It is very good that you know that such a simple ingredient, which you always have in your house, is very good for your health, isn’t it? This is the case with cinnamon.
The spice extracted from the innermost part of the cinnamon stem is commonly used to bring a sweet flavor to foods , but not just the cinnamon flavor that stands out: we now know that it brings many benefits to our health.
Index
Properties of cinnamon
- It has carminative properties (fights gas in the intestine), antiulcer and stomachic. Its essential oils dissolve food better, and stimulate salivation and gastric juices. It also helps fight belching, difficult digestion and heartburn, as well as stimulating the appetite.
- Fight harmful bacteria and fungi. It is also very effective against yeast infections and ulcers.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties and acts in the process of reducing inflammation of the skin.
- It is a source of minerals such as manganese , iron, and calcium.
- It fights free radicals, helping to prevent premature graying and thinning of the hair .
- It has a thermogenic effect , which promotes an increase in body temperature, which facilitates the burning of fats.
- Activates the metabolism, which facilitates the burning of calories .
- It is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and also regulate bad cholesterol levels in the body.
- Helps fight cold symptoms .
Consuming cinnamon
The main difference between cinnamon stick and powder is that the former has more flavor and aroma. In nutritional terms, they are quite similar.
The recommended daily consumption of cinnamon is one teaspoon a day . Powdered cinnamon can be added to sweets and desserts, and sticks can be used to make tea. Although it is beneficial for health, cinnamon should not be consumed in excess .
General benefits of cinnamon
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
Cinnamon is commonly known for its use in cooking giving flavor to different dishes. However, it also has great medicinal properties, due to its great benefits to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Therefore, it helps prevent heart problems.
- Cinnamon prevents the increase in carbohydrates consumed from being transformed into fatty acids deposited in adipose tissue and, consequently, reduces the possibility of suffering from arteriosclerosis.
- Through this same system, it is possible to reduce the creation of triglycerides by increasing the synthesis of VLDL lipoprotein, lipoprotein triglycerides that are transported from the liver by the rest of our body.
- Cinnamon contains B vitamins , essential oils , magnesium, vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and flavonoids. All these nutrients and elements act by preventing the oxidation of fatty acids in the body , thus preventing the formation of plaques in the arteries.
- It also contributes to blood circulation, as it has antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and antisclerotic properties.
The benefits of cinnamon to lower cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent or reduce cases of cardiovascular disease and thus provide a better quality of life.
Lowers blood sugar levels helping in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Cinnamon can actually help people with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar levels , lower LDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood).
A study conducted by researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2003, showed that 60 people in Pakistan who had type 2 diabetes and after eating one gram of cinnamon a day for 40 days, had a significant decrease in their blood levels sugar, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Heart disease
Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system and protects the body from heart-related disorders.
Including a little cinnamon in food helps those who suffer from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
Also, the combination of calcium and fiber present in cinnamon can prevent the use of bile, which increases damage to cells, thus preventing colon cancer.
Cavities
Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat tooth pain and to fight bad breath . You can chew small pieces of cinnamon or gargle with cinnamon water, which serves as a good bad breath inhibitor.
Respiratory problems
Cinnamon is a very useful home remedy for the common or serious cold . When a person has a bad respiratory condition, they should take a tablespoon of honey with cinnamon powder for 3 days. This process will cure the chronic cough and other symptoms.
Cinnamon can also help cure the flu.
Reconstructive for the brain
Cinnamon increases the activity of the brain and therefore acts as a good tonic . Helps in eliminating loss of nervous tension.
Additionally, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon can improve cognitive memory function , operation of certain tasks, alertness, and concentration.
Be amazed with our article 20 Foods for your brain and your well-being !!!.
Infections
Preliminary results from several studies indicate that cinnamon has fungicidal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties . Cinnamon is effective against vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers, and lice.
Facilitates menstruation cycles
Cinnamon is also useful for women’s health, as it helps relieve menstrual discomfort .
If this is your case, we recommend that you also read this article with Teas remedies to treat Menstrual Colic.
Breastfeeding
It can also aid in the secretion of breast milk .
Anti-inflammatory properties reducing arthritis pain
Many of us eat fried, processed and fatty foods that cause inflammation of internal tissues and organs, this inflammation causes one of the most dangerous diseases in an organ: heart problems .
Anti-inflammatory diets are tools to reduce heart attacks and other heart diseases. This is mentioned in some natural medicine books: “A growing consensus among cardiologists clearly establishes abnormal inflammation in the arterial walls as the root cause of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.” Cinnamon could be a potential ally to reduce inflammation.
Digestive tonic
Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from flavoring food, it helps in digestion. It is very effective for indigestion , nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence.
It is very useful in the elimination of gases in the stomach and intestines. It also eliminates heartburn and morning sickness . It acts as a digestive tonic.
Reduces urinary tract infections
People who eat cinnamon are less likely to develop urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is a natural diuretic that helps in the secretion and elimination of urine .
Anticoagulant actions
A compound found in cinnamon, called cinnamaldehyde , has been extensively researched to unravel its effects on blood platelets. Platelets are components of the blood that clump together in emergency circumstances (such as physical injury). It is a way to stop bleeding , but under normal circumstances, there may be inadequate blood flow and pool together. Cinnamaldehyde prevents this from happening.
Natural food preservative
When added to food, it prevents the proliferation and growth of bacteria, making it a natural preservative.
Headache and migraine
Headaches due to cold wind exposure are easily cured by applying a thin layer of cinnamon powder mixed with water to the forehead.
As we know that this is more complex than it seems, you better read this article Headache: causes and treatments.
Blood reduction and improvement in blood circulation
Cinnamon is a blood-lowering agent that also works to increase circulation. This blood circulation helps eliminate pain.
Good blood circulation also ensures the supply of oxygen to the cells of the body, which leads to increased metabolic activity. However, you should be careful, as excessive consumption of cinnamon can increase blood pressure.
Aromatic benefits of cinnamon powder
The smell of cinnamon is used in aromatherapy , because it is said that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress.
What are the side effects of cinnamon?
Some recent studies in Europe have shown that cassia cinnamon contains a toxic compound known as coumarin, which can cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations . Since the cinnamon that you buy in supermarkets is normally derived from the cassia plant, it is important to avoid consuming high doses.
As cinnamon has a blood-thinning effect, caution should be exercised when used in combination with other blood pressure-lowering products, such as aspirin.
Consumption of large amounts of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential for harmful effects on the uterus.
Anyone who is currently taking medications to lower blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult a doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.
Home remedies with cinnamon
Home remedy for arthritis
Cinnamon has been shown to act as a natural remedy for arthritis pain, check out the anti-inflammatory cinnamon tea below .
Home remedy for diabetes
Research suggests that cinnamon can help treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body.
With the thermogenic tea recipe at the bottom of the article you can benefit from its properties for diabetes.
Home remedy to lower cholesterol
Recent studies have shown that small amounts of cinnamon can help lower LDL cholesterol. You just have to eat half the recommended daily amount of cinnamon powder and add it as a mild sweetener in your coffee or tea.
Home remedy to eliminate headaches and migraines
Cinnamon can be an effective natural remedy to eliminate headaches and migraines when used as a relaxing infusion , you can see it in the article, at the bottom of it.
Home remedy for cough and common cold
Chinese medicine uses cinnamon as a natural remedy for coughs and the common cold . A simple natural remedy to treat a sore throat is as follows:
- Add a cinnamon stick to boiled water
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Use the water to make an herbal tea, like green tea.
- Drink this tea twice a day. If the cold persists for more than 3 days, see a doctor.
Healthy Cinnamon Tea Recipes
1. Thermogenic cinnamon tea (speeds up metabolism and helps burn fat)
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon green tea leaves
- ½ liter of water
PREPARATION MODE
Boil the water. Turn off the heat and add the green tea and cinnamon. Cover and steep for five minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
2. Anti-inflammatory tea with cinnamon (helps in all kinds of inflammatory diseases)
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 anise stars
- 2 slices of ginger
- ½ liter of water
PREPARATION MODE
Boil the water. Turn off the heat and add the ginger, anise and cinnamon. Cover and let it rest for ten minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
3. Relaxing cinnamon infusion (relieves muscle pain and helps in relaxation)
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon fennel
- ½ liter of water
PREPARATION MODE
Boil the water. Turn off the heat and add the fennel and cinnamon. Cover and steep for five minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.