Top 5 health benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a pleasant flavour and warm smell, making it popular in cooking, especially in sweet bakes and savoury curries.
Here are 5 health benefits of cinnamon
1. Cinnamon helps manage blood pressure:
There is some evidence to suggest that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure.
Although the evidence is hopeful, it is early days and more long-term random controlled trials are needed.
2. Lowers blood sugar and risk of type-2 diabetes:
Cinnamon has a reputation for helping manage blood sugar. It appears to do this by a number of different mechanisms, including managing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream and mimicking the blood sugar management hormone, insulin.
3. Cinnomon may be beneficial for the aging brain:
Conditions like Alzheimer’s are more common as we age, and are characterised by a progressive deterioration of brain cells. In Alzheimer’s, accumulation of protein fragments in the brain act by slowing how a person thinks and remembers. Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to inhibit the build-up of these proteins. Much of this evidence is derived from animal studies, so there is still more for us to learn with regards to the effects for humans.
4. Cinnomon has Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
Cinnamon is thought to have many medicinal and soothing properties, and is used frequently in Chinese herbal medicine. The distinctive smell and flavour of cinnamon derives from the essential oils contained in the bark, called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde displays anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
5. Cinnamon May help support gut health
Some spices, including cinnamon, have prebiotic properties. These bacteria may help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, support digestive health and alleviate any digestive issues.
Cinnamon is generally recognised as safe when consumed as a culinary spice and in small amounts – no more than 1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children. In rare circumstances, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis.
