Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of tree Cinnamomum. It is used as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additive in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, tea, and traditional foods.
Cinnamon contains 0.5-1.0% of volatile oil, 1.2% of tannins, Calcium Oxalate, Starch, Mannitol, cinnamaldehyde, and antioxidants.
It is of two types:
- Cassia also called regular cinnamon, this is the most commonly used type. It is more commonly found in supermarkets, given that it’s much cheaper than the other type.
- Ceylon known as true cinnamon has a lighter and less bitter taste.
Benefits of Cinnamon
Some studies found its health benefits. Following are the health benefits:
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Cinnamon prevents you from Heart diseases
It has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. It reduces bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while good HDL cholesterol remains stable. More recently, a big review study concluded that a dose of just 120 mg per day can have these effects.
In some studies, cinnamaldehyde has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system.
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Cinnamon prevents you from Diabetes
Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into cells. It can also help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.
The best way to consume cinnamon for diabetes is to drink water infused with the spice. Soak a 2-inch piece of bark in a glass of water. Leave it overnight and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
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Cinnamon prevents you from Cancer
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled abnormal cell growth. Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. It contains cinnamaldehyde, which may have antitumor and anticancer properties.
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, causing cell death.
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Anti-clotting effect
Cinnamon also relieves inflammation, helping with pain in muscles and joints, possibly reducing arthritis discomfort. It prevents excessive platelet clotting, which can reduce blood flow and cause clots that lead to heart attack and stroke.
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Heals chronic wounds
Research from 2015 says that scientists have found a way to package antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon into tiny capsules that can both kill bacterial biofilms and actively promote healing. In this way, it could become part of medicine for treating infected wounds.
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Cinnamon heals Acne
The anti-fungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of cinnamon make it useful against acne and skin blemishes. It improves blood flow to the surface of the skin, resulting in a moist skin.
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Cinnamon increase hair growth
It is able to help remove build-up from the scalp, allowing for healthier follicles that in turn promote better hair growth. And also helps encourage healthy hair growth by causing a tingling sensation, which is thought to draw more rushing blood to the scalp for stimulation.
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Cinnamon increase fertility
If you want to treat infertility with this bark, you should take 1,500 milligrams every day for 6 months, and you will see a difference in your menstrual cycle. You can also sprinkle some freshly ground powder onto your food every morning, or you can take its daily dose to conceive.
Side effect
As we discuss above that cinnamon is of two types, eating too much Cassia causes many side effects. Some are the following:
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Cause miscarriage
It is not advisable for pregnant women to take this bark in large quantities on a daily basis. A pinch of the spice or less than half a teaspoon is acceptable regularly. It also contains essential oils that can be dangerous to the fetus and can even cause miscarriages.
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Mouth sores
If you’re allergic to cinnamaldehyde then it may cause mouth sore. Cinnamaldehyde is a compound in cinnamon that triggers an allergic reaction when consumed in large amounts.
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Liver damage
Cassia cinnamon contains high amounts of coumarin, which causes liver damage and cancer. Eating lots of this could be toxic, especially if you have liver problems.
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Breathing difficulty
Eating too much ground cinnamon in a single sitting may cause breathing problems. Spice is easy to inhale. Accidentally inhaling it can cause coughing, gagging, and difficulty when trying to catch your breath.
Also, the cinnamaldehyde is a throat irritant. It may cause further breathing problems. People with asthma need to be careful of accidentally inhaling this, as they are more likely to experience trouble breathing.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a delicious spice, linked to many health benefits. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, and many others. While eating small to moderate amounts is safe, eating too much may cause side effects. It contains high amounts of coumarin, which has been linked to conditions like liver damage and cancer.
