Top 10 health benefits of cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices used in the world for its flavor and medicinal properties. Cinnamon is known for its powerful anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. However, most cinnamon sold in North America and Europe is not real cinnamon and is known as cassia or "bastard cinnamon".  It is harder to find real cinnamon known as “Ceylon cinnamon” in US grocery stores. Keep in mind the main difference between real and fake cinnamon is the level of a natural compound known as ‘coumarin’.

Fake cinnamon has 1200 times higher level of coumarin (a blood thinner) than real cinnamon. High levels of coumarin can cause toxicity and lead to many health problems such as liver damage.

1. Cinnamon is a high source of antioxidants and nutrients

Cinnamon is a great source of manganese essential for activating enzymes that help body to build healthy bones and regulate metabolism. Cinnamon is high in fiber, calcium, and iron.

According to researchers, cinnamon is a great source of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Studies also suggest that cinnamon has higher level of antioxidants compared to garlic and oregano.

Researchers suggest that ‘cinnamon extract can be used as food antioxidant with the improvement of food palatability’. The antioxidants in cinnamon can fight oxidative stress and help kids with ADD and ADHD.

2. Cinnamon is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can lower the risk of arthritis

Cinnamon is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help to lower the symptoms of arthritis and osteoporosis. Cinnamon is a high source of manganese essential for building healthy bones. Cinnamon could lower the symptoms of pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Cinnamon can lower the risk of type II diabetes and control the blood sugar level

Cinnamon could increase the insulin sensitivity and lower level of blood-glucose. Studies have shown that taking cinnamon could improve the blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes. Other research has shown that cinnamon can improve glycemic status of patients with type II diabetes.

4. Cinnamon can reduce the risk of cardio disease and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Diabetes can trigger factors linked to cardiovascular disease. In fact, People with diabetes are five times more likely to develop cardio diseases such as heart attack or stokes. Keep in mind that insulin plays a key role in regulating fat in the body. Cinnamon could lower the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. According to studies, taking cinnamon could lower the level of cholesterol and triglyceride by 20%-30%. Cinnamon is also a great blood thinner and can significantly lower the risk of blood clot in the heart arteries. 

5. Cinnamon can lower the risk of neurological problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease

According to studies, cinnamon could improve the brain function and increase alertness during driving. Research has shown that cinnamon could prevent or lower the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent studies suggest that cinnamon can reverse changes in the brain of those with Parkinson’s. Another study suggests that cinnamon can lower the risk of inflammation that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as brain tumor, meningitis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

6. Cinnamon is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-vital fighting against yeast infection, stomach bugs and flu

The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-vital properties of cinnamon could effectively fight infections, colds and flues. In fact, studies show that few drops of cinnamon oil can prevent food-borne pathogens. Cinnamon could also lower the symptoms of cold and flu such as coughing and sore throat.

7. Cinnamon can boost the immune system and improve the body’s defense system in patients with AIDS

According to researchers, the natural compounds in cinnamon could significantly boost the immune system and fight against common strain of HIV virus in people.

8. Cinnamon can lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and lower the symptoms of women during menstrual cycle (PMS)

The rate of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing drastically every year. Cinnamon could lower the risk and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cinnamon could also improve digestive issues, and PMS symptoms such as cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

9. Cinnamon can help to increase blood circulation and improve weight loss

The natural compound in cinnamon known as ‘cinnamaldehyde’ can boost the immune system and improve the metabolism. The thinning blood effects of cinnamon could help to increase the blood circulation. Keep in mind that taking fake cinnamon (known as cassia cinnamon) for weight loss could cause health issues such as liver damage. As mentioned faked cinnamon has higher levels of ‘coumarin’ (blood thinner) compared to real cinnamon (ceylon cinnamon).

10. Cinnamon can fight tooth decay and gum disease and neutralize the body odor

The antibacterial properties of cinnamon have a great effect in fighting bacteria and improving the health of your teeth and gums. Many brands of mouthwashes or tooth pastes use cinnamon oil for its antibacterial properties. Both cinnamon and bark oil are great anti-bacterial and could effectively neutralize the body odor. Cinnamon oil is a great alternative for deodorants that have high level of toxins and heavy metals.