Cinnamon – Benefits, Uses and Side Effects!
Cinnamon – Benefits, Uses and Side Effects! Cinnamon has essential nutrients for the well-being of health . Furthermore, cinnamon is a powerful spice that has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. It is still used daily in many cultures because of its wide-ranging health benefits, not to mention its distinctly sweet and warming taste and ease of use in recipes. According to researchers, of the twenty-six of the most popular medicinal herbs and spices in the world, Cinnamon actually ranks No. #1 in terms of protective antioxidant levels!
Cinnamon ‘s unique smell, color and taste is due to the oily part of the tree it grows from. Cinnamon health benefits come from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree. This bark contains several special compounds that are responsible for its many health-promoting properties – including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate.
The researchers concluded that the health benefits of cinnamon can be obtained in the form of its pure bark, essential oils, in the form of wet spices (which is the bark powder) or in the form of an extract when its special phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidants are isolated.
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These compounds make cinnamon one of the most beneficial spices on Earth, giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, immunity, cancer and heart disease abilities. So, now see all about Cinnamon – Benefits, Uses and Side Effects! check out:
- Helps accelerate weight loss ;
- It is great for lowering cholesterol ;
- Helps in the functioning of the digestive system;
- Helps neutralize free radicals.
- It is indicated for heart problems, such as cardiac arrhythmia;
- It is excellent against cold and bronchitis;
- Helps to lower triglycerides.
Cinnamon Nutritional Information: Amount per 100 g of Cinnamon :
- Energy 252 calories;
- 10 g water;
- Proteins 3.9 g;
- Fats 3.2 g;
- Carbohydrates 55.5 g;
- Fibers 24.4g;
- Vitamin A 26 mcg;
- Vitamin C 28 mg;
- Calcium 1228 mg;
- Ferro 38 mg.
To have all the health benefits of Cinnamon , just consume 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon powder per day. So, now check out the health benefits of Cinnamon :
Benefits of Cinnamon to Accelerate Weight Loss: Cinnamon works as a natural thermogenic, and is able to accelerate metabolism and enhance the fat burning process in the body. It also controls blood sugar levels and keeps them stable, preventing insulin spikes that make the body want to accumulate carbohydrates in the form of fat.
In addition, cinnamon tea promotes a feeling of satiety and satisfaction that prevents overeating in meals and reduces cravings for foods rich in sugar and white flour.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Lowering Cholesterol: A study published by the American Diabetes Association, of the United States, with 60 people observed that the consumption of Cinnamon for 40 days contributed to the reduction of total cholesterol, the reduction varied between 12 and 26%, while of bad cholesterol , LDL, the reduction ranged from 7 to 27%.
This benefit is believed to be due to Cinnamon ‘s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions . However, experts say that more studies are still needed to be able to say that Cinnamon actually contributes to the reduction of cholesterol .
Benefits of Cinnamon for the Functioning of the Digestive System: Cinnamon has a substance capable of calming the stomach and helping in the digestive process, preventing indigestion and alleviating stomach pain and discomfort, gas and the feeling of abdominal swelling. It also contributes to good gut health, and is often effective in combating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by killing discomfort-causing bacteria and curing infections.
Cinnamon Lowers Cholesterol: Evidence shows that this powerful spice helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. In addition, its significant concentration of manganese, iron and calcium helps to develop connective tissues, improves thyroid function, controls blood sugar levels and regulates the metabolic synthesis of fats and carbohydrates.
In this way, cinnamon tea helps to stabilize blood pressure and can even help patients suffering from coronary artery disease.
Benefits of Cinnamon to Prevent HIV Virus: A study of various medicinal plants in India revealed that Cinnamon can be effective against HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses. It can be used in conjunction with antiretroviral treatments to improve the health and well-being of people suffering from AIDS. Researchers were able to extract a molecule known as IND-02 that is believed to help prevent the virus from replicating and keep the disease at bay.
Benefits of Cinnamon to Lower Triglycerides: The same study published by the American Diabetes Association of the United States also observed a reduction in triglyceride levels, a decrease that ranged from 23 to 30%, after 40 days of consuming Cinnamon . High triglyceride levels increase the risk of developing diabetes and coronary heart disease.
As in the case of cholesterol , experts also say that more studies are still needed to be able to say that Cinnamon actually contributes to the reduction of triglyceride levels.
Benefits of Cinnamon to Fight Cold: It is interesting to consume Cinnamon when you have a cold. This is because it has an immunomodulatory effect that helps to improve the body’s response against the flu-causing virus. So, it can be said that this spice stimulates the immune system.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Fighting Cancer: Cinnamon is a spice that has been considered very beneficial in the prevention and treatment of cancer . This reduces the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and prevents the formation of blood vessels in these cells. In addition, it induces the death of cancer cells, a process known as apoptosis.
Cinnamon stimulates the production of enzymes that have a detoxifying effect and prevent the growth of colon cancer cells. It also eliminates excess bile in the digestive tract, thus lowering the risk of colon cancer . According to one study, cinnamon reduced the growth of lymphoma and leukemia cancer cells.
Benefits of Cinnamon to Neutralize Free Radicals: Cinnamon has phenolic compounds that have antioxidant activity, that is, they neutralize free radicals. Among the benefits that this action provides are preventing premature aging, degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and tumors.
Cinnamon Heart Benefits: Cinnamon has potent anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent heart disease. It contains compounds that help increase blood circulation, which in turn ensures adequate oxygen supply to all parts of the body. The cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon has anticoagulant effects that prevent platelets from aggregating together.
This spice also helps in reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. It also helps to increase the levels of good or HDL cholesterol . Animal studies indicate that cinnamon is able to reduce high blood pressure . All these properties of Cinnamon make it a healthy food.
How to Consume Cinnamon: There are no nutritional differences between ingesting cinnamon powder or stick. This spice can be consumed sprinkled over fruits, vegetables and meats and can also be included in teas and juices. The food is also very well sprinkled over sweets, such as rice pudding, corn curd and oatmeal, among others.
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Side Effects and Contraindications: Cinnamon side effectsinclude allergies and skin irritation, and it should not be consumed in case of gastric or intestinal ulcers. Cinnamon should also not be consumed during pregnancy because it favors uterine contraction that can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Did you like the article? If you liked it, we have much more. So, see other benefits of Cinnamon: