Nowadays, generally, cinnamon is an aromatic spice which is mostly present in the kitchen of every household. Cinnamon is used to increase food taste. The special thing about this spice is that it is not only used in the kitchen, but cinnamon is also useful in the treatment of many diseases. And here we will know about cinnamon benefits also.
Cinnamon has also been used for many years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Cinnamon is also given great importance in allopathy medicines. According to scientific studies, cinnamon is the best antioxidant after cloves. The history of this spice is quite rich and ancient.
If history is to be believed, 2000-5000 BC was the firstly Cinnamon was used and even today the importance and quality of this spice has not diminished. In Rome, cinnamon was used to remove odors from dead bodies. Even cinnamon is one of the very expensive spices in Rome.
Facts about Cinnamon:
Botanical name: Cinnamomum verum/ Cinnamomum zylanicum
Dynasty: Lauraceae
Common Names: Cinnamon
Useful Parts: Bark
Properties of flaxseeds: Warm
Cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka and was discovered by a Portuguese. Even today the price of this spice is quite high. Cinnamon spice is prepared from the inner bark of a cinnamon tree. It is a plant which is evergreen and found mainly in tropical regions.
Cinnamon trees can grow to a height of 18 meters. And its shape is round and it is brownish red in color. Cinnamon tree leaves are used as spices in food.
Types of Cinnamon:
Cinnamon comes in a variety of forms, but the two most common types are:
Ceylon cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is most abundantly grown in Sri Lanka and is extremely expensive. It has a slight fragrance and a sweet flavour. Ceylon cinnamon is lighter in colour and resembles thin layers of paper wrapped on top of each other to form a hollow tube.
Cassia cinnamon: Because of its roots, it’s also known as Chinese cinnamon. Cinnamon in this type is the most popular. Cassia cinnamon has a darker brown colour, a heavy scent, and a spicy flavour. This cinnamon’s sticks form a single thick sheet that rolls towards the centre from one or both sides. Since it contains much more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, it is toxic to the liver at higher concentrations.
Health benefits of Cinnamon
In Traditional Chinese medicine, Western traditional herbalism, and Ayurveda, cinnamon is one of the most essential spices. Modern medicine, on the other hand, is only catching up in terms of finding its many health-promoting and healing properties.
Let’s take a look at what we know about this enigmatic spice.
- Relieves stomach problems: Cinnamon will help you with the majority of stomach issues. It’s used for bloating, constipation, and nausea relief. Cinnamon also aids in the prevention of stomach ulcers and the enhancement of appetite.
- Anti-diabetic: Cinnamon contains active compounds that have been shown in clinical trials to improve insulin sensitivity and thus keep blood sugar levels in check.
- Promotes weight loss: Cinnamaldehyde, contained in cinnamon, has been clinically shown to aid in weight loss by promoting fat burning in the body. Cinnamon also aids in weight loss by reducing hunger pangs and binge eating.
- Good for heart: Cinnamon lowers cholesterol levels and helps to avoid clots in arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Relieves menstrual problems: Clinical studies have shown that cinnamon intake not only relieves menstrual cramps and discomfort, but also helps to avoid nausea during the menstrual cycle.
- Reduces acne: Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that is found in nature. When combined with a face mask, it aids in the reduction of acne pain and swelling, as well as the prevention of acne scarring.
- Improves oral health: Toothache is usually treated with cinnamon oil and clove. Cinnamon has been shown in studies to be as effective as certain commercial medications in preventing and alleviating gingivitis symptoms.
Cinnamon Benefits for Stomach Upset
Cinnamon may not be the best cure for any gastric problem, but it has a long history of being used for stomach health and well-being. Cinnamon is used as a carminative and stomachic in Western herbalism. A carminative herb helps with flatulence (stomach bloating), while a stomachic herb increases appetite by making food digest more quickly.
Cinnamon also contains catechins, which are believed to help with nausea. Cinnamon is most often consumed as a tea to alleviate nausea symptoms. In naturopathy, cinnamon is used as a laxative (it relieves constipation). Cinnamon is used in Ayurveda to treat stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and colitis.Cinnamon has been shown to be effective in the treatment of dyspepsia in laboratory studies (indigestion).
According to further research, cinnamon yoghurt will help fight the bacteria that causes ulcers, Helicobacter pylori. However, further testing is required to validate all of this spice’s common uses, so it’s best to consult your doctor.
Cinnamon Benefits for Diabetes
According to research, oxidative stress is a significant factor in the development of diabetes. Antioxidants, which scavenge reactive oxygen species and neutralise the risks of free radicals, are thought to be the strongest defence mechanism against oxidative stress. Cinnamon is an antioxidant that is nothing short of a miracle for diabetics. In reality, research indicates that it, along with cloves, is one of the spice world’s richest sources of antioxidants.
500 people with diabetes were given 6 g of cinnamon a day for 4 to 18 weeks in a study, and it was discovered that daily cinnamon intake significantly lowers fasting blood sugar levels.
According to another study, taking 5 g of cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity and allows the hormone to absorb more sugar from the blood. Cinnamon’s hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects were found to be just as effective after 12 hours of administration. Furthermore, Methylhydroxychalcone, a chemical compound, effectively mimics the hormone insulin and aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels in the body.
Furthermore, Methylhydroxychalcone, a chemical compound, effectively mimics the hormone insulin and aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels in the body.
Cinnamon Powder Benefits for Weight Loss
Cinnamon is one of the most widely used common weight-loss treatments. There were insufficient scientific proofs until recently to provide a direct link between weight loss and cinnamon.
However, according to a recent study published in the Michigan Institute of Life Sciences, cinnamaldehyde, a component of cinnamon, can effectively burn fat. Cinnamaldehyde produces heat in the body, causing adipocytes (fat cells) to burn more fat for energy, according to this study.
Cinnamon seems to slow down digestion and make you feel fuller for longer periods of time, according to lab and animal research. As a result, adding cinnamon to weight-loss plans could be beneficial.
However, it is best to consult your doctor before eating cinnamon and to understand the proper dosage, as taking more than the recommended dose of cinnamon can cause liver toxicity.
Cinnamon Benefits as Antibacterial Agent
Cinnamon has been shown to be an important antimicrobial agent in numerous studies. Cinnamaldehyde, an essential compound found in cinnamon, has been shown to be extremely effective in destroying bacteria, fungi, and nematodes in studies.
It is also thought to be effective against head lice nits and adults (Pediculus humanus capitis). More research is being done to determine the exact mechanism of action and application of cinnamon in the treatment of various microbial infections.
Cinnamon Benefits for Candida Infections
Candida is a fungus that can be found on the human body. However, an imbalance in the skin pH causes Candida to grow abnormally and develop into candidiasis, a medical condition. Cinnamon is well-known in traditional western herbalism for its antifungal properties against Candida species.
Cinnamon oil has been shown in lab studies to have significant antifungal efficacy against all types of Candida infections (Candida albicans- a known vaginal yeast infection and against non-albicans type Candida). However, before using cinnamon oil or cinnamon in any form to treat any infection, you should consult your doctor.
Cinnamon Benefits for Heart
Cinnamon is a great cholesterol-lowering plant, according to traditional herbalism. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the body while effectively raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol in a variety of studies.
However, the precise mechanism of action or the compound that lowers cholesterol has yet to be discovered. Cinnamon may reduce the risk of common heart problems associated with high cholesterol levels in the body, even if it does not directly help improve heart health.
Cinnamon Benefits for Blood Circulation
The body’s ability to work depends on proper blood circulation. Improper blood circulation or the accumulation of clots in blood vessels may be caused by a variety of physical or physiological conditions. Cinnamon contains coumarin (a biochemical agent), which is a natural blood thinner and anticoagulant, according to experts (stops blood clotting).
Cinnamon consumption can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clot formation in our bodies. However, since coumarin can be toxic to the liver in large doses, it is best to consult your doctor before taking cinnamon.
Cinnamon Benefits for Skin
Cinnamon is a superfood for skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties, when combined, not only minimise the likelihood of skin issues like acne, but they also delay the progression of fine lines, dark spots, and other age-related skin symptoms.
Cinnamon does not have its own nourishing properties, despite being an effective anti-inflammatory. To soothe acne and give the skin a nourished glow, traditional herbalism uses a mixture of honey and cinnamon.
Cinnamon Benefits for Cough and Cold
Cinnamon is said to suppress kapha and vata dosha while growing pitta in the body, according to Ayurveda. As a result, it dissolves and absorbs kapha in the body. Cinnamic acid, a component of cinnamon oil, has been shown to be effective in destroying Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis in humans.
More research is required, however, to determine the precise action and mechanism of cinnamic acid against this bacteria. Cinnamon also has a natural warming effect, so it is used as a cold remedy in traditional herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine.
Cinnamon Benefits for Menstrual Problems
Cinnamon has long been used in ayurveda and herbalism to treat menstrual cramps, nausea, and vomiting in women who are experiencing menstrual problems. Cinnamon capsules (420 mg) given three times a day to a group of 76 females of similar menstrual age were found to be successful in reducing cramps, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting in females in a recent study.
Cinnamon Benefits for Oral Health
A mixture of clove and cinnamon oil is used in Ayurveda to relieve tooth pain. Cinnamon is very useful in treating gingivitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science (a condition marked with infected gums). The study also found that cinnamon’s anti-gingivitis effectiveness is comparable to that of chlorhexidine, a popular medication used to treat this condition.
Cinnamon Benefits for Mouth Odour
Bad breath is a despised disorder that can be difficult to manage at times. A heavy microbial load in the oral cavity, according to physicians, is the most common cause of bad breath. Fortunately, research suggests that the cinnamic acid in cinnamon could be effective in destroying bacteria in our mouth.
As a result, bad breath is no longer a problem. In a research conducted in Canada, it was discovered that people who chewed cinnamon gum had lower bacterial loads in their mouth than those who chewed regular gum. However, further research is needed to confirm cinnamon’s effectiveness.
Cinnamon Benefits as a Potential Anti-cancer Agent
Cinnamon’s anti-cancer potential has been studied extensively in both gastric and skin cancers. Cinnamon extracts were found to effectively minimise the survival and spread of tumour cells in one of these experiments. Another research on skin cancer cells suggests that cinnamon inhibits the proangiogenic factor (a biochemical in the body) that causes skin cancer to spread in humans.
The cinnamon extracts also activate CD8 T cells, which are antibody cells responsible for detecting and destroying foreign cells in the body, according to the report. As a result, cinnamon could be used as an anti-cancer drug in the future.
How to Use Cinnamon
Cinnamon is most widely found in the form of sticks known as cinnamon “Quills” in the marketplace. Cinnamon quills are shavings of the cinnamon tree’s inner bark that are stacked on top of one another to form a hollow tunnel. The hollow tube is then filled with tiny dried cinnamon shavings. Quillings are smaller shavings of cinnamon bark sold separately. Cinnamon chips, powder, and cinnamon bark oil are also sold on the market.
Cinnamon is commonly used in cakes and confectioneries as a condiment. I’m sure a few of you have tried the popular “cinnamon rolls,” a sweet dish that originated in Europe and America but is now loved all over the world. Cinnamon was once thought to be an aphrodisiac in some parts of Europe, according to historians. Cinnamon’s sweet scent is also used to make perfumes in the cosmetic industry. Cinnamon essential oil is another popular option.
If you want to make your own treatments at home, cinnamon may be used to make infused oils, compresses (topically applied preparations), tinctures (alcohol-based extracts), or tea (usually with cinnamon powder). Still haven’t figured out which kitchen box contains cinnamon? If you’ve never seen a cinnamon stick before, you’ll recognise it by its distinct Christmas-like smell.
Cinnamon is most commonly associated with winter and the Christmas season, according to a survey of people. After all, why not? It’s one of the most popular ingredients in Christmas cakes, cookies, and tree decorations.
Here’s how to make a delicious cup of cinnamon tea quickly:
- In a pot, bring water to a boil.
- Place one stick of cinnamon in a pot of boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Switch off the heat and leave the cinnamon to steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain and take a sip.
One stick of Ceylon cinnamon should yield 1-2 cups of tea.
Safe Dosage of Cinnamon
Ideally, 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon should be taken for a long period of time without causing any negative side effects. However, cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver, so use caution. It’s best to talk to your Ayurvedic doctor about the right amount of cinnamon for your body type.
Cinnamon Side Effects
Cinnamon’s negative consequences include the following:
- Cinnamon has a natural warming effect, so taking more than the recommended amount can cause stomach irritation.
- Cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage if consumed in large amounts.
- Cinnamon can cause allergic reactions in some people. Cinnamaldehyde is the allergen (allergy-causing agent) found in cinnamon, according to studies, and it is known to cause mouth sores in people who are sensitive to it.
- Since cinnamon is a natural hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) agent, it’s best to consult your doctor before adding it to your diet if you’re diabetic and taking anti-diabetes medication.
- Cinnamon thins the blood. It is best not to use cinnamon for a period of time if you are about to have surgery or have recently had surgery.
- Cinnamon oil is a recognised skin irritant when used undiluted. As a result, a patch test is advised before using it all over the body.