What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon is the dried bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. The most popular variety, Ceylon cinnamon, is obtained from the bark of the C. verum tree. This is the cinnamon that is widely used across Europe. Meanwhile, the Cassia cinnamon from the bark of the C. cassian trees in China and Vietnam is the more prevalent variety of cinnamon in the U.S. This is what many people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”

Today, many people are familiar with cinnamon as the primary ingredient that makes cinnamon rolls so deliciously fragrant. However, cinnamon has been widely used in different parts of the world as a medicinal spice with numerous health benefits. For instance, cinnamon was used traditionally to treat conditions, like colds, sore throats and joint pain. Moreoever, according to a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, cinnamon was also used to treat serious diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

The health benefits of cinnamon

For the most part, the role of cinnamon in food and medicine remains unchanged. Many people enjoy cinnamon not only for its aromatic flavor, but also for its health benefits. Here are some of the things that cinnamon can do for your body:

• Lower blood sugar levels – One of cinnamon’s popular benefits is its ability to regulate blood sugar. A study published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice revealed that cinnamon helped significantly reduce blood sugar levels and regulate insulin in people who were either at risk of or diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. By maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar, you can avoid serious health complications that come with Type 2 diabetes, like kidney and eye damage.
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease – Cinnamon has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which help the immune system fight infection and disease-causing free radicals. The cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties are also instrumental in treating inflammation caused by high levels of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of artery inflammation and stroke. Moreover, an animal study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine has shown that cinnamon can also reduce high blood pressure levels. When combined, these properties may significantly cut your risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Aid weight loss – Individuals with high blood sugar levels are likely to become overweight due to the body’s inability to process excess sugar. By lowering blood sugar levels, cinnamon makes it possible for the individual to burn fat easily again. Additionally, a study published in the Clinical Nutrition Journal showed that cinnamon supplementation helped obese individuals lose about 2.6 pounds and an inch from their waistlines.

Cinnamon is one of the most well loved and commonly used spices around the world. Not only does it intensify any dish or drink it is added to, it also offers numerous health benefits. Add a cinnamon stick to your tea, or incorporate it into your stew, curry or pastries for a fragrant burst of flavor.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

ScienceDirect.com

HealthLine.com

DiabetesResearchClinicalPractice.com

Hindawi.com

ClinicalNutritionJournal.com