Cinnamon is one of those spices many of us are familiar with, something that we would typically see added to a dessert or breakfast to give it a little extra flavor for taste. Cinnamon is not only popular because of good it tastes though-it can really benefit our health in many ways as well.
Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years by society, and because of its availability for such a long period of time, we have been able to study it in depth. Cinnamon was thought to be helpful in treating many ailments for centuries, and we now have the science to back up these beliefs.
What Are the Best Health Benefits That Cinnamon Provides?
May Help Reduce Our Risk of Developing Cancer
Cancer is one of the biggest threats to our health, only behind obesity and heart disease. It seems that everything we are exposed to today can potentially cause us cancer, from too much exposure to sunlight, particles in the air, and our diet. This makes fighting cancer in any way we possibly we can ever more important as each day passes.
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, one in particular called cinnamaldehyde which is the same chemical that gives cinnamon its distinctive flavor. This antioxidant in particular has shown to be effective in preventing the growth of cancer within the cells themselves by protecting its DNA.
Can Lower Your Risk of Developing Diabetes
Pairing cinnamon with oatmeal, pancakes or other carbohydrates is not only done to flavor up these bland dishes, but because it can help prevent a spike in our blood sugar. When we eat these foods high in carbohydrates which is typical for many people, our blood sugar spikes in response.
These foods unless they are derived from whole grains with plenty of fiber, are usually processed wheat which lacks fiber and other nutrients. These nutrients found in whole foods which help to slow down the digestion and absorption of these sugars in to the blood stream aren’t found in your typical western breakfast and is one of many reasons why the rate of diabetes is so high in these countries.
Cinnamon helps to reduce your risk of diabetes because of some compounds within it affect our digestion. Some of these compounds are able to inhibit the absorption of sugar in to the bloodstream, which helps balance blood sugar levels.
Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is essential to managing diabetes and preventing diabetes, where cinnamon has shown to be effective.
Contains Compounds Which Fight off Other Diseases as Well
Cinnamon is a spice that is full of beneficial antioxidants which can not only help to fight off diabetes, but other diseases as well. Antioxidants fight off free radicals in the body which can cause pretty much every disease that we know of.
Another disease that many people suffer from is arthritis, which is the result of the swelling and inflammation of the joints. Antioxidants are effective in fighting off this inflammation, which can help relieve some of the pain that these people suffer from arthritis.
Heart disease is another extremely common and potentially deadly disease that many people in the west suffer. It has been the leading cause of death for many people, and becomes more of a probability as they age.
Cinnamon is also very effective in fighting heart disease because it reduces certain components in the blood which are responsible for these diseases. When we think of the causes of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood are the things that first come to mind.
Cinnamon can reduce the occurrence of all three of these things in the blood stream which can reduce our chances of getting a heart attack or a stroke. Cinnamon also helps to improve circulation of the blood itself which reduces strain on the heart itself.
Are There Any Concerns I Should Have About Consuming Cinnamon?
Most people do not have cinnamon allergies or sensitivity, and it is usually only used in small amounts at a time further reducing that risk. The only people who really need to be concerned are people who have serious medical conditions and are on medications which could potentially be affected by cinnamon consumption.
In most cases moderate cinnamon consumption is safe even if you take certain medications, however it is always best to check with your doctor first if you aren’t 100% certain.
