoky flavor to whatever you sprinkle it over, but it also has the potential to improve your overall health in a number of ways. It is the second most widely used spice in both the United States and Europe and is loaded with functions that are beneficial to one’s health. It is used as a remedy in conventional Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, dysmenorrhea, and loss of appetite.
Following are the health advantages of Cinnamon
Fungus-related illness improvement
Some forms of fungal infections may respond to treatment with cinnamon oil. A strain of Candida that travels into the bloodstream was discovered to be susceptible to cinnamon oil in a lab investigation conducted in 2016. This could be because of its ability to kill microorganisms. If other studies corroborate these results, it may be useful in combating this infection.
Changing glucose levels in the blood
An analysis of animal trials conducted in 2015 found that cassia cinnamon may help lower blood sugar. Serum glucose and total cholesterol were all shown to be reduced in the 60 patients with type 2 diabetes who consumed up to 6 grams (g) of cinnamon daily for 40 days to four months, as was reported in the study. Furthermore, research published in 2012 found that it has no effect on glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels, which are both long-term indicators of insulin sensitivity, in persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The effects of cinnamon, magnesium, and copper on hypertension in persons with type 2 diabetes were the focus of a separate, smaller study. No beneficial effects were seen for this treatment.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
Researchers have found promising results using animals to determine whether or not this spice can help stop the progression of Alzheimer’s. Researchers have shown that CEppt, an extract from cinnamon bark, has characteristics that may inhibit the onset of symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease markers, such as amyloid plaques, were reduced in the extract-treated mice, and the animals’ cognitive abilities were enhanced. This extract, albeit perhaps not whole cinnamon, could be valuable in the development of medicines for Alzheimer’s if future research verifies its usefulness.
A measure used to prevent HIV infection
Cinnamon was revealed to have anti-HIV properties in a 2000 research of extracts from Indian medicinal herbs. The extracts were evaluated in the lab by scientists. Cinnamon extract was shown to have anti-HIV efficacy in a 2016 lab investigation. This doesn’t imply you can consume this spice and not get HIV, however, cinnamon extracts may find use in HIV treatment down the road.
The Avoidance of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Specialists (MS) have investigated the potential anti-MS action of cinnamon. Researchers in one study administered various tests after administering a combination of cinnamon powder and water to mice. Evidence suggested that cinnamon may have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain and other regions of the central nervous system. Researchers have shown that cinnamon has protective effects on regulatory T cells, popularly known as “Tregs.” These cells play a key role in maintaining immunological balance. Researchers have found that patients with MS had lower amounts of Tregs than those without the disease. Treatment with cinnamon has been shown to reduce the depletion of Tregs-specific proteins in mice experiments. Researchers also showed that animals with multiple sclerosis had their myelin levels restored after receiving cinnamon treatment. The breakdown of the protective myelin sheath around nerve cells is what causes multiple sclerosis.
Attenuating the negative consequences of high-fat diets
In 2011, scientists came to the conclusion that this spice and other “antioxidant spices” in food might help mitigate the adverse effects of consuming high-fat foods. A spice mixture of 14 grams was used in six different dishes. The antioxidant activity raised by 13%, insulin response decreased by 21%, and triglycerides dropped by 31%, according to blood tests.
Possible cancer-preventive effects of cinnamon
Research on cinnamon’s possible role in the control and diagnosis of cancer has received a lot of attention. However, preliminary evidence from in vitro and animal research suggests that this spice may offer some cancer protection. Specifically, it seems to be hazardous to cancerous cells, inducing cell death, and it works by slowing the proliferation of cancer cells and the production of blood vessels in tumors. In a mouse model of ovarian cancer, cinnamaldehyde was found to inhibit the expression of proteins critical to tumor development. Supporting these observations, in vitro studies demonstrated that cinnamaldehyde inhibited the development and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. More studies are needed to determine whether or not cinnamon has any anti-cancer properties in humans, though.
In some cases, this could help in the wound-healing process
When absorbed through the skin, both honey and cinnamon have healing characteristics that can help in the treatment of wound infections. When it comes to mending skin, honey and cinnamon’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics are invaluable. A recent in vitro study found that cinnamon oil offered protection from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of cinnamon may provide extra advantages for healing wounds. When used topically, honey has been shown to effectively heal burns. They are employed in the therapy of diabetic foot ulcers, a potentially fatal consequence of the condition. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria frequently infect diabetic foot ulcers. A laboratory study found that cinnamon oil could inhibit the growth of germs that are resistant to antibiotics.
Bringing down the chances of developing heart disease
There are a number of chemicals in this spice that may be good for the heart. Research on animals found that cinnamaldehyde could reduce blood pressure. Rats given cinnamon and cardiovascular fitness over an extended period of time performed better in a cardiac function test than control rats did in a study conducted in 2014.
What are the side effects associated with Cinnamon?
Taking cinnamon in small to medium amounts, either as a spice or as a dietary supplement, appears to be safe for the vast majority of individuals on a short-term basis. On the other hand, cinnamon has coumarin in it. This is an organic flavor, but it is also a component in the production of the medicine warfarin, which is commonly used to thin the blood. Taking an excessive amount of coumarin can cause damage to the liver and disrupt blood coagulation. Because of this, individuals who take anticoagulants or other medications, have diabetes or a liver problem, or are considering putting cinnamon or cassia into their healthy diet should consult their physician first. Ceylon cinnamon powder has a lower coumarin content than its counterpart, cassia cinnamon powder, which is widely used in the culinary industry in the United States.
According to the findings of a study conducted in Germany in 2010, the amount of coumarin varies greatly even between samples of cinnamon taken from the same tree. The amount of coumarin found in cassia cinnamon was especially high. Cinnamon, in any of its forms, should never and under any circumstances be used in place of conventional medical treatment for any condition. In addition to its use as a spice, it is also sold as a dietary supplement. There is some evidence that supplements can influence both health and disease. Due to the fact that dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there may be some uncertainty regarding their quality, purity, and potency. Prior to actually starting to use supplements, individuals should always check with their primary care provider.
The Bottom Line
Some cinnamons are better than others. Coumarin, a chemical found in high concentrations in the Cassia variety, is potentially toxic in big amounts. Although cinnamon in general is thought to be beneficial, the coumarin concentration of Cassia can potentially be harmful in excessive doses. In addition, cinnamon has been linked to numerous health advantages. Due to the abundance of medicinal substances, it contains, it has the potential to improve blood sugar levels, minimize cardiovascular disease risk factors, and lessen inflammation. Ceylon cinnamon is preferred, however, Cassia cinnamon can be used well in tiny amounts. The Health Benefits of both honey and cinnamon are well-documented by science. The combination of these two components is excellent for the treatment of infections and the maintenance of cardiovascular health. There is no proof that taking honey and cinnamon together can miraculously heal you. Perhaps you have overlooked cinnamon’s health benefits.
Numerous health advantages have been associated with cinnamon. Although moderate use poses no health risks, going overboard can cause unpleasant symptoms. Cassia, often known as “normal” cinnamon, has been shown to be especially harmful because of its extremely high coumarin content, which has been related to liver failure and cancer. However, the amount of coumarin in Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes known as “genuine” cinnamon, is negligible. It is a healthful spice that can have negative effects if consumed in large quantities, but in small to moderate amounts, it has no side effects. Losing weight is as simple as eating fewer calories than the body needs every day. You shouldn’t count on this spice as a major dietary component because it provides so little in the way of protein and fat. Still, these nutrients and more can be found in the little amounts found in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
