Medical Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon
7 Evidence-Medical Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a useful spice. The history is even going back to 2500 BC as per the Chinese writings.
Cinnamon was more expensive than silver then. The ancient history records says cinnamon as a worthy and precious spice. They even fought wars and done voyages to hunt the treasured spice.
We are discussing 10 health and medical benefits of Ceylon cinnamon in this article
Medicinal properties in Ceylon Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. The study refers to Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) as Cinnamomum zeylanicum, but these are actually two scientific terms for the same type of cinnamon. This research paper on cinnamon has a great explanation for the variance in name: “The first one is Cinnamomum verum, translation ‘true cinnamon’. It is also called Sri Lankan or Ceylon cinnamon. Sri Lanka is the only regular supplier of true cinnamon bark and leaf oils. C. Verum’s older botanical name, Cinnamomum Zeylancium, is derived from Sri Lanka’s older name, Ceylon.”
Other than Ceylon Cinnamon, there is Cassia Cinnamon which has harmful chemical substances.
- Ceylon cinnamon: is “true” cinnamon.
- Cassia cinnamon: The more common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”
You can learn about the difference between Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon in this link
SUMMARY
Cinnamon is a popular spice. It’s high in cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits.
1. Cinnamon as natural antibiotic?
In the current healthcare environment, an alarming rise in multi-drug resistant bacterial infections has led to a global health threat. The lack of new antibiotics has created a need for developing alternative strategies.2. Cinnamon Is Loaded With Antioxidants
Cinnamon is loaded with polyphenols.
Research shows polyphenols can help manage blood pressure levels and keep your blood vessels healthy and flexible, promoting good circulation. They also help reduce chronic inflammation, another risk factor for heart disease. Polyphenols can reduce and help control your blood sugar levels.
3. Cinnamon has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Regular intake of Cinnamon will keep you healthy.
A substance that reduces inflammation (for example, pain or swelling) in your body is said to have anti-inflammatory components
The antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower your risk of getting the disease.
You can avoid taking medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Celecoxib if you take Cinnamon as your food additive.
owner of Jennifer Weis Nutrition Consulting LLC, says a typical dosage of cinnamon is 1 to 6 grams daily, which is about 1/2 to 2 teaspoons. Research published in the Journal of AOAC found cinnamon specifically has a high content of phenolic compounds that reduce inflammation in your body.
4. Cinnamon is good for cutting the Risk of Heart Disease
In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram or about half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood markers.
It reduces levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while “good HDL cholesterol remains stable.
In animal studies, cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
In a study evident, (source) researchers found a notable decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in short-term consumption of cinnamon in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. “About 1 teaspoon per day is the right amount to reap benefits without adverse effects on blood pressure or blood sugar,” says Peternell. She suggests sprinkling cinnamon on your yogurt for a healthy breakfast.
5. Cinnamon Can Improve Sensitivity to The Hormone Insulin
Insulin resistance causes many people big issues due to many reasons. Diabetes 2 is a type of disease that creates that issue.
Cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance, helping this important hormone do its job perfectly. By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels
A study (source) says cinnamon extract improved insulin action in the brain as well as brain activity and locomotion. This specific effect may represent an important central feature of cinnamon in improving insulin action in the brain, and mediates metabolic alterations in the periphery to decrease liver fat and improve glucose homeostasis.
6. Cinnamon and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Other extracts have also been shown to have the potential for future treatments. Lab studies have shown that cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin, both found in cinnamon, can prevent the development of ‘tangles’ of tau protein similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Most experiments so far have been conducted in cells grown in the lab so it is unclear if the same effects will be seen in animal models or humans, or if there will be any impact on the function of brain cells.
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are two of the most common types. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells. Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (SOURCE)
7. Cinnamon can fight Cancer
Cancer is a concern for many people in the world.
The good news is they had conducted studies and found out, that it can be used for fighting cancer?
Overall, the evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies, which suggest that cinnamon extracts may protect against cancer (SOURCE)
It is interesting to read this article that says one out of 13 food can be taken to fight cancer, in which the true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) is one of them.
It Is Better to Use Ceylon (“True” Cinnamon) and get the Medical Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon
Not all cinnamon is created equal. The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. All cinnamon should have health benefits, but Cassia may cause problems in large doses due to the coumarin content.
Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it’s much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety (Source). Unfortunately, most cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cheaper Cassia variety.
You may be able to find Ceylon in some health food stores, and there is a good selection on
The Conclusion
Cinnamon is one of the best spices available for you to get benefitted. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, and has a plethora of other impressive health benefits.
Just make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or stick to small doses if you’re using the Cassia variety.
