Description
Proven Health Benefits of Cinnamon
1. High Source of Antioxidants
Cinnamon is rich in protective antioxidants that combat free radical damage, slow down aging, and offer numerous health benefits. Researchers have identified 41 different protective compounds in cinnamon so far. On the ORAC scale, which measures antioxidant concentration in foods, cinnamon ranks as the 7th highest among all foods, spices, and herbs worldwide. In a study comparing the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon outperformed powerful herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
Cinnamon’s health benefits are attributed to its polyphenols, phenolic acid, and flavonoids, which are similar antioxidants found in other “superfoods” like berries, red wine, and dark chocolate. These compounds combat oxidative stress in the body, which, if uncontrolled, can lead to disease formation, especially as we age.
The diverse antioxidants present in cinnamon help reduce various symptoms and diseases by scavenging free radicals. Cinnamon’s health benefits include the ability to combat oxidative stress, limit nitric oxide buildup in the blood, and prevent lipid (fat) peroxidation. These actions contribute to the prevention of brain disorders, cancer, heart disease, and other conditions.
2. Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon’s antioxidants actively reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and brain function decline. Researchers have identified more than seven types of powerful flavonoid compounds in cinnamon alone, which effectively combat harmful levels of inflammation in the body.
By diminishing swelling and inflammation, cinnamon proves beneficial in managing pain. Studies indicate that cinnamon can alleviate muscle soreness, PMS pains, allergic reactions, and age-related pain symptoms.
Studies indicate that cinnamon actively reduces several common risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure.
The unique compounds in cinnamon aid in lowering total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides, while maintaining stable levels of HDL “good” cholesterol. Additionally, cinnamon has been proven to reduce high blood pressure, which poses a threat for heart disease and stroke.
Moreover, cinnamon offers further benefits for heart health. Research demonstrates that it acts as a blood coagulant, preventing bleeding by aiding the formation of blood clots. Cinnamon also enhances blood circulation and promotes the regenerative capacity of bodily tissues, including the heart tissue. This regeneration aids in combating heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke.
Cinnamon actively exhibits an anti-diabetic effect by lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining balanced blood sugar.
Diabetes develops when insulin resistance occurs, leading to poor glycemic control and the inability to regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream. This problem of insulin resistance is also associated with conditions like metabolic syndrome and weight gain.
Cinnamon’s beneficial effects stem from its ability to inhibit specific enzymes called alanines, thereby facilitating the absorption of glucose into the blood. Consequently, it has been demonstrated to reduce the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after consuming a high-sugar meal, which is particularly important for individuals with diabetes.
Numerous studies have confirmed that supplementation with cinnamon extract can significantly improve blood sugar markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
5. Helps Defend Against Cognitive Decline & Protects Brain Function
Research also shows that another benefit of cinnamon’s protective antioxidant properties is they can help defend the brain against developing neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
One way cinnamon protects cognitive function and brain health is by activating neuro-protective proteins that protect brain cells from mutation and undergoing damage. This further reduces the negative effects of oxidative stress by stopping cells from morphing and self-destructing.
Because cinnamon contains so many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the effects of aging on the body and brain, in the future, we may see it being used as a possible natural therapeutic treatment or prevention for age-related neuro-degenerative diseases.
6. May Help Lower Cancer Risk
Because of its antioxidant abilities, cinnamon can help protect against DNA damage, cell mutation and cancerous tumor growth. Studies have revealed the health benefits of cinnamon that come from a compound called cinnamaldehyde include its possible ability to inhibit cancer tumor growth and protect DNA from damage, while also encouraging cancerous cells to self-destruct (called cell apoptosis).
This is especially true in the colon; studies show that cinnamon can improve the health of the colon, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Cinnamon is now being investigated as a natural anti-cancer agent because of its strong antioxidant abilities, so in the future, it may be useful for those who are at higher risks for cancer to supplement with cinnamon extract.
7. Fights Infections & Viruses
There are many benefits of cinnamon when it comes to defending the body from illnesses. Cinnamon is a natural anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent. The immune-boosting abilities of cinnamon are found in cinnamon’s essential oils.
Cinnamon is used in many cultures to naturally help fight harmful infections and viruses. Cinnamon oils also have protective abilities against various bacteria which can cause negative symptoms in the digestive tract, on the surface of the skin, and can lead to colds or the flu.
8. Protects Dental Health & Freshens Breath Naturally
In studies, the extracts found in cinnamon were shown to be protective against bacteria living in the oral microflora that could cause bad breath, tooth decay, cavities or mouth infections. The essential oil from cinnamon has been shown to be more potent than other tested plant extracts and can be used to naturally combat bacteria in the mouth, acting like a natural anti-bacterial mouthwash.
Similarly to peppermint, one of the health benefits of cinnamon is that it can also used as a natural flavoring agent in chewing gums due to its mouth refreshing abilities. Because it removes oral bacteria, cinnamon has the ability to naturally remove bad breath without adding any chemicals to the body. For this reason cinnamon has also been traditionally used as tooth powder and to treat toothaches, dental problems, oral microbiota, and mouth sores.
Cinnamon essential oil is also used in some beauty products, shampoos, and perfumes for its many health benefits that can help with fighting infection while adding a pleasant smell.
9. Can Help Prevent or Cure Candida
Studies suggest that cinnamon’s potent anti-fungal properties combat Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract. It reduces harmful Candida albicans, relieving digestive and autoimmune symptoms. Cinnamon also aids in controlling blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of candida. Patients given cinnamon extract or essential oil experienced improved candida levels and symptom reduction. Cinnamon boosts immune health, fights inflammation, and targets gut yeast naturally.
10. Benefits Skin Health
Cinnamon has anti-biotic and anti-microbial effects that protect skin from irritations, rashes, allergic reactions, and infections. Applying cinnamon essential oil directly to the skin can be helpful in reducing inflammation, swelling, pain, and redness. Cinnamon and honey, another antimicrobial ingredient, are frequently used together to boost skin health for this reason and are beneficial for acne, rosacea, and signs of skin allergies.
11. Helps Fight Allergies
Studies have concluded that those with allergies can find relief thanks to the benefits of cinnamon’s compounds. Cinnamon has been shown to be helpful in fighting common allergy symptoms because it reduces inflammation and fights histamine reactions in the bodies of animals, although research is yet to come in human trials. For that reason, many naturopaths believe it can also help to reduce symptoms of asthma attacks.
In essential oil form, cinnamon may have immune-boosting abilities and is beneficial for nutrient absorption during digestion (according to lab and animal studies), which could cut down on auto-immune reactions that can take place after consuming common allergen foods.
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