This popular spice is not just a kitchen staple or an important ingredient in a lot of our holiday cooking; cinnamon also packs a powerful health punch!
Cinnamon comes from a type of tree, believe it or not, and the unique smell, color and flavor is a result of the oily part. The health benefits come from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. The compounds that come from this bark, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate, make cinnamon one of the most beneficial spices on earth.
A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way. As wonderful as it smells, and great as it tastes in snickerdoodles, we all know overpowering with cinnamon is a mistake! But it doesn’t take much for this sweet-smelling spice to get to work and start benefiting our body’s health!
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
1. Anti-Inflammatory – The components and antioxidants in cinnamon have been shown to decrease levels of inflammation in the body. The polyphenols, especially, have been praised for their anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its ability to lower swelling and help prevent inflammation, cinnamon can also help with pain management such as muscle soreness and menstrual cramps (some good news, ladies!).
2. Regulate Blood Sugar – It’s considered one of the best foods for diabetics. Cinnamon is well known for decreasing the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after a meal. It interferes with digestive enzymes, causing carbohydrates to take longer to break down.
3. Oral Health – Cinnamon has been shown to help kill off harmful bacteria and promote oral hygiene. One study found that cinnamon was effective at blocking the growth of a type of bacteria responsible for dental plaque, bad breath, tooth decay and cavities. Historically, it has been used as a natural remedy for issues like toothaches and mouth sores.
4. Brain Health – Our brains do A LOT for us…and they suffer from a lot of wear and tear over the years. One study showed that the compounds found in cinnamon helped to protect neurons, normalized neurotransmitter levels, and improved motor function.
5. Heart Health – Cinnamon has circulation boosting properties, making for healthy blood and heart. It was also shown to improve heart health by decreasing bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In studies, people who consumed a single teaspoon of cinnamon each day had lower LDL cholesterol but maintained good (HDL) cholesterol.
6. Fight Infections – Cinnamon is used in many cultures to naturally help fight harmful infections and viruses. Cinnamon has antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties and its essential oil contains compounds that contain powerful immune-boosting properties.
Different Kinds of Cinnamon
Yes…there is more than ONE kind of cinnamon! But what is the difference between them? Do they all have the same taste and benefits? Are there warnings that come with each one?
Cassia – Cassia cinnamon is a redish-brown color. It has a spicy yet sweet flavor and a warm aroma that’s often associated with sweet treats and baked goods. It also contains high amounts of the chemical coumarin, which, when consumed excessively, can cause liver damage.
Ceylon – Ceylon cinnamon is a tan brown color. Known as “true cinnamon”, this is the most common variety and is native to Sri Lanka. Ceylon has a more subtle flavor and much less of a kick than most other cinnamons.
Saigon – Saigon cinnamon is a specific variety of cinnamon with a stronger, more distinct flavor and unique chemical composition. It’s flavor is similar to cassia, but much stronger. Saigon is not as easily accessible as the other kinds of cinnamon and may not be found at your everyday grocery store. Saigon cinnamon also contains higher amounts of coumarin and you should use caution so as not to consume in high amounts.