10 health benefits of cinnamon backed by science

Aromatic spices are incredible, their sweet aromas are ideal for food or drinks, but mainly when it comes to sweet dishes ideal for a good afternoon.

For this reason, this article seeks to cover a species widely used in the world of gastronomy such as cinnamon , which brings with it an endless number of very interesting nutritional advantages that we invite you to discover.

What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon is an aromatic branch with the scientific name ” Cinnamomum zeylanicum ” obtained from the cinnamon tree, its origin is exactly in India and Sri Lanka in turn, being used even to flavor meats or sweet dishes.

In this sense, cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world dating its use from 2500 years before Christ, used both in its original form of the branch , as well as ground, which made its use easier for a variety of dishes or drinks

Note: A study adds that: “The spice of cinnamon corresponds to the inner bark that is extracted by peeling and rubbing the smallest branches and, once detached, is again separated and peeled again .” (1)

What are the benefits of cinnamon?

Next, we will address in a simple and concrete way the benefits of cinnamon for health , which are a great variety and very important for public knowledge. These are the best benefits of cinnamon:

1. Control blood pressure

It can be said that it helps prevent hypertension, a pathology where the arteries are clogged and force the heart to beat more forcefully , it is itself a worrying enemy of heart disease, but cinnamon is recommended to combat it.

To highlight: Cinnamon is full of agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, not to mention that they also improve the dilation of the arteries to facilitate blood circulation, this is also achieved through the consumption of cinnamon tea.

2. Lowers cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels

Cinnamon, being an antioxidant and boosting cardiovascular health, is ideal for patients with type 2 diabetes, it even lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in them, as well as controlling blood glucose levels (blood sugar) . .

You should know: The cinnamon stick is similar to insulin (but it is also an insulin enhancer), in addition to being a producer of good cholesterol, causing LDL and triglycerides to be taken to the liver to be discarded by the human body itself. .

3. Improves digestive functions

Cinnamon, especially if consumed in the form of tea, is amazing for digestive functions, especially for people who have digestive system problems that sometimes work slowly if not cleansed.

The reason why is very simple, cinnamon has anti-ulcer effects (mechanisms to reduce stomach acidity), the carminative substance (which prevents gas formation in the tract) and finally helps to stimulate gastric juices. .

4. Promotes brain health

This aromatic branch is more than just a gastric and cardiovascular protector, it also has the ability to help protect brain functions and, in turn, promote people’s cognitive functions.

Note: Beyond improving processes such as memory, cinnamon, when metabolized in the body, becomes a substance capable of eliminating sodium benzoate (which interferes with neurotransmitters) and also promotes the production of dopamine and serotonin in the body. the organism.

5. Relieves respiratory conditions

Cinnamon is considered effective in dealing with respiratory tract diseases, such as bronchitis. On the other hand, it is known to be a natural expectorant that is responsible for dissolving mucus from the lungs.

With this, it releases colds, relieves dry cough and its antitussive properties are essential to expel various secretions lodged in the respiratory tract , along with its antioxidants that eliminate toxins in these same pathways.

6. Contributes to weight loss

It can be said that cinnamon not only contributes positively to improving the intestinal tract, it also helps and boosts the metabolism of the organism , together with the stimulation of the digestive system.

To highlight: Weight loss with cinnamon is also favored by the great reduction of glucose and the inhibition of certain enzymes , which manages to some extent to control extreme appetite, especially in cases of anxiety .

7. Strengthens bones and joints

Cinnamon can be ideal, since it helps prevent inflammation in the joints (such as arthritis ) due to its anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also effective due to the minerals it contains, which strengthen the bone tissue of the joints. the bones.

Note: To support this information, a study analyzed that: “Cinnamon bark and its main components, cinnamaldehyde and 2-methyl cinnamaldehyde , could be helpful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, bone metastases, and inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis). ”. (two)

8. Reduces pain and inflammation

Being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it is safe to know that it reduces pain and, of course, inflammation, but another important aspect is that its components help reduce pain present in the digestive system , providing cleansing and purification to the body against toxic agents.

9. Promotes skin health

On the one hand, cinnamon has cinnamic acid in its structure, responsible for reducing the damage caused by free radicals (such as aging), which fully favors the skin, but it is also a great purifier for the epidermis, eliminating microorganisms or cells. dead on the skin, being a great exfoliant.

10. Reduces stress and anxiety

Cinnamon is one of the most pleasant aromatic spices in the world, it is ideal for bringing sensations of relaxation to the body. This is due to the melatonin present in its composition, which is recommended to help fall asleep, reducing stress and anxiety present in the nervous system.

Cinnamon properties

Knowing the great variety of benefits that the cinnamon branch provides, it is now time to know what its properties are that make everything explained above possible. Next, the properties of cinnamon:

1. Vitamins

Cinnamon is very rich in vitamins, where we find mostly several antioxidant aspects, including vitamin E, vitamin C , B complex vitamins (from B6 to B12), including thiamine and riboflavin.

2. Minerals

It also has a variety of essential minerals, such as calcium (where cinnamon has a high content of it for the bones), adding iron, magnesium , zinc, phosphorus, selenium and potassium , which are essential for the organism.

3. Other compounds

The most interesting thing lies here, since cinnamon provides fiber (ideal for the digestive system), in addition to containing polyphenols, chemical substances such as melatonin and coumarin (referring to sleep and coagulation), apart from cinnamaldehyde acid and catechin.

To highlight: A study mentions that: “Cinnamaldehyde is the major component of cinnamon, and is responsible for most of its properties. Like its antimicrobial actions and its interaction with cellular calcium channels ”. (3)

What contraindications does cinnamon have?

Although cinnamon can be healthy, in excess and in certain special cases it usually has contraindications, especially when it is obtained in the form of a food supplement, since it has side effects.

Important: Cinnamon is contraindicated for pregnant women , patients on medication or with serious digestive problems, because its side effects range from liver damage, the appearance of ulcers, to causing excessive sweating, drowsiness and premature labor.

How should cinnamon be consumed?

This spice can be consumed in different ways. Cinnamon is normally found in the kitchen ground (powdered cinnamon) or with the whole branch, apart from capsules (food supplement) and in the form of gels or oils.

One of the best ways to consume cinnamon is ground, as it can be added to a hot cup like cinnamon tea, it can even be combined with ingredients like honey, coffee, lemon and ginger. Remember that a teaspoon of cinnamon and water will be enough to have your nutritious cup.

You should know: As it is very typical to drink cinnamon tea, it is recommended not to exceed three cups a day , with the necessary sugar and above all they should be consumed before the main meals.

Key Findings

• Cinnamon or ” Cinnamomum zeylanicum” is an aromatic spice widely used worldwide.
• It has the ability to reduce free radical damage , control heart palpitations and blood glucose levels.
• It has compounds such as thiamine, calcium, potassium and also catechin or polyphenols.
• It is contraindicated in patients with digestive disorders, pregnant women and it is recommended not to take more than three infusions of cinnamon tea a day.