Cinnamon has been consumed since 2000 BC in ancient Egypt, where it was highly esteemed (almost considered a panacea). In the Middle Ages, doctors used cinnamon to treat conditions such as coughs, arthritis, and sore throats. Modern research indicates that cinnamon may have some beneficial health properties.
The benefits of cinnamon
The following list of benefits with the use of cinnamon indicates its important action for health problems, such as: diabetes, candida, weight loss, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, nail fungus, Parkinson's, stomach flu and much more. Take a closer look at the evidence. The benefits of this aromatic spice are compelling.
1. Sugar control
Several studies have found that cinnamon has properties that help people with insulin resistance. Therefore, it is very popular with type 2 diabetics who take it to control their blood sugar swings.
Ceylon cinnamon is particularly popular because it has low levels of coumarin compared to the Cassia Cinnamon found in your grocery store. In case you don't get it, coumarin in high doses can cause liver damage.
This study found that Cassia Cinnamon was more effective than Ceylon Cinnamon in controlling blood sugar for a given amount of the spice. An easy solution is therefore to double your dose of Ceylon cinnamon, as even doubling the dose will not come close to the high levels of coumarin found in Cassia cinnamon.
2. Candida yeast infections
Cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication resistant yeast infections. This applies to the bacteria Escherichia coli and the fungus Candida albicans.
This study found that the oil from this spice was one of the top three essential oils effective against Candida. A second study found that cinnamon oil is effective against three strains of Candida, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.
The tea Ceylon cinnamon infused with bark oil, could be an excellent way to combat internal Candida infections and boost your immune system.
For topical applications (with the exception of genital and mucosal areas) 1% Ceylon cinnamon leaf oil mixed with a carrier oil could be a very effective treatment option.
3. Stomach problems
By far the best remedy for a terrible stomach ache is cinnamon. It makes sense because it is a powerful antibacterial. Research has shown that cinnamon is one of the most effective substances against E-coli, and Salmonella, as well as Campylobacter.
Another study found that Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon bark oil in its various forms is effective against adenovirus. Another reason to drink our cinnamon tea infused with cinnamon bark oil which has high levels of cinnamaldehyde (between 60-80%).
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
As a digestive, it drastically reduces the unpleasant feelings associated with IBS or IBS for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, especially bloating. It does this by killing bacteria and infections, healing the gastrointestinal tract and allowing gastric juices to work normally.
A Swiss study showed that Ceylon cinnamon bark oil has promising results for treating Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
But if you have stomach cramps or discomfort, a cup of cinnamon tea 2-3 times a day will drastically reduce the pain. Some people have asked if it produces gas. No. It actually helps reduce gas and bloating.
5. Cinnamon prevents cancer
Research shows that cinnamon oil is a promising solution in treating tumors, gastric cancers, and melanomas.
Research studies show that sugar can cause or maintain cancer cells and cinnamon can have a mitigating effect by controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Another study found good results with leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
In its various forms, this spice has two chemical components called cinnamaldehydes and eugenol (from cinnamon oil). These have been used to develop nutraceuticals in this study that have been shown to be quite effective in fighting human colon cancer cells (eugenol) and human hepatoma cells (cinnamaldehyde).
Thus, the evidence seems to suggest that cinnamon 'starves' cancer cells of the sugar needed to sustain them. This University of Arizona study found that its cinnamaldehyde component was a potent colorectal cancer fighter.
6. Benefits of cinnamon for arthritis and osteoporosis
Most of the evidence on the benefits of cinnamon for treating arthritis is from personal testimonials. Some people claim that drinking this delicious spice tea is helpful in relieving arthritis pain, while others say that using cinnamon oil in massages helps relieve pain. There are also a number of tests and studies that support these benefits.
The body needs manganese for optimal bone health, so people who are magnesium deficient are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Of course, another factor causing osteoporosis can be the excessive consumption of dairy products.
7. Cinnamon is antibacterial and antimicrobial
Both Ceylon cinnamon leaf and Ceylon cinnamon bark oil are powerful antibacterial agents and a great natural disinfecting agent. The cinnamon oil had better anti-microbial activity of the three oils studied against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium digitatum and according to studies.
Cinnamon oil bark is also a powerful antibacterial. One study found that levels of cinnamaldehyde oil cinnamon bark were effective against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium and the Escherichia coli enterohemorrhagic.
Dilute the spice oil with either water to disinfect kitchen countertops, sinks, the refrigerator, doorknobs, toys, and many other things. If you have young children and don't want to use toxic chemicals, use cinnamon oil
Cinnamon sticks are also a good antibacterial but you would need a lot of them to notice a difference. If you want to gently disinfect your face, then a couple of cinnamon sticks boiled in water may be a good idea to test its effects.
8. Food preservative
It is effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. This may be one of the reasons why it is widely used in food preparation in Asian countries with very hot and hot climates.
In Sri Lanka, practically every dish has a hint of cinnamon in it. In addition to its great taste, Ceylon cinnamon in combination with other spices such as turmeric and chili may have been an indigenous solution for preserving food without a refrigerator.
A study using cinnamon oil coated paper as a preservative found that a 6% cinnamon oil solution was responsible for the complete inhibition of mold in packaged bread. In addition, the oil was found to be effective in developing insect resistant food packaging film.
9. Odour neutralizer
Both cinnamon leaf oil and bark oil are very effective odour neutralizers, as they kill bacteria that create odours and not just mask odours.
All you need is 2-5 drops of cinnamon bark oil mixed with water in a diffuser and in a few minutes all odours are neutralized.
Alternatively, spray diluted cinnamon leaf oil and clean bathrooms, kitchen floors and countertops, trash cans, and the interior of vehicles to quickly remove odours.
10. Cinnamon stimulates memory and cognitive development
According to a study by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Director of Undergraduate Research and associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Cinnamon can keep you more alert and lessen your frustration when you're behind the wheel. Although not scientific, our personal experience suggests very good results in alertness and concentration. In a 2016 study from Rush University, found that it can aid learning ability.
11. Powerful antioxidant agent
With an ORAC value of 267,536 mol TE / 100 g (USDA 2007), cinnamon is one of the best seven antioxidants in existence. The suggestion is that antioxidants have the ability to reduce the formation of cancer-causing “free radicals”. One study found that this spice has anti-oxidant properties which amplify the benefits of food.
This detailed Indian study also found antioxidant properties in the volatile oils and oleoresins in the leaf and bark. But he regards antioxidants as generally good for the whole body, repairing some of the damage to most of the body from the inside out.
12. For weight loss
This delicious spice apparently has a blood-thinning effect which increases blood circulation. Increased blood flow generally increases your metabolism so it can be helpful in losing weight.
This ability to thin the blood, makes it also beneficial as an anti-clotting agent, especially for those suffering from heart disease.
Care must be taken not to mix cinnamon with other blood-thinning medications. The main ingredient that causes this effect is coumarin, which is present in high doses in Cassia cinnamon (0.4% -0.8) but not in Ceylon cinnamon (0.02%).
However, coumarin can damage the liver. So, taking Cassia cinnamon to lose weight in a sustained way can be counterproductive.
13. For a massage therapy
Cinnamon is a warming factor. In combination with a carrier oil, it is highly effective in sore muscles, relaxes and relieves. Some put a few drops in the bathtub to relax and relieve sore and tight muscles.
14.Treat nail fungus
Do you have a serious case of nail fungus or athlete's foot? The oil from its leaf is a powerful anti-fungal far superior to commercial topical treatments.
You can use cinnamon sticks, tea or powder for internal treatment and a few drops of Ceylon cinnamon leaf oil and soak your feet to treat nail fungus or athlete's foot. The results are fast and surprisingly effective.
15. Helps with the reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
According to an article from the Mayo Clinic, the only possible way that cinnamon could lower cholesterol is indirectly through the way the body processes sugar and fat. But there is no direct effect on cholesterol. Still another study in Pakistan found that it reduces triglycerides (23-30%), LDL cholesterol (7-27%), and total cholesterol (12-26%).
A review in 2011 found that consumption of the spice was associated with a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, and an increase in HDL-C (the good cholesterol) levels., but qualified it saying that applying it for patient care is difficult. Still, it's worth a try.
16. Fight E-coli and Salmonella
Cinnamon is one of the most effective E-coli fighters due to its anti-microbial properties. Mix the oil with hydrogen peroxide and spray it on your cutting board and kitchen sink especially after you have cut the meats. Apply as a spray in the refrigerator.
In one study it was found that a concentration of 2 microliters / ml of cinnamon was sufficient to inactivate Salmonella Enteritidis, E. coli and L. innocua in apple and pear juices, and 8 and 10 microliters ml for melon juice and broth of tryptone soy.
17. Tooth decay and gum disease
Once again, its antibacterial properties are of great importance in fighting bacteria that cause damage, without harming the gums and teeth. This is one of the reasons why cinnamon oil is used in the making of dental products, such as mouthwashes, chewing gums, toothpaste, and bad breath mints.
18. Improves bone quality
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon (a realistic dose) has 0.33 mg (16% DV) of Manganese, 0.76 mg (4% DV) of Iron, 24.56 mg (2% DV) of calcium.
Manganese apparently works as an enzyme activator and plays an important role in building good bone structure and metabolism. Manganese is therefore useful for weak bones (osteoporosis), a type of " tired blood " (anemia), and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
19. Insect repellent
The antimicrobial qualities of cinnamon leaf oil are often used to treat head lice, control black ants, bed bugs, dust mites, and cockroaches. It is well known as a defense against mosquitoes.
In a Taiwanese study, it was found that it not only kills mosquito larvae, but also acts as an insect repellent. In another study it is suggested that the real oil of this spice as opposed to cinnamon extract, is the best for a wide range antimicrobial activity.
20. For cough and sore throat
At the first sign (within 5-10 minutes) of a cold or an itchy throat, have some tea. It is said to stop an impending illness by looming. Again, this is related to the antibacterial and warming properties of cinnamon and its propensity to increase blood flow and thereby improve blood oxygen levels to fight disease. Traditional Chinese medicine commonly recommends it for coughs and phlegm.
21. Alzheimer's disease
An Israeli study conducted at Tel Aviv University found sufficient evidence to conclude that this ancient spice may delay the effects of five aggressive strains of Alzheimer's gene induction. Another study also finds that orally administered cinnamon extract has been successful in correcting cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease in animal models.
The latest findings indicate that two compounds found in cinnamon - cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin - may be effective in fighting Alzheimer's disease. According to a 2013 study by Roshni George and Donald Graves, two scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, it has been shown to prevent the development of the filamentous "knots" that are in the brain cells that characterize the disease Alzheimer's.
22. Cinnamon for pre-menstrual syndrome
Again, because it contains high levels of manganese, it is a good remedy for lowering the symptoms of PMS. According to the University of Maryland website, in a study of women, women consumed 5.6 mg of manganese in their meals daily, and had fewer cramps and mood swings compared to those who consumed just 1 mg of manganese.
It is suggested that with these results, women with a diet that is rich in manganese, may be of help to reduce the symptoms of PMS.
Another clinical study found that 46 PMS patients have significantly lower amounts of calcium, chromium, copper, and manganese in their blood. You should not consume more than 11 mg of manganese per day (about 12 cinnamon sticks) according to the NYU. FDA guidelines set a daily value of 2 mg (about 2 sticks of cinnamon).
23. Reduce mood swings
Ancient folklore says that the smell of cinnamon is the best cure for the winter blues. The only scientific evidence we can find to support this theory is a study by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, Director of Undergraduate Research and associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. The study found that its aroma reduces driver irritability.
But it can be an excellent cure for depression in a more indirect way. There is some evidence that certain types of gut bacteria can make a person more susceptible to depression. As a powerful stomach antibacterial, it can help kill bad bacteria. However, since cinnamon removes the bad and some good bacteria from your stomach, it is indicated to repopulate your body with good bacteria by consuming a good probiotic or eating fermented foods after taking it.
24. Fight viruses
It is also becoming increasingly apparent that she is also a potent fighter against viruses. An Indian study based in Pune India, claimed that a polymer derived from cinnamon procyanidins can turn HIV-infected people into HIV controllers (those who carry the virus but do not develop full blown AIDS).
This study found that eugenol (the main ingredient in Ceylon cinnamon leaf oil, was effective against herpes. And cinnamaldehyde (the main ingredient in Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil) was effective against adenovirus in a study where an infection is the most common cause of diseases in the respiratory system.
25. Parkinson's disease
Although very little research has been done on cinnamon as a solution for Parkinson's disease, it should present an exciting possibility. A July 2014 study in Rush University Medical Center found that its use can reverse the biomechanical, cellular, and anatomical changes that occur in the brains of mice with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Cinnamon and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD
Some parents are beginning to use cinnamon as a complementary treatment option for their children with ADHD or ADHD as symptoms. The best-known study on the subject is a Taiwanese study, which uses cinnamon oil as an aromatherapy.
Note: The FDA has not approved cinnamon to cure any medical condition. This information is presented for informational purposes and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease. Consult your doctor before taking cinnamon for medical or therapeutic purposes without medical indications.
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