Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. It is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, tea and traditional foods. However, there are more reasons besides flavour to use it in your cooking. As a spice, cinnamon is available in powder form or whole, as pieces of bark. People can also use cinnamon essential oil and supplements. Health benefits According to Medical News Today, a web-based outlet for medical information, cinnamon contains traces of vitamins B and K and the antioxidants choline, beta-carotene alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and may help prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, and many other conditions. It points out that antioxidants are important because they help the body reduce oxidative stress, which has been proven to damage cells and contributes to nearly every chronic disease, including the aforementioned type 2 diabetes. Surprisingly, it also indicates that cinnamon’s antioxidant capabilities are superior to that of many well-known superfoods. It’s perhaps no surprise that if cinnamon has possible beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes, it would also be helpful in the management of the metabolic disease. Besides, cinnamon can also be used as an appetite suppressant to those with a sugar addiction, thanks to its naturally sweet taste. David Rukerabigwi, a dietician and nutritionist in Kigali, says the most astounding and exciting benefit of a daily dose of cinnamon is its impact on type 2 diabetes. He says this spice can help manage this condition by reducing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity. He explains that certain compounds in cinnamon can imitate the effects of insulin and help regulate blood sugar, a function that is crucial for those with diabetes. Also, it has been shown that cinnamon can stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks. Meanwhile, some studies show that cinnamon may help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Rukerabigwi says one compound in particular, cinnamate, may be able to decrease the activity of an enzyme that makes cholesterol, thus reducing the amount of fatty acids in the blood. Cinnamon has a compound known as cinnamaldehyde which gives it its odour and flavour, and it can also ease swelling and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. Besides, cinnamon has been known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. It can as well block certain substances associated with abnormal cell growth and, thereby, lower the risk for disease. Thanks to the antimicrobial effects of cinnamon, the spice could be good for oral health. A review of the research on cinnamon published in the journal Nutrients - an international, peer-reviewed open access advanced forum for publishing studies related to human nutrition, points out that the spice can help prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Cinnamon extract has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems. It has been described as a carminative, renowned for its digestive, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that the warmth of cinnamon increases blood flow and improves blood oxygen levels to help illness. To alleviate digestive symptoms, cinnamon is taken as part of a hot drink (much like a tea). In this instance, it’s easier to use ground cinnamon rather than trying to grate cinnamon sticks yourself.
