Cinnamon is a popular spice that is used in various cuisines all around the world. But did you know that cinnamon also has several health benefits? In recent years, several studies have been conducted to investigate the potential health benefits of cinnamon.
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Primary Benefit: Its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains bioactive compounds that can mimic the effects of insulin and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Secondary Benefit: It can also improve insulin sensitivity, which can help prevent insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (1) (2).
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Primary Benefit: The primary benefit of this is that it can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis (2).
Anti-Microbial Properties
Primary Benefit: It can help prevent infections and reduce the risk of illness.
Secondary Benefit: The secondary benefit is that it can also help promote oral health by fighting off harmful bacteria in the mouth (3).
Anti-Cancer Properties
Primary Benefit: It can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help boost the immune system, which can help fight off cancer cells (4).
Brain Health
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have neuroprotective properties that can help protect the brain from damage and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. It can help improve brain function and memory.
Secondary Benefit: The secondary benefit is that it can also help reduce the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease (5).
Heart Health
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have heart-healthy properties that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke (6).
Digestive Health
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have digestive properties that can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of digestive disorders. It can help relieve digestive symptoms like bloating and constipation.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve gut health (7).
Weight Loss
Primary Benefit: It can help regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings and promote fat burning.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help reduce inflammation, which is often associated with obesity (8).
Anti-Aging Properties
Primary Benefit: It can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays (9).
Anti-Fungal Properties
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have anti-fungal properties that can help fight off fungal infections. The primary benefit of this is that it can help prevent infections like candida and athlete’s foot.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help improve nail health by preventing nail fungus (10).
Anti-Viral Properties
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have anti-viral properties that can help fight off viral infections. The primary benefit of this is that it can help prevent infections like the common cold and flu.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help boost the immune system, which can help fight off viral infections (11).
Dental Health
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have dental health properties that can help improve oral health. The primary benefit of this is that it can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help freshen breath (12).
Wound Healing
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have wound healing properties that can help speed up the healing process of wounds. It can help prevent infections and reduce scarring.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help relieve pain associated with wounds (13).
Allergy Relief
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have anti-allergic properties that can help relieve allergy symptoms. It can help reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help boost the immune system, which can help prevent allergies (14).
Hair Health
Primary Benefit: Cinnamon has been found to have hair health properties that can help improve hair health. It can help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Secondary Benefit: It can also help prevent dandruff and other scalp conditions (15).
In conclusion, cinnamon has a wide range of health benefits that can improve overall health and well-being. Its primary and secondary benefits include regulating blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, fighting off infections, preventing chronic diseases, improving brain function, and promoting weight loss, among others. Incorporating cinnamon into your diet or taking supplements may be a simple yet effective way to improve your health.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2901047/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783921/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6794229/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609100/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198052/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851570/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6225528/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4403630/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326876/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287624/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5949291/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4110621/