Cinnamon benefits
The Magic of Cinnamon
Did you know that the fragrant spice, cinnamon, that you sprinkle on your oatmeal or add to your holiday baking, has numerous health benefits? Yes, it's true! This aromatic spice isn't just a kitchen staple but a medicinal agent used for thousands of years. Let's delve into the myriad benefits of this magical spice.
Natural Antioxidant
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants - substances that protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is incredibly important as it helps your body fight infections and repair tissue damage. However, cinnamon can be used to reduce levels of inflammation and have been proven to help your body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
Heart Health
Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, the world's most common cause of premature death. It reduces levels of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while "good" HDL cholesterol remains stable.
Improves Sensitivity to The Hormone Insulin
Insulin is one of the key hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It also transports blood sugar from your bloodstream to your cells. The problem is that many people are resistant to the effects of insulin. This condition, known as insulin resistance, is a hallmark of serious conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Well, the good news is that cinnamon can dramatically reduce insulin resistance and helps this important hormone do its job.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Not only does cinnamon support insulin function, but it also lowers blood sugar levels. It decreases the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. In a study looking at mice with Parkinson's disease, cinnamon helped to protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels, and improve motor function.
Anti-Cancer
Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. Overall, the evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies, which suggest that cinnamon extracts may protect against cancer. It acts by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors and appears to be toxic to cancer cells.
So, it's time to sprinkle some more of this super-spice in your diet. Whether you use it for its aromatic scent, delicious flavor, or health benefits, cinnamon certainly earns its status as a powerful and beneficial spice.