10 Health Benefits Of Consuming Cinnamon

Freshly baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas and a lot of gifts can make the evening best. Though there are cakes and pastries, these tasty rolls can be a delight. However, this aromatic spice is a superfood used in various dishes and also known for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.

The spice comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree from the Cinnamomum family. Once upon a time, it was more valuable than gold. This spice has a pleasant flavor and warm smell that has made it popular in cooking, particularly in baking and curries. It is the most popular medicinal spice using since ancient times.

The nutritional profile of Cinnamon one tablespoon of grounded cinnamon contains 1.4 grams of fibers and enough amount of calcium. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin K, and some antioxidants.

# Acts as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal

Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection. Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil present in the bark displays anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It inhibits certain bacteria like salmonella and also controls respiratory infections caused by fungi.

# Loaded with antioxidants

Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress that has been proven to damage cells and contribute to nearly every chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants such as choline, beta carotene, alpha-carotene, etc. Cinnamon is so powerful that it acts as a natural food preservative.

# Reduces inflammation

Cinnamon fights against the infection and repair damaged tissue. Cinnamaldehyde present in it helps to reduce the swelling and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. It is useful in acute as well as chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. Cinnamon also enhances the blood circulation and pushes circulation to the joints where blood circulation is disturbed.

# Manage type 2 diabetes

Insulin is an important hormone to control your blood sugar levels and to regulate your metabolism. Daily consumption of cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, which results in a reduced amount of glucose entry in circulation.

# Reduce the cholesterol levels

Cinnamon contains a compound called-cinnamate that may decrease enzyme activity that makes cholesterol, thus reducing the number of fatty acids in the blood. It helps to reduce bad cholesterol in your body that reduces the risk of heart diseases.

# Reduces blood pressure

Some evidence suggests that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the cholesterol levels that help to reduce the risk of heart problems.

# Combat acne

Cinnamon is best for skin health. It helps to reduce the acne forming bacteria. To make an acne mask, combine three tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of ground cinnamon to form a paste. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash it off.

# Protective against cancer

Cinnamon has anti-cancerous properties. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells and prevents the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Daily consumption of cinnamon provides a protective action against cancer, particularly colon cancer.

# Softening of the skin

Cinnamon keeps your skin shiny and smooth. As skin ages, skin loses its elasticity due to the reduction of collagen and elastin that makes your skin dull. Many lotions may provide this protein to regain the natural elasticity, but the cinnamon extract is best.

# Reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

Cinnamon is a neuro-protective that helps neurons and improves motor function. Compounds found in cinnamon inhibit the growth of a protein named-tau in the brain-it is one of the trademarks of Alzheimer’s disease.