Cinnamon has been widely considered as one of the most healthy spices in the world. It’s been in our medicine and culture for thousands of years, and its popularity is growing even more with each day. Cinnamon ranks number 1 out of 26 in terms of most popular herbs and spices by its levels of antioxidants.
Cinnamon has lots of health benefits, from antibacterial to anti-diabetic properties, to mention a few.
So stick around because we are going to dwell in more into discussing the major health benefits that come from consuming cinnamon.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
As we mentioned before, cinnamon ranks number 1 out of all the spices in the world by its antioxidants levels, and it ranks number 7 out of all foods and herbs. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage that subsequently slows the aging process. Because of the very specific types of antioxidants found in cinnamon, like polyphenols, phenolic acid, and flavonoids, to mention a few, cinnamon is very useful to fight oxidative stress and chronic diseases.
2. Relieves Inflammation
Because of the different levels of flavonoids found in cinnamon, it can help relieve inflammation which will help lower the risk of heart diseases, some forms of cancer, cognitive decline, and more. Duo to the anti-inflammation properties, cinnamon can be used as a painkiller, with most studies showing excellent results for menstrual pain, and help in managing allergic reactions.
3. Fights Diabetes
Ceylon cinnamon is well known and popular for its anti-diabetic properties, which is why it is mostly regarded as one of the most recommended foods for diabetics. It regulates blood sugar levels to an extensive level, as well as, regulating the hormone insulin which helps transport sugar into our bloodstream after a high carb meal. Due to the nature of its anti-diabetic properties, many doctors recommend Ceylon cinnamon to type 2 diabetics as they might experience significant positive results by consuming cinnamon.
4. Protects the Heart
Cinnamon has been found to be majorly beneficial to our hearth’s health. Many studies have found cinnamon to be able to reduce major hearth diseases, such as high cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and high triglyceride levels, in order to keep your hearth’s health in check. Other studies have found cinnamon to be helpful in the preventing of creating of blood clots, and high blood pressure, the improvement of circulation, and tissue repair.
5. Preserve Brain Functions
Another major health benefit associated due to its antioxidant levels is the ability to improve our brain function. Cinnamon has been a focal point in the fight against neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s because it can help prevent them and fight them. Cinnamon can help block crucial proteins in the brain that develop Alzheimer’s disease, and it can help reduce the risk of inflammation (which we mentioned before) and cell damage that prevents cognitive decline.
6. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
The antioxidant abilities found in cinnamon are truly astonishing. Namely, cinnamon can protect you against cell mutation, DNA damage, as well as, cancerous tumor growth. This is all due to a compound found in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde, which can kill cancer cells, stops tumor growth, and protects and repairs our DNA. Cinnamon also protects our colon and prevents the risk of colon cancer. Because of all of the health benefits associated with cinnamon, it is widely investigated as a natural food to fight cancer, as well as, used as a supplement for those at a higher risk of cancer.
