Cinnamon - Surprisingly Healthy

Spices has long been used in bringing that much needed flavor to some of the best dishes in the world. But some of these spices were not originally meant for the kitchen. In Ayurvedic medicine for example, some spices were used for treating respiratory and digestive problems.

Cinnamon brings its own unique taste and fragrance to some of the tastiest pastries. And this is something that ancient Egyptians and Romans commonly used in creating essential oils or masking bad odors.  While there's no contesting how good cinnamon smells, it might come as a surprise to many how this could also have beneficial effects on our health.

Reduce your Risk for Cancer Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce the buildup of toxins in the body which can have a degenerative effect on cells. By getting rid of wastes, cinnamon helps keep our cells healthy. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties. Which protects our body against cellular-level damage.

Alzheimer and Dementia

Cinnamon contains Cinnamaldehyde, a compound responsible for giving its signature smell and Epicatechin, a powerful anti-oxidant. The exact mechanisms for the development of Alzheimer and Dementia are not clearly known but cinnamon's anti-oxidant properties can prevent the development of plaques and tangles. Because of its powerful anti-oxidant properties, cinnamon can protect us against oxidative stress which is a major factor in the development of Dementia.

Better Heart Health

Cinnamon can be used to reduce the level of cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol all of have a negative effect on our heart's health. It helps control the level of bad cholesterol while increasing the levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol. Cinnamon also help lower blood pressure which combined with healthy levels of cholesterol contributes to a healthier heart.

Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. It also helps reduce insulin resistance which is responsible for metabolism and proper energy use. Cinnamon helps lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after eating. This is done by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion. Cinnamon also works like insulin by improving the uptake of glucose by the cells.

Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungi Properties

Cinnamon oil based solutions has been proven to kill common bacteria such as E. coli and streptococcus. Cinnamaldehyde, a compound found in cinnamon helps fight infection. It also has a negative effect on the growth of bacteria. Cinnamon oil can also be used to treat fungal infections in the respiratory tract. Cinnamon also helps prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath by fighting bacteria in the mouth.