Top Benefits Of Cinnamon

A spice known for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Let’s discover together the top benefits of cinnamon!

Recognizable among 1000 for its very particular smell, we find it today in powder, in sticks or in many products such as tea or chewing gum! If this special spice has the reputation of being useful for helping to regulate blood sugar levels in people prone to diabetes, it is also full of many other benefits for our body! In this blog post, we detail the different benefits of cinnamon for our health, and how to easily distinguish the varieties of cinnamon.

What variety of cinnamon and how to store it?

–Two main varieties of cinnamon

There are two main varieties of cinnamon depending on their origin:

• Ceylon cinnamon, called true cinnamon, comes from Sri Lanka and is derived from the Ceylon cinnamon tree. Its full name is Cinnamomum verum. It is rarer than the second and more expensive. Its flavor is more subtle and delicate.
• Casse cinnamon, called false cinnamon, comes from China or Indonesia. It comes from Chinese cinnamon. Its full scientific name is Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum cassia. This variety is mainly found commercially and its flavor is more powerful, robust and spicy, although it softens during cooking.

–Little clarification on coumarin

Please note that both varieties have, in the short term, the same benefits. On the other hand, Casse cinnamon is rich in coumarin, a natural substance potentially dangerous for our liver. However, studies are underway on the subject and some try to say that coumarin ultimately has no negative impact on humans, as the quantity ingested through cinnamon consumption is small.

The question of the dangerousness of coumarin therefore does not yet seem really resolved! If in doubt, for long-term use, we advise you to opt for Ceylon cinnamon, which contains almost no cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is also the one that contains the most active ingredients and this is one of the reasons why it costs more.

–How to choose your cinnamon?

If you want to consume cinnamon, choose it organic and preferably from fair trade. Ideally, opt for the stick format. In fact, cinnamon powder is sometimes falsified because it is mixed with another variety.

To differentiate between Ceylon cinnamon sticks and Cassa cinnamon sticks, you can look at the sticks more closely.

• The Ceylon cinnamon stick is made up of several thin layers of bark, rolled up delicately. With just a little pressure from the fingers, the stick crumbles.
• On the other hand, the broken cinnamon stick is coarser. It is made of a single thick layer and requires more force to break it. Its color is also darker.

–How to store cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice whose aroma fades very easily, whether in stick or powder form. So, to preserve its taste and smell as much as possible, store it away from light, in a dry place, in an airtight container and at room temperature.

The top benefits of cinnamon

-rich in minerals, fiber and antioxidants

Cinnamon as a source of fiber and micronutrients

Particularly rich in fiber with more than 50 g per 100 g according to Nutrition, cinnamon is a spice that is also full of vitamins and minerals. Numerous studies note in particular its high content of manganese, iron and calcium. These minerals have very distinct roles in our body. Transport and storage of oxygen, strengthening of the immune system, preservation of bones and teeth, etc. It is full of benefits and intervenes in many mechanisms of our body.

Cinnamon as a powerful antioxidant

Cinnamon is among the ingredients richest in antioxidants. Generally speaking, antioxidants have the role of slowing down or preventing the oxidation of cells. Antioxidants therefore play a vital role in the aging of cells, but also the appearance of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to these properties, a study noted an anti-inflammatory property making it possible to suppress inflammatory processes and therefore in particular certain pain.

-Cinnamon to prevent the appearance of cancer

Numerous scientific studies today show that cinnamon has anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, particularly thanks to its richness in antioxidants. Be careful, however, these studies highlight the fact that cinnamon alone is not enough to limit the spread of cancer cells and it is in no way a magic cure. However, it could have a positive impact when combined with medical treatment.

–Boosts the immune system

Rich in vitamins and minerals and antioxidant, this spice is very effective in naturally strengthening your immune system. It can therefore help to treat all your little winter ailments: colds and runny or blocked noses, headaches caused by the cold, flu and other viruses. Add it to your hot drinks to make the most of its benefits!

–Preserve your cardiovascular health

Several scientific studies claim that cinnamon has virtues for preserving cardiovascular health. A recent report published in 2019 tells us that this spice has the ability to reduce blood pressure. The same report also reveals that a significant reduction in overall cholesterol, including bad cholesterol (LDL) would have been observed with regular cinnamon consumption of 3 g per day.

–An ally against type 2 diabetes

Cinnamon is also known and recognized by studies to be antidiabetic through its ability to balance blood sugar, reduce the impact of certain foods on blood sugar, but also its ability to maintain the cardiovascular system in good health, yet often at risk in diabetic patients.

–Stimulate the brain

A 2013 study highlighted the potential of cinnamon as a preventative food to combat the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Cinnamon also seems to have an impact when Alzheimer’s disease is mild to moderate. Cinnamon is then said to have neuroprotective properties.

But cinnamon is not only useful against diseases. Indeed, it would be interesting for the brain in general. By increasing the level of sodium benzoate in the brain, cinnamon is responsible for stimulating cognitive functions. It makes it possible to repair and create neurons but also to reduce nervous tension. This is explained by the fact that sodium benzoate acts in particular on our hippocampus, an area of the brain which affects memory and learning.

–Relieve digestive problems

With all its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, cinnamon obviously has an effect on our digestive system. And not the least, since it brings many virtues! Indeed, cinnamon helps calm heartburn and digestion problems. Between acid reflux, bloating, nausea and even more restrictive effects such as diarrhea, indigestion and vomiting can be reduced or even eliminated by consuming cinnamon. To rebalance your intestinal flora by consuming cinnamon, opt to drink it in drinks such as tea or herbal tea.

– a beauty ally

Cinnamon against hair loss

This spice has the ability to stimulate hair growth, but also to strengthen it, thus limiting its loss. By improving the condition of the hair scale, it becomes less fragile and more resistant. Cinnamon is also used to lighten hair thanks to natural peroxidase, an enzyme naturally present in cinnamon. Let us be clear, the clarification will obviously be slight!

Cinnamon against acne and blemishes

Recently, a scientific study demonstrated that the properties of cinnamon in oil format helped reduce acne on the skin as well as various imperfections. Cinnamon also helps to tighten pores and thus have visibly smoother and softer skin.

–An ally against fatigue and muscle pain

As mentioned above, cinnamon has the ability to spare you from blood sugar spikes and therefore the state of fatigue that they would have caused. In this way, you are already avoiding a good part of the shocks that you might have felt during the day.

Then, cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and therefore helps relieve pain and relax muscles. To benefit from this benefit, it may be interesting to perform a massage with cinnamon oil.

Finally, cinnamon could be effective in combating cold-related pain, particularly headaches and migraines.

Side effects of an overconsumption of cinnamon

Generally speaking, moderate consumption of cinnamon in your diet should not cause any ill effects. However, we prefer to inform you about the possible consequences of excessive consumption.

–A possible allergy to cinnamon

Cinnamon allergy is quite rare, but it does exist. As with all allergies, the body goes provoke an immune response which can be the cause of numerous discomforts and even serious consequences. The diagnosis of cinnamon allergy is made by an allergist doctor.

–Consumption of cinnamon in high doses leads to liver problems

Iit is likely that consuming high doses of cinnamon causes liver problems. Often quite benign, these can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

–High doses of dry cinnamon powder could cause lung inflammation

This same study indicates that inhalation of cinnamon powder can cause chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis (tissue destruction as a result of chronic inflammation). These terms are scary, we grant you that! But once again, they occur after long and repeated exposure, or after inhalation of a large quantity of dry cinnamon.

Before consuming or adding any “super food” to your diet or taking food supplements, do not hesitate to ask you doctor or a professional for advice.

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I hope you enjoyed this list of the top benefits of cinnamon and found it useful. Comment down below what you think of these benefits. Do you include cinnamon in your diet? If yes, please share with us your experience or delicious healthy recipes that include it.

Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!