Consuming cinnamon is a delicious way to improve your blood pressure. A study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at the health benefits and safety of the cinnamon variety Cinnamomum zeylanicum (commonly referred to as Ceylon cinnamon).

The study was conducted as a phase I clinical trial by a team of researchers at the University of Colombo and the Industrial Technology Institute in Sri Lanka. The research team recruited 30 healthy adult participants for the study. For a period of three months, the participants received three doses of Ceylon cinnamon (CC) supplements. For 30 days during the first month, each participant received 85 milligrams (mg) of CC daily, 250 mg of CC daily for 30 days during the second month, and 500 mg of CC daily for 30 days during the third month. The participants underwent several assessments at baseline and during each monthly follow-up visit to evaluate the efficiency and safety of Ceylon cinnamon. The assessments included physical examination, examination of the body systems, history of any disease, and biochemical assessments, including fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, liver function tests, renal function tests, urine analysis, and full blood count (white cell count, hemoglobin, and platelet count).

Results showed that supplementation reduced the participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It also significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels without causing any toxic or serious adverse effects.

The findings of the study indicated that the consumption of Ceylon cinnamon is safe and effective in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (Related: Cinnamon Balances Blood Sugar and Lowers Cholesterol.)

“Further studies with larger samples and longer durations may be able to elucidate other side effects and better describe the pharmacodynamic properties of CZ [Cinnamomum zeylanicum],” the researchers suggested.

More uses of cinnamon

The uses and benefits of cinnamon are not only for the inside body. It can also be part of your beauty routine as it is good for the skin. Topical use of cinnamon is as good as ingesting it. Here are some ways to incorporate cinnamon into your beauty routine:

• Cinnamon as a scrub – To make a cinnamon scrub, mix sugar, cinnamon, and coconut nectar. Gently rub the mixture onto your face and rinse with warm water.
• Cinnamon as a breath freshener – Add a spoonful of cinnamon to warm water and gargle for a few seconds. Although it will not make your breath minty, it will definitely improve bad breath.
• Cinnamon as a face mask – Mix honey and cinnamon, and then apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this at least once a week. The antibacterial properties of cinnamon will prevent acne breakouts.
• Cinnamon and oatmeal face mask – Mix cinnamon, oats, and lemon and apply onto your face. After 20 minutes, rinse your face with warm water. The oats in the mask will help lessen the oil in the skin and absorb any existing moisture.
• Cinnamon as a lip balm – To make a lip balm with cinnamon, combine one or two tablespoons of cinnamon with melted coconut oil. Let it set and apply on your lips.

Read more news stories and studies on cinnamon’s other health benefits by going to AlternativeMedicine.news.

Sources include:

Science.news

HindustanTimes.com