Cinnamon, often found in numerous desserts such as apple pie, glazed rolls or hot chocolate, is actually a superpower spice in disguise. There are numerous health benefits that can be reaped from cinnamon. Here are just four that I believe cinnamon has its greatest impact on BUT there are many more.
1. Blood Sugar Level Control
Cinnamon can help with lowering blood sugar level by mimicking the actions of insulin, the hormone that usually regulates glucose in our body. Interestingly, this spice is often paired with foods high in carbohydrates like cinnamon rolls and apple pies, which usually spikes the blood sugar level. Adding just one teaspoon of cinnamon to your daily diet can dramatically improve and lower blood sugar, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, whether the person is diabetic or not. Cinnamon may also aid in the prevention of diabetes and life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.
2. Improves Cognitive Function
Studies have shown that cinnamon’s energizing scent may increase alertness, cognitive function and memory. In a recent study, subjects that smelled the scent of cinnamon showed improved performance on memory-based tests, even more so than peppermint. Next time you are in a brain-taxing situation, chew some cinnamon flavored gum to stimulate your alertness.
3. Anticoagulant Effect
The organic compound, cinnamaldehyde, gives cinnamon its rich aroma and flavor, and has been shown to have anticoagulant effects in the blood, thus eliminating any unnecessary clotting and viscosity in blood flow. Since better blood flow can be regarded as anti-inflammatory, cinnamon can also serve as a preventative spice with antioxidant properties.
4. Anti-microbial Properties
The essential oils of cinnamon are shown to inhibit bacterial growth, and can be used to naturally preserve food while enhancing the food’s flavor. Its anti-microbial properties have also shown to effectively eliminate the Candida strain of bacteria, which is known to cause yeast infections, as well as E-coli, which is responsible for urinary tract infections.
So, go ahead and sprinkle your favorite foods and drinks. A little dab goes a long way in helping improve your health.
