Benefits of Cinnamon And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2024
Cinnamon is a spice that is rich in medicinal properties. It is used to combat cancer-causing radicals inside the body. It is a spice that can prevent colon cancer. Cinnamon is used for treating patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and in the treatment of attention deficit disorder. Cinnamon can treat erectile dysfunction in males and can cure impotence. Sperm production and sperm motility are increased due to increased sexual desire, and there is increased production of sperms from testosterone when one consumes cinnamon. Cinnamon is a spice that can improve good cholesterol in the body known as HDL, and further regulates the level of bad cholesterol. Cinnamon has anti-inflationary properties that help in the prevention of phlegm formation, and the common cold is kept at bay when one intakes cinnamon. It slowly releases carbohydrates in the body, and this is useful for type2 diabetes patients.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a special mention in the Bible and is a spice that is obtained from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. The mid brown color of the spice led to nomenclature cinnamon. Indonesia and China account for a majority of commercial cinnamon production, and there are varieties of cinnamon types available. Cinnamon is a spice that is used as a tea and is widely used in many cuisines across the world. Some reports suggest using “Ceylon“, a variety of cinnamon of tea, is considered as the true spice by many people. Some reports have given an interesting twist to Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a green, natural disinfectant which when mixed with warm water can be sprinkled on mosquito larvae. It then kills them and stops the spread of diseases such as dengue. Cinnamon was used as a hair shining gel in early days, and the paste was applied on the scalp and hair to get shiny hair. Cinnamon was expensive in early days; well, expensive than silver, and the rate was 15 times more than silver. Cinnamon was used in blessing ceremonies in early eras and was used in the embalming of bodies too.
Nutritional Value of Cinnamon
One tablespoon of cinnamon contains 19% of calories and also contains 4 grams of fibre. The biggest nutrition fact is that cinnamon contains 0% sugar and fat. One tablespoon of cinnamon contains 68% manganese and 8% calcium. One tablespoon of cinnamon contains 4% iron. A tablespoon of cinnamon when consumed daily is believed to bring a lot of positive changes in the body. Cinnamon is added in the powdered form in cuisines, and in certain places cinnamon sticks are used in making ‘biryani’.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Powerhouse of antioxidants
Cinnamon contains large doses of antioxidants that prevent free radical growth in the body. It slows down the ageing process of the body. Cinnamon has been tested as the highest antioxidant herb, and when compared with other herbs, it ranks seventh in antioxidants among spices. Flavonoid and phenolic acid are present in large numbers in cinnamon, and these compounds work together in bringing down stress.
Fight inflammation
Cinnamon has anti inflammatory properties and helps in lowering chances of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and other related diseases. It has been found to reduce bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in the body. Cinnamon has the property of supporting lungs and can fight body tissue damage, due to its anti inflammatory property.
Remedy for Toothache
The bacteria growth inside the mouth leads to building up of plaque and other diseases in the teeth. Cinnamon has abundant antibacterial qualities and keep the teeth healthy, if taken regularly. Applying two drops of cinnamon oil to an aching tooth and surrounding areas has been found to decrease tooth pain and tooth decay.
Prevent Type2 Diabetes
Cinnamon has the power to increase insulin sensitivity, and this helps in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic resistance. ItCinnamon helps in lowering of blood sugar level in a person, and hence, is known as anti-diabetic food. Cinnamon slows down breaking up of carbohydrates in the digestive system, after entering the blood stream, thereby reducing blood sugar level. Hence, cinnamon can sometimes act as a boon for diabetic patients.
Cure for neurodegenerative disease
Cinnamon is found to have positive, soothing effects on patients with neurodegenerative disease. A study suggests that cinnamon inhibits two compounds that lead to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Intake of cinnamon further inhibits the growth of tau protein in the brain. This protein has been identified as a key factor in causing Alzheimer’s. Cinnamon has been found to protect neurons and motor sensory activities, and thus helps patients with Parkinson’s disease too.
Reduce your risk of cancer
Cinnamon is found to reduce the growth of cancer causing cells, and is found to reduce detoxifying elements from colon, thus reducing chances of occurrence of colon cancer.
Treat virus infections
Cinnamon has the power to ward off virus infections. It works best in controlling the symptoms of common cold. It also prevents formation of phlegm and chest congestion, and is ideally suited for winter season and cold climate.
Sure cure for attention deficit disorder (ADD)
Sure cure for attention deficit disorder (ADD):
Cinnamon is useful for people who have attention deficit disorder. These patients usually develop day dreaming qualities and get easily distracted. These patients have trouble sitting for long periods of time, and they have difficulty in keeping things organized. Excessive talking, being angry, impatience are some other symptoms seen among such people, and regular intake of cinnamon is found to have made substantial changes in the patients suffering from the attention deficit disorder.
Weight Management
Cinnamon helps in weight loss. This is because cinnamon helps in slow break up of food in the digestive system. This gives a feeling of fullness and reduces cravings, and further automatically helps in the intake of fewer food items.
Natual Remedy for Food Poisoning
Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that help in fighting salmonella, a bacterial infection that affects intestines. The disease that is caused by salmonella is known as food poisoning.
Infertility Treatment
Cinnamon is a natural aphrodisiac, and is found to increase the sexual drive. It is also used in the infertility treatment. The role of cinnamon in the infertility treatment is to improve the sexual desire in men, thereby increasing the production of sperm.
Youthful skin
Cinnamon is found to improve the production of collagen in the body, and this helps in keeping the skin young and firm. Exfoliation of skin and scalp is done with cinnamon, and this keeps the skin and scalp nourished. Cinnamon is used as homemade facial and is used in the treatment of acne as well.
Uses of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used in treating erectile dysfunction, a sexual disorder in males. Cinnamon is used in the treatment of muscular spasms and is ideal for athletes who need more oxygen flow to muscles. Cinnamon helps in restoring appetite and helps patients suffering from low appetite. Low appetite is caused due to indigestion, and cinnamon helps in the digestive process and restores body health. Cinnamon is used to keep fungal infections away and is always beneficial for small children. Cinnamon is used in stopping the destructive properties of multiple sclerosis and is also used to reduce the negative effect of high-fat meals. Chronic wounds are healed with cinnamon.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is found to be allergic in certain people, and they should refrain from taking cinnamon. Hive is a common allergic condition that is caused by cinnamon. Hives is a sudden outbreak of red swollen patches on the skin. Itchy eyes, nausea, chest congestion with phlegm, running nose and difficulty in swallowing are allergic symptoms of cinnamon, and one should immediately contact a doctor in case one observes these after consumption of cinnamon. Cinnamon supplements are not recommended to be taken in large numbers by pregnant women, or people suffering from liver disease or people who have had a surgery recently. If one is planning to use cinnamon oil, one can apply it on the skin and wait to find out if there are any allergic reactions, and then only use oil.
Origin And Cultivation of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is found to be allergic in certain people, and they should refrain from taking cinnamon. Hive is a common allergic condition that is caused by cinnamon. Hives is a sudden outbreak of red swollen patches on the skin. Itchy eyes, nausea, chest congestion with phlegm, running nose and difficulty in swallowing are allergic symptoms of cinnamon, and one should immediately contact a doctor in case one observes these after consumption of cinnamon. Cinnamon supplements are not recommended to be taken in large numbers by pregnant women, or people suffering from liver disease or people who have had a surgery recently. If one is planning to use cinnamon oil, one can apply it on the skin and wait to find out if there are any allergic reactions, and then only use oil.
References
- Gruenwald J, Freder J, Armbruester N. Cinnamon and health. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2010 Sep 30;50(9):822-34. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Singletary K. Cinnamon: overview of health benefits. Nutrition Today. 2008 Nov 1;43(6):263-6. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Ranasinghe P, Pigera S, Premakumara GS, Galappaththy P, Constantine GR, Katulanda P. Medicinal properties of ‘true’cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2013 Dec;13(1):275. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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