Boost your overall health and well-being with cinnamon.
Both delicious and nutritious, cinnamon has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Cinnamon spice comes from the inner bark of bushy evergreen trees native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. Once considered more valuable than gold, this versatile spice adds a sweet, warm taste to food and drinks. Today, research confirms the numerous health benefits of cinnamon.
1. Loaded with antioxidants
Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants that slow the aging process, strengthen the immune system, and protect the body from pathogens like viruses and bacteria and other harmful free radicals in the environment. Cinnamon is so high in antioxidants that it outranks other powerful antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. This amazing spice is particularly rich in polyphenols, a specific type of antioxidant known to help prevent chronic disease.
2. Relieves inflammation and pain
Inflammation is essential to the body’s healing process. While short-term inflammation is helpful in fighting infections and healing injuries, research shows that long-term inflammation can lead to chronic health conditions. Cinnamon’s antioxidants have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Research shows that cinnamon may be effective for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions. The next time you feel pain, reach for some cinnamon instead of an over-the-counter pain reliever. Cinnamon is proven to reduce muscle soreness and may also reduce other types of pain, particularly exercise-related pain.
3. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Cinnamon may help keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease. This powerhouse spice lowers cholesterol and blood pressure as well as triglyceride levels in the body—all common risk factors for developing heart disease. It also increases and improves circulation. If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, cinnamon may help repair damaged heart tissues. Try sprinkling cinnamon on your yogurt in the morning to keep your heart healthy.
4. Lowers blood sugar levels
Cinnamon is touted as one of the best spices for diabetics, and for good reason. It is well known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon improves sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps transport sugar through the bloodstream to tissues to keep blood sugar levels balanced. Along with eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking prescribed medications for managing diabetes, cinnamon can be helpful in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Studies show that cinnamon has anti-diabetic effects, as it can significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels.
5. Improves oral hygiene
Some toothpastes contain cinnamon as an ingredient and not just for the yummy flavor. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, cinnamon has been used for centuries to help soothe toothaches and fight against mouth disease. Cinnamon can keep your breath fresh and your oral hygiene in good shape by protecting against certain bacteria that cause cavities, bad breath, and mouth infections. In addition to its appealing flavor, cinnamon is also added to gum and mouthwash because it removes oral bacteria, helping ward off bad breath without harmful chemicals.
Credit: Lindsay Curtis - Alive Magazine
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