"Cinnamon - The Sweet Spice That Is Good For You"Besides its use in cooking, the health benefits of cinnamon are numerous. It is thought to be an effective treatment for conditions such as colds and may even provide protection from heart disease. To begin, it is an aromatic, sweet spice that is a perfect addition to food eaten during the winter months. Moreover, the powdered form that we usually buy at the supermarket is called Cassia cinnamon, and is taken from the bark of the tree. Indeed, it contains some of the most diverse and powerful antioxidants of all plants. This makes it a potent nutritional ally against disease causing free radicals. Specifically, it can be purchased in powdered or stick form and can be added to numerous foods such as vegetables, teas, and, of course, desserts. First of all, it contains chemicals that provide protection from several diseases of the cardiac system such as strokes and heart attacks. For example, it contains an ingredient, called cinnamaldehyde that helps prevent blood clots from forming. It works by preventing clumping of unwanted blood platelets. Specifically, it inhibits the release of an inflammatory fatty acid known as arachidonic acid. Also, it functions as a natural blood thinner and improves the circulation of blood. As a result, it could be a powerful nutritional tool to help your body fight inflammation. In addition, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body flight dangerous, disease causing, free radicals. Studies have shown that consumption of as little as 1/2 teaspoon of this spice daily can lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol. As a consequence, it is such a potent treatment for cholesterol, that, if you stop taking it, you will continue to experience lower cholesterol levels as much as 20 days after stopping. Moving along, in another study done in 2003, the USDA recruited 60 Pakistani individuals with type 2 Diabetes. These individuals were given one gram of cinnamon each day for a 40-day period. At the study’s end, these individuals experienced a substantial decrease in blood sugar levels, triglyceride levels, and total and LDL cholesterol levels. Several studies have shown that cinnamon consumption can help regulate blood sugar. This would make it a very healthy food for those individuals with type 2 Diabetes. In fact, studies on this spice have found that it stimulates insulin receptors, while minimizing an enzyme that inactivates them. This translates to an increased capability of your body to utilize glucose. Interestingly enough, one study of laboratory rats that were fed 300 mg per kilogram of body weight for three weeks saw improvements in their muscle tissues' ability to absorb insulin by 17%. Additionally, the researchers found that consumption of as little as 1 g per day was enough to regulate blood sugar in humans.
Cinnamon is also considered an anti-microbial food, stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi, such as the troublesome yeast Candida. It is also interesting to note that in laboratory studies, it was often found to be as effective as the anti-microbial medication fluconazole in stopping the growth of yeast infections. Eugenol and cinnamaldehyde are two important terpenoids that are found in this spice. Terpenoids are aromatic components of plants that are thought to have antibacterial and anticancer properties. It appears that its' anti-inflammatory capabilities make it a useful treatment for those suffering from Arthritis. To continue, in another study from Copenhagen University, individuals given one half ground of it mixed with honey experienced pain relief in just one week, Furthermore, they were able to walk pain-free after one month. Not only does it have a pleasing flavor, it is also a rich source of a number of vitamins and minerals and nutrients. For example, it is rich in calcium, manganese, iron and fiber. It also contains vitamin C and vitamin K. Likewise, it may also prove beneficial in promoting brain function as well. Unbelievably, one study found that just by smelling cinnamon you could improve cognitive skills and memory function. Furthermore, recent research indicates that chewing gum made from this spice can cause improvements in mental function. It is also interesting to note that for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the fiber that it contains may provide relief from diarrhea or constipation. Finally, traditional Chinese medicine has long used it as a treatment for the common cold. One herbal remedy that may prove effective against colds is:
Even though cinnamon is safe to take when taken in small amounts, you should avoid taking it in large doses. European studies have found that it contains large amounts of a compound called Coumarin that is toxic in large doses. Further, as it promotes blood clotting, individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or Warfarin are advised to not take it. Also, pregnant women should avoid taking it in high doses, as it may cause adverse effects on the uterus. In conclusion, for those of you that have a sweet tooth, there is good news. At last, there is something sweet to eat that is not detrimental to your health. Although further research needs to be done to validate these above mentioned health benefits, preliminary research indicates that it may be good for you. Just remember to not stop taking any prescription medications your physician may have prescribed for you. Also, it would be wise for you to talk to him before taking cinnamon. He, along with your pharmacist, can provide valuable advice concerning any supplemental program.
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