Cinnamon has so many uses. For most people, this is a seasoning for milk or oatmeal. The best thing about cinnamon is that it is readily available everywhere. Did you know that cinnamon has many health benefits? Do you know where it comes from? Given their health benefits, some might think this is coming straight from heaven!
Cinnamon is the bark of a specific type of tree that belongs to the same tree family. So, there is no such thing as regular cinnamon as there are so many types of cinnamon on the market!
Different types of cinnamon come from different parts of Asia. About 87 percent of the world's cinnamon comes from South India and Sri Lanka, while other areas ranging from Madagascar and China produce the remaining 10 percent. Cassia is a very popular form of cinnamon in the United States. It is also called "Chinese cinnamon", but "real cinnamon" only comes from Sri Lanka. This cinnamon has a higher, more subtle flavor.
Let's take a close look at some of the health benefits of cinnamon:
Anti-clotting
The presence of cinnamaldehyde (essential / volatile) oil in cinnamon helps it reduce blood clots. According to WHfoods.com, cinnamon accomplishes this by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid from various platelet membranes, which is an inflammatory fatty acid that reduces the production of an inflammatory messaging molecule known as thromboxane A2.
Antimicrobial agent
Cinnamon essential oils are anti-microbial and can stop various types of bacterial and fungal growth. The antimicrobial properties of cinnamon are very effective, so it can also be used as an alternative to various food preservatives.
Boosts Brain Function
Breathing in the scent of cinnamon can also boost brain activity. In a study published by WHfoods.com, cinnamon helped enhance cognitive performance in participants with the following activities:
- Working memory
- Attention-related tasks
- Virtual memory recognition
- Visual motor speed when working with any computer program
Improving colon health and protecting against cardiovascular disease
Cinnamon is high in fiber and is also a good source of calcium and manganese. Fiber and calcium combine to aid in the removal of bile salts from the body. It helps protect the colon and also reduces the risk of colon cancer. It also helps lower cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the likelihood of heart disease. The high fiber content of cinnamon also provides relief from diarrhea or constipation.
Controlling blood sugar
Cinnamon is a very powerful antioxidant and also helps control blood sugar levels at various levels. It helps slow the rate of gastric emptying after meals and improve insulin response in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is so effective that just one gram per day can lower blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in people with diabetes. According to WHfoods.com, cinnamon also lowers the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Warming effects
Cinnamon is best for providing body heat during the flu or cold. In fact, it is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its warming properties.
