Surprising Health Benefits of Cinnamon

 

Use cinnamon to improve your health and reduce your risk of disease by adding it to your daily meals. These five surprising health benefits of cinnamon may convince you to start using it regularly today!

 

1) Fight Cancer

Cinnamon has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and reduce side effects in lung cancer patients. Studies have also shown that cinnamon is effective against ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal, gastric, and breast cancers. The ability to kill different types of tumor cells may be because most types are unable to metabolize the cinnamon's active ingredient, hydroxy chalcone.

 

2) Reduce Inflammation

Cinnamon has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, making it an excellent ingredient for those suffering from chronic inflammation. In order to alleviate inflammation, you can either eat it as a spice or make tea out of the powder. The effects are stronger when taken in higher doses but start with two teaspoons at first.

 

3) Enhance Brain Function

As well as the more typical benefits such as treating colds and flu, cinnamon can also improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that using cinnamon improves spatial memory, increases attention span, and can even lead to lower blood sugar levels for those with diabetes.

 

4) Relieve Pain

-Studies have shown that the cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon can help inhibit the production of the COX-2 enzyme, which contributes to pain, swelling, and inflammation. -The scent has improved memory, alertness, and mood. This is due to the release of chemicals in the brain like beta-endorphins which reduce stress hormones.

 

5) Regulate Blood Sugar

Cinnamon sticks and powder may help regulate blood sugar levels. One 2009 study found that cinnamon improved fasting blood glucose, a marker for prediabetes, in people with type 2 diabetes. Another 2018 study found that it also helped reduce cardiovascular disease risk in people with impaired glucose tolerance and who don't have full-blown diabetes. These effects may stem from cinnamaldehyde, a natural chemical compound found in cinnamon.

 

Conclusion

Cinnamon sticks and powder are a healthy addition to your diet. Not only do they help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation; but they also can boost your brain power and fight the common cold. You might want to try adding cinnamon sticks or powder to all your recipes!