We all know for how long has been cinnamon prized for its medical properties. There was even a time when this delicious spice was more valuable than gold. In the Chinese culture, cinnamon is one of the most popular spices that people use for regulating their circulation and digestion system. Cinnamon’s benefits were mostly known and developed in Asia and then, this amazing spice became more and more popular in the European countries. Today, you can hardly find a food culture that doesn’t include cinnamon in its recipes.
Fortunately, today we can all have this spice in our homes but the question is; are we completely aware of its properties and benefits? Find the main ones listed below…
Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties
Science has already proved what people have believed for thousands of years now. Cinnamon has strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and it works amazingly in preventing these elements in our body and foods we consume. Since it has these characteristics it can potentially prevent food spoilage. That’s is why cinnamon was so widely included in both, savory and sweets which were flavored with this spice in order to not only add the flavor on them, but to also prevent the spoilage.
Cinnamon, according to many studies made, can potentially help us with all sorts of lung congestion problems. It has the potential to clear mucus and increases circulation. That means, cinnamon can help you cure and prevent starting from seasonal colds to bronchitis.
Cinnamon lowers our “bad” cholesterol
It doesn’t matter if you suffer or not from diabetes. Including cinnamon in your diet is a must. Nutritionists agree when it comes to the link between this spice and cholesterol, it has proved to obtain some strong effect especially on type 2 Diabetes since cinnamon can significantly improve our serum glucose. It lowers our blood glucose, LDL cholesterol and also, reduces triglycerides. And the best part is that on the other hand, cinnamon increases our HDL level (good cholesterol). When including cinnamon into your meal you are also helping your body to slow the increase of blood sugar level that usually happens immediately after the meal.
Loaded with antioxidants
We believe you all know how important antioxidants are to protect our body from oxidative damages that free radicals cause. The most powerful antioxidant cinnamon contains, is polyphenol. In some studies, where the different spice’s activities were compared, cinnamon took the first place leaving behind even oregano and garlic. Well, this sums up everything right?
Cinnamon may fight neurodegenerative diseases
For all you that don’t know, neurodegenerative diseases are the ones that cause progressive loss of the function of our brain cells. The most popular types of neurodegenerative diseases are Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Tau is a protein that our brain contains and is one of the main hallmarks of these two diseases. More than two elements found in cinnamon can strongly increase the buildup of this protein. Also, cinnamon has shown to protect our neurons and normalize neurotransmitter levels.
Cinnamon protects our skin
Since it has anti-biotic and anti-microbial properties, they do both protect the skin from any irritation, allergic reactions and also, infections. One of the best ways to use cinnamon for the skin is by applying cinnamon essential oil. For a fuller effect, use cinnamon along with honey and apply them both on your irritated skin or swelling skin. Cinnamon is also very beneficial for acne and rosacea.
