Health benefits of Cinnamon

What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon, a popular household spice, was once traded as currency. The spice has a pleasant taste and a warm smell, which makes it popular in cooking, especially in sweet casseroles and savory curries.

Extracted from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree, the bark is peeled and spread out in the sun to dry, where it rolls up into rolls called cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powder form.

 Nutritional benefits of cinnamon
One teaspoon (3 g) of cinnamon (ground) provides:

7Kcal / 31KJ
0.1 g of protein
0.9 g of carbohydrates
1.6 Fiber
 

5 health benefits of cinnamon

1. Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Antifungal
Cinnamon is thought to have many medicinal and soothing properties and is often used in Chinese herbal medicine. The characteristic smell and taste of cinnamon come from the essential oils in the bark, called cinnamic aldehyde. Cinnamic aldehyde has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

2. It can support gut health
Some spices, including cinnamon, have prebiotic properties. These bacteria can help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, support digestion, and relieve any digestive problems.

3. It can help control blood pressure
There is some evidence that cinnamon consumption is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure. Although the evidence is promising, it is still early days and longer-term randomized controlled trials are needed.

 4. Reduces blood sugar and the risk of type 2 diabetes
Cinnamon is known to help regulate blood sugar levels. It appears to do this through several different mechanisms, including controlling the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream and mimicking the blood sugar-regulating hormone, insulin.

Human studies are promising, suggesting that cinnamon may have a moderate effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

5. It can be helpful for the aging brain
Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease become more common with age and are characterized by progressive deterioration of brain cells. In Alzheimer's disease, the buildup of protein fragments in the brain works by slowing down the way a person thinks and remembers. Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to inhibit the buildup of these proteins. Much of this evidence comes from animal studies, so there is still a lot to learn about the effects on humans.

Is cinnamon safe for everyone?

 For the majority of people, cinnamon is generally considered safe when consumed as a culinary spice and in small amounts - no more than one teaspoon per day is considered safe for most adults, but less for adults. children. In rare cases, allergic contact dermatitis may develop in some people.

It should be remembered that most cinnamon bought in supermarkets is a variety called cassia cinnamon - it has a stronger flavor and is cheaper to buy. However, it is high in compounds called coumarins, which can cause toxicity in high doses.

Ceylon cinnamon, or 'true' cinnamon, is relatively low in coumarin and may be better tolerated. When consumed in large amounts, cinnamon can interact with prescribed medications, including drugs for diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.