6 Health Benefits of Cinnamon
With hints of sweet and savory aromas, cinnamon is an alluring spice with a bold flavor. It gains popularity during the cold months, maybe due to its ability to convey a bit of spice wrapped in a palatable sweetness, making it ideal for warming up. Beyond its holiday connotations, cinnamon possesses potential health benefits that are worth pursuing year-round!
Background
Cinnamon is cultivated from the bark of an aromatic evergreen tree. The genus that this tree belongs to includes over 250 species, and a number of those can be cultivated and sold as the cinnamon spice that you’d buy in the grocery store. There are about six main varieties that produce the most popular types of cinnamon. And the majority of the world’s cinnamon is produced in China and Indonesia, where climates are more conducive to growing these trees.
Benefits
While studies continue to develop new information, several findings suggest cinnamon has major health benefits. They also indicate that it can be toxic when consumed in large portions, so don’t overdo it! Here are just a few of the suspected health benefits of consuming cinnamon:
May Lower Blood Sugar/May Help Manage Diabetes
Some studies indicate that cinnamon can reduce both blood pressure and insulin resistance. This characteristic would make it an ideal companion to diabetes management.
May Help Improve Cholesterol
Cinnamon is also believed to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, while also raising levels of HDL (good cholesterol), which helps eliminate LDL from the body.
Antifungal & Antibacterial Properties
Cinnamon has been found, in several studies, to fight fungi and bacteria in not only food when used as a seasoning, but also in the human body.
Antiviral Properties
Cinnamon fights viral infections in the human body as well.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Lab studies have shown cinnamon to reduce inflammation. We know that inflammation can lead to a number of ailments, so consuming cinnamon may help alleviate a number of symptoms.
May Help Manage PCOS
Due to its ability to reduce insulin resistance, cinnamon may help women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is because one of the condition’s key characteristics is insulin resistance leading to weight gain and ovarian abnormalities.
