The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

The perfect cup of spiced tea may be better for you than you might think! While cinnamon is one of the most common spices used today, there are also many health benefits of cinnamon.

There is a long history regarding the use of cinnamon because of its unique healing abilities. One of the most exciting health benefits has come to light recently after a research study showed promise for using cinnamon to treat abnormally high blood glucose level.

However, there are more benefits of cinnamon and you may be surprised at some of the them

The History of Cinnamon

As one of the oldest spices known, cinnamon holds a special place in history. It was used in ancient Egypt for medicinal purposes, as well a flavoring for beverages. However, it’s was also used as an embalming agent.

Considered more precious than gold, this spice was mentioned in the Bible, as well as in one of the first books in Chinese medicine. That book dates back to 2,700 B.C.

There hasn’t been a time when cinnamon wasn’t popular. During the medieval period in Europe, the health benefits of cinnamon pushed it to top of the list for its healing properties, as well as for its use as a spice. It was one of the very first items that was traded on a regular basis between Europe and the Near East.

There are several types of cinnamon, but two types are most common today: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon is produced in India, Sri Lank, Brazil, Madagascar, and in the Caribbean, while Cassia is found in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.

The Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon

There are three components found in cinnamon oil. These are cinnamaldehye, cinnamyl alcohol, and cinnamyl acetate. The healing abilities of cinnamon are due to these three components, plus several other substances.

Cinnamon helps prevent the clumping of blood platelets. In this way, it helps to prevent an inadequate blood flow. It also helps to reduce inflammation by reducing the amount of arachidonic acid from the cell’s membranes.

Another benefit of cinnamon is that it can stop the growth of some fungi and bacteria. This includes the yeast, Candida, which is responsible for thrush and yeast infections. Some of the yeasts that are resistant to Fluconazole, an anti-fungal medication, were often stopped by an extract of cinnamon.

One of the most exciting and important health benefits of cinnamon is that it can help those with type 2 diabetes respond to insulin better, which will aid in leveling out their blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon helps to stimulate the body’s insulin receptors, but it also inhibits an enzyme from inactivating them. This helps the body to use glucose.

In 2004, a research study indicated the scent of cinnamon helps to improve brain activity. Participants in the study had higher scores when they chewed cinnamon gum or even just inhaled the aroma of cinnamon on tests that included virtual recognition memory, attention processes, working memory, and even their visual motor speed.

Mineral and Nutrient Benefits

Cinnamon is a great source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese. All of these are important to a healthy body and provide such benefits as lower the risk of colon cancer and decrease high cholesterol levels. Cinnamon can also help with constipation and diarrhea.

A Few Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see the many health benefits of cinnamon It doesn’t take much cinnamon to provide these benefits, either. Most experts say that a half a teaspoon a day will give you many of the above listed health benefits. So enjoy your next cup of coffee with a pinch of cinnamon and get started living healthier today.

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