The Benefits Of Cinnamon

What Are The Benefits Of Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is one of my favourite spices, but what are the benefits of cinnamon? Not only does it have powerful medicinal properties, but it tastes great too! It’s also a great way to sweeten dishes without adding sugar!

Here’s a list of some of the amazing benefits of cinnamon:

1. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols. One study compared cinnamon to 26 other herbs and spices such as oregano and garlic, and cinnamon was the clear winner!
2. Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity. Insulin is essential for the transport of blood sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Many people are insulin resistant due to the standard British diet. The good news is, adding cinnamon to your food reduces this and helps insulin do it’s job!
3. Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Studies show that 1 gram a day has beneficial effects on blood markers for type 2 diabetes, it reduces total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, while HDL (good cholesterol) stays stable, and it has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
4. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory due to it’s level of antioxidants. Inflammation, when chronic, leads to disease.
5. It is beneficial to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinson's. Two compounds in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimers. It has also been shown to help protect neurons, normalise neurotransmitter levels and improve motor function in Parkinson’s.
6. Animal and test tube studies suggest cinnamon may be protective against cancer by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, and appears to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death.
7. Cinnamon has been shown to help fight bacterial and fungal infections. It can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, as well as help prevent tooth decay.

Now you’re read all the benefits of cinnamon, start to increase your daily intake! Add it porridge, on top of fruit, into smoothies, in curries etc.