Cinnamon is a commonly known spice. It is a tree in which the bark processes a pleasant aroma and also a good taste. The bark is rolled into a quill or it can be crushed to a fine powder. It is preferred among most households; mainly Asian as well as European. This is a huge export in countries such as India and Sri Lanka due to this reason. According to many websites such as world’s healthiest foods.org (whfoods.org, 2009), the cinnamon from Sri Lanka is considered to be the “true” cinnamon. As a matter of fact, it is said that cinnamon from Sri Lanka is of the highest quality and also of the highest value. Apart from its use in the culinary department, cinnamon also satisfies another major need in the current society; i.e. it is tested that cinnamon has various qualities which are beneficial to a person’s health as well.
Listed below are some of the commonly known benefits of cinnamon.
It is nutritious in many ways – Cinnamon contains nutrients such as manganese, calcium, iron and is a good source of fiber. According to whfoods.org (2009), the nutrients can be listed as below.
The amount of cinnamon used for the research was 2 teaspoons and its weight was recorded as 4.52g.
| Calories |
11.84 |
| Protein |
0.16g |
| Carbohydrates |
3.60g |
| Fiber |
2.48g |
| Vitamin C |
1.28mg |
| Calcium |
55.68mg |
| Iron |
1.72mg |
| Magnesium |
2.52mg |
| Phosphorous |
2.80mg |
| Potassium |
22.68mg |
Its effect on insulin makes it useful for diabetic patients – This is the commonly known use of cinnamon apart from its use as a spice. Various websites as well as various reports suggests and sometimes proves, that consumption of a little amount of cinnamon daily will greatly reduce the dangers of type 2 diabetes. According to www.theepiccentre.com (2009), consumption of as little as half a teaspoon of cinnamonaldehyde (the main derivative of cinnamon) daily will reduce blood sugar by 20% of type 2 diabetic patients. This will ensure that the patients will require less insulin which is highly beneficial as insulin is an immensely strong drug.
According to further research done by Richard Anderson of the US department of Agriculture’s human nutrition centre, it has been proven that cinnamon enhances the ability of insulin to metabolize glucose and helps to control the blood glucose level. As a result, this makes the patient more effective against the medications. And according to further research done by Dr. James A Duke of the US department of agriculture, he has said that “Taking ½ to ¾ teaspoon of ground Cinnamon with each meal may help control blood sugar levels” (www.herbwisdom.com, 2009)
It has anti clotting actions – Another main aspect of cinnamon is that it reduces blood clotting and eases blood flow. Various researches has been done with regard to these qualities and according to whfoods.com (2009), cinnamon (or cinnamonaldehyde) has an effect on blood platelets which are responsible for blood clotting. It is a fact that a certain number of platelets are required in case of injuries but too many platelets can block the blood flow and cause more damage. Cinnamon helps prevent unwanted collection of blood platelets thereby reducing the risk of danger.
Boosts brain function – Due to having a pleasant aroma and also a distinct taste, cinnamon has been known to act as a brain tonic. Research done by Dr. P. Zoladz in 2004 proved that chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon enhances the cognitive processing of humans. Therefore it is proven to enhance brain function. (Whfoods.com, 2009)
It is a potent anti microbial agent – this is a highly discussed area as cinnamon is said to have anti microbial properties and these results have opened new doors for using cinnamon in the anti bacterial industries. Some of the evidences are listed as follows.
According to www.naturalnews.com, (2009), Research done at the University of Illinois at Chicago has proven that cinnamon flavored chewing gum shows a strong antibacterial effect in the mouth and due to the strong aroma, it even counters bad breath.
According to www.ayurvediccure.com,(2009), cinnamon can be used with different ingredients such as honey or water to intensify the defense system in the body to fight against bacteria, virus and fungi.
Herbwisdom.com, (2009), describes cinnamon as a very strong anti bacterial which suppresses most urinary tract infections and also it is only second to “Clove” when comparing its anti bacterial quality.
See our comprehensive report on cinnamons antimicrobial activity.
Protects against heart disease – As mentioned in previous occasions, cinnamon possesses various nutrients and elements such as manganese, fibre, calcium and iron. This combination will help the body to get rid of unwanted material such as bile and also it improves the strength and effectiveness of blood as well as the whole body. A detailed article in www.ezinearticles.com, (2009) has proven that cinnamon prevents almost all the risk factors of heart disease such as blood sugar levels, malnutrition and high blood pressure. This will be resulting in the prevention of heart disease.
Cures infections – this is due to the anti bacterial quality that cinnamon possesses. It destroys the harmful bacteria that aid infections so that it heals at a faster rate.
Helps in curing cholesterol – it is said that consuming small amounts of cinnamon will greatly reduce LDL cholesterol. According to www.cholesterol.emedtv.com, (2009), a research done in Pakistan showed that after consumption of cinnamon, the LDL cholesterol count dropped from 34% to 27% and also the total cholesterol count dropped from 38% to 26%.
The research stated above can be further explained at www.safemenopausesolutions.com, (2009) which describes the exact same research with identical results. This proves beyond a doubt about the effects of cinnamon in lowering cholesterol.
Causes relief in arthritis pain - combining cinnamon powder and honey is said to be a cure for arthritis pain. According to www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com, (2009) a research had been done at the Copenhagen University where the patients were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast and this has resulted in a drastic decrease in arthritic pain. This has been confirmed as cinnamon includes anti-inflammatory products which help reduce stiffness in muscles and joints.
Aids digestion – According to www.theepiccentre.com, (2009), Germany’s commission E has appointed cinnamon as a cure for appetite loss and indigestion. This may be one of the reasons why cinnamon is heavily used as a spice as well. And since it aids digestion, cinnamon can be used as a cure for stomach cramps and other common stomach disorders as well (www.chetday.com, 2009).
In conclusion and considering all the facts given above, it can be proven that cinnamon; being a traditional spice has evolved and is now fulfilling other and more important requirements. It has moved into various aspects and fields including cinnamon gum and toothpicks to cinnamon anti bacterial to satisfy all its requirements.
