Is cinnamon good for you

Cinnamon is a woody sweet scented spice produced from the branches of tree Cinnamomum cassia. It has an ancient consumption history going back to 2000BC of Egyptian culture where it has been valued equivalent to gold due to its aromatic essence. Amazed to hear this!!! This article will make you aware about the golden health benefits of this woody spice.

cinnamonCinnamon is power packed with many essential ingredients and according to USDA database 8g of cinnamon (approx. 2 cinnamon sticks) provides 19.76kcal energy, 6.45g carbohydrates, 0.32g protein, 0.10g total fat, 4.2g dietary fiber, 0.107mg niacin, 0.003mg riboflavin, 0.002mg thiamine, 1 µg vitamin A, 0.3mg vitamin C, 0.19mg vitamin E, 2.5mg vitamin K, 0.8mg sodium, 34mg potassium, 80mg calcium and 0.67mg iron.

We have listed down some of the immense benefits of cinnamon:

1. Prevent Cancer
Many studies reveal that cinnamon is potent to treat skin cancer, gastric cancer and some soild tumors1. The chemical components of cinnamon named Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol (extracted from cinnamon oil) have shown promising results in colon cancer and hepatoma cell prevention2.

2. Control blood sugar levels
Cinnamon has capability to control blood sugar variation in type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is known to regulate the levels of insulin and monitor its function. More over cinnamon works on muscle cells to remove glucose molecules from bloodstream thus reducing the blood sugar levels.

3. Cut low cholesterol
Cinammon is a herb that invades the bad cholesterol (LDL) by increasing the metabolism of High-density lipoproteins (HDL). If you are eating a heavy meal add cinnamon as spice in your meal. Cinnamon is known to increase the time of glucose absorption by cells post meal.

4. Reduce risk of neurodegenerative disorders
Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by functional impairment of neurons. The proteins responsible to create brain barriers can be depleted by chemicals present in cinnamon. Cinnamon not only boosts neuron function but also regulates neurotransmitter secretion. In-extension, regular consumption of cinnamon may boost up the coordination of brain to body for proper functioning.

5. Kills unfriendly microbes of gut
Cinnamon is the best remedy for stomach bug till date. Studies reveal that cinnamon oil is beneficial against three strains of Candida viz. Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. Cinnamon oil not only fights these infections but also ensure inhibition of further stomach infection.

6. Anti inflammatory potential
This woody spice is very much efficient in treating systemic and specific inflammation. Specific inflammation refers to a local pain like headache and arthritis of specific area. Systematic inflammation contributes to induction of diseases which may be chronic and life threatening if left untreated.

7. Manages Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOD)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is mainly found in women who are overweight and have insulin resistance. Cinnamon regulates the insulin function, moreover a chemical of cinnamon mimics insulin thereby promoting glucose metabolism. This in turn regulates the female hormones to work in a proper manner. Cinnamon also helps in problems like menstrual cramping and endometriosis. Just sip a cup of tea flavored with cinnamon to get rid of menstrual problems.

8. Can fight HIV virus
Yes…this is right. There are a few studies which support the fact that cinnamon has the potential to fight against HIV type I3. Although, clinical trials are required to authenticate this finding but it is probably the only herb which can interfere with the structure of HIV virus.

Reference

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19000754
2. http://ebm.sagepub.com/content/234/8/825.full
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20946094
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21761153

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