It has been known for some time that the health benefits of cinnamon are wide and varied. The medicinal use of cinnamon dates back thousands of years. Many cultures still use it today. This is due to its many health benefits, not to mention its sweet, warming flavor.
Cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. There are health-promoting compounds in the bark. These compounds include cinnamate, cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamic acid.
The health benefits of cinnamon
The healing properties of cinnamon have been studied for a long time since it is one of the oldest spices in the world. Here, we outline some of the health benefits of cinnamon.
High in antioxidants
The antioxidants in cinnamon help slow aging and reduce the effects of free radical damage. Researchers have been able to identify 41 different protective compounds within cinnamon, to date.
Cinnamon has a number of antioxidants that give it its health benefits. These include Flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acid.
Oxidative stress is prevented in the body by antioxidants, and chronic disease prevention is improved as well.
The antioxidants present in cinnamon also help limit nitric oxide buildup in the blood. This buildup can increase the risk of brain disorders, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
Cinnamon helps to relieve inflammation
The antioxidants in cinnamon can help to relieve inflammation. Lowering inflammation may also help to reduce the risk of conditions mentioned above as well as cognitive decline, among others.
Because the spice reduces swelling and prevents inflammation, it also helps in managing pain. Studies have shown that cinnamon helps reduce menstrual pain, muscle soreness, reduce allergic reaction severity, and more.
Another of the health benefits of cinnamon is it lowers blood sugar
Cinnamon has anti-diabetic effects. It is therefore one of the best foods for diabetics. Research seems to indicate that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels. It also suggests that the spice can increase sensitivity to insulin, which helps to move sugar from the bloodstream to the body’s tissues. This keeps blood sugar levels balanced.
Studies say that cinnamon can help block certain enzymes that slow down sugar absorption in the blood. Thus, researchers believe that those with type 2 diabetes may benefit. It seems that there could be positive side effects on blood sugar markers when type 2 diabetics take cinnamon extract supplements.
Cinnamon helps preserve brain function
Because of the abundance of antioxidants in cinnamon, the spice may boost brain function. It may also help protect against the development of neurological disorders. These disorders include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Studies show that cinnamon blocks the buildup of a specific protein in the brain. This helps to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The health benefits of cinnamon also extend to protecting neurons against cell damage. This means it can help prevent cognitive disease and preserve brain function.
The health benefits of cinnamon include fighting Infections and viruses
There are lots of potential health of cinnamon. It contains antiviral, antibiotic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It also has essential oils that contain immune-boosting compounds as well.
Many people around the world use cinnamon to fight harmful reactions and viruses. Protect against infections by using cinnamon oil. It helps to ward off pneumonia, the common cold, and strep throat.
