For anyone who loves baking, cinnamon is a staple spice in the kitchen. Some people may describe it to have a sweet and spicy taste, but, in fact, our sense of smell probably reacts to it more than our sense of taste. It has a sweet and woody smell that makes many people think of autumn or Christmas. Cinnamon, however, can be used for much more than seasoning apple cider or spicing up cookies.
Aside from bringing your baked goods to life, cinnamon has numerous health benefits and is well loved by many for its medicinal properties. Read through these top ten health benefits of cinnamon and then make sure to share your thoughts and experiences here for others to read!
Using Cinnamon for Coughs and Colds
Sore throat and symptoms of cough and cold can be easily be gone with a sip cinnamon tea. Because of its antibacterial properties, it can increase blood flow, regulate blood oxygen and fight off illness in its early stages.
Using Cinnamon for Depression
For people suffering from morning blues, a cup of cinnamon tea can work magic. A study conducted in Wheeling Jesuit University documented that the mere scent of cinnamon can enhance a person’s mood and lessen irritability. So the next time you want to cheer up someone, give a gift of cinnamon to lighten them up.
Cinnamon Can Help for Control Blood Sugar
According to the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, cinnamon has exhibited properties that helped with insulin resistance. It was documented that cinnamon has up to a 5% effect on a person’s blood sugar levels. It can help keep sugar levels lower making it the perfect aid for pre-diabetics.
Using Cinnamon for Yeast Infections
Cinnamon oil is a good way to fight off Candida albicans fungus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Cinnamon tea is definitely a treat to drink and it very effective in controlling symptoms of yeast infections. Cinnamon leaf oil can also be topically applied to affected areas.
Using Cinnamon for Stomach Flu
Cinnamon can alleviate stomach bugs that include symptoms like nausea, fever, dehydration, diarrhea, bloating and vomiting. Because of its antibacterial properties, it can fight off viruses. Cinnamon tea with a dash of ginger, salt and sugar or honey can kick those stomach bugs away.
Cinnamon Can Help Prevent Cancer
Cinnamon oil has shown to have a good potential of preventing cancer by controlling the body’s blood sugar level and fighting agents that may cause colon cancer. It can work by reducing the growth of toxic cells that may prevent the formation of cancerous cells.
Cinnamon Can Help Prevent Heart Disease
By taking at least 1 gram of cinnamon every day, one can lessen the risk of acquiring heart problems. Cinnamon can help lower bad cholesterol levels while pumping up good cholesterol (HDL) in your body. In animals tests, it even showed that it can effectively cut down high blood pressure.
Cinnamon is a Good Antioxidant
This common spice is ranked top 7 as the most powerful antioxidants in the world. It can help fight off free radicals, thus, assisting in preventing the big C. It can effectively repair cell damage to help achieve better skin and youthful glow.
Cinnamon Can Help With Tooth and Gum Problems
Cinnamon can help in combating bacteria in the mouth area that can help protect gums and teeth. Cinnamon oil is a common ingredient in mouthwashes and oral products because of this very reason.
Cinnamon Can Help With Neurodegenerative Disease
Cinnamon has shown to have properties that can inhibit the build up of a protein that causes Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Animal studies show that it can help protect neurons and can regulate neurotransmitter levels although further studies are needed to discover its effects on humans.
So the next time you make use of cinnamon in the kitchen, think of all these health benefits. It does not hurt to add a dash in your baked goods and keep cinnamon oil and cinnamon tea handy to treat what ails you. Of course, make sure you talk to your doctor before trying anything that may affect your health!