7 Benefits Of Cinnamon Everyone Should Know
Cinnamon is one of the best known and most widely used spices in the world, not only for its delicious taste and aroma, which goes very well with other foods, but also for its nutritional properties. This food can be consumed in powder or whole, in the form of wands. Also, it can be used in essential oil and supplements.
There are many people who prefer to consume it in its natural state, since they consider that it is the best way to take advantage of the benefits it brings to the body. If you are one of those who still do not know its properties, then we will tell you more about the 7 virtues that stand out among other spices.
1. Helps to take care of heart health
One of the main reasons that cinnamon is believed to be good for protecting the heart is because it is involved in lowering high cholesterol levels, and this could lower the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system.
A study published in the American Diabetes Association , in which several people with type 2 diabetes were tested, suggests that consuming cinnamon in moderate doses could help lower glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in people with this condition.
In this way, a decrease in cholesterol and the other factors that affect the onset and development of diabetes could mean a reduction in cardiovascular problems.
2. Has anti-inflammatory activity
The body’s inflammatory response is very important, as it fights infection and repairs damaged tissues. However, when this is disturbed and becomes chronic, it can lead to many diseases that decrease the quality of life.
According to the results of an investigation published in the Royal Society of Chemistry carried out in older people, the components of cinnamon could be useful in reducing age-related inflammation.
3. Helps regulate blood glucose levels
Compounds in cinnamon have been believed to contribute to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels for some time, a study published in the Nutrition Journal suggests that patients with diabetes who consumed this spice were tested. for 4 months.
According to the American Diabetes Association study mentioned above, consuming 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day could lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
4. Helps with cognitive health
It is believed that the aroma that cinnamon gives off could positively influence cognitive processing, like rosemary.
On the other hand, this spice contains substances that, apparently, as indicated by a study published in Pharmacological Research , help to inhibit the accumulation of protein in the brain, benefiting patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
However, they assure that more in-depth and detailed information is needed to establish the appropriate dose in the intake of this spice to produce these results.
5. Cinnamon has antimicrobial activity
Cinnamon appears to have substances with antimicrobial activity that may be able to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, including C andida albicans .
A study in Nutrients Journal mentions that some components such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol could be responsible for the antibacterial activity of cinnamon. In fact, he suggests that a good strategy to avoid infections in the body or skin is the use of this spice in certain food and cosmetic products.
6. Has antioxidant properties
Antioxidants are responsible for combating the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. Fortunately, there are many foods with these properties, and cinnamon is one of them.
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , in which 26 spices were evaluated, mentions cinnamon as one of the foods with the highest antioxidant activity, next to oregano and cloves.
7. Cinnamon helps calm PMS
An infusion of cinnamon could help to alleviate the symptoms that are produced by PMS. According to research by the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal , one of the benefits of this spice is the decrease in menstrual bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and general pain, which are generated as a result of premenstrual syndrome.
Consumption of cinnamon: what should be taken into account?
Although it is a healthy food, excessive consumption of cinnamon could have some adverse effects. Also, you must remember that for severe pathologies and symptoms it is necessary to consult with your doctor before resorting to any home remedy.
