It is valued for its medicinal properties for centuries.
Modern science has confirmed what people instinctively know for centuries.
Here are 10 health benefits of cinnamon that is backed by scientific research.
1. Cinnamon is rich in a substance with potent medicinal properties
Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of trees called Cinnamomum made.
It has been used as an ingredient itself in history, from ancient Egypt. It used to be rare and valuable, and was considered a gift worthy of kings.
These days cinnamon is inexpensive, supermarkets and all kinds of readily available foods [1] and recipes.
There are basically two types of cinnamon ( 1 ):
- Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as "true" cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: It is the most common variant today, what people usually refer to as "cinnamon".
Canela is done by cutting the stems of the cinnamon tree. The inner bark is then removed and woody parts removed.
When drying bands form paper rolls, called cinnamon sticks. Sticks can be crushed to form cinnamon powder.
This is similar to cinnamon:
The distinctive smell and taste of cinnamon is due to the oily part in a compound called is very high cinnamaldehyde [2] ( 2 ).
It is this connection that is responsible for the devastating effects of cinnamon on health and metabolism.
Conclusion: Cinnamon is a popular spice. Is rich in a substance called cinnamic aldehyde, which is responsible for most health benefits.
2. Canela is loaded with antioxidants
Antioxidants [3] caused by free radicals to protect the body from oxidative damage.
Canela with powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols (loaded 3 , 4 , 5 ).
In one study, the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon clear winner liquidated itself Update "super foods" such as garlic [4] and oregano ( 6 ).
In fact, it is so powerful that cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative ( 7 ).
Conclusion: Cinnamon contains large amounts of highly effective antioxidant polyphenols.
3. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties,
Inflammation [5] in the body of great importance.
This body to fight infection and repair of damaged tissue.
However, inflammation can be a problem if (long-term) and chronic directed against the body's own tissues.
Cinnamon can in this respect can be useful, as some studies have shown that antioxidants have a potent anti-inflammatory effects ( 3 ).
Conclusion: Cinnamon Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects, may help to reduce the risk of disease.
4. cinnamon may reduce the risk of heart disease
Cinnamon has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, the leading cause of premature death worldwide in conjunction.
In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has positive effects on blood markers.
Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced, while HDL cholesterol stable ( 8 ).
Recently a study review found that high doses of cinnamon only 120 milligrams per day can have this effect. In this study, cinnamon also increases HDL ("good cholesterol") ( 9 ).
In animal studies, cinnamon has to lower blood pressure (shown 3 ).
In combination, these factors can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion: cinnamon may improve certain risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
5. cinnamon may improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin
Insulin [6] is one of the most important hormones that control metabolism and energy consumption.
It is also important in order to transport the blood glucose from the blood into the cells.
The problem is that many people are against the effects of insulin.
This condition, known as insulin resistance [7] is a function of serious diseases such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Well the good news is that cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance significantly help this incredibly important hormone to their work (do 10 , 11 ).
By insulin to do its job cinnamon to reduce blood sugar, which leads to the next point ...
Conclusion: Cinnamon has been shown to significantly increase the sensitivity to insulin, a hormone.
6. cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels and has a strong anti-diabetic effect
Cinnamon is known for its hypoglycemic effect.
In addition to the positive effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms.
First Cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose in the blood after a meal.
It does this by engaging with many digestive enzymes that slows the breakdown of carbohydrates [8] in the digestive tract ( 12 , 13 ).
Secondly, a compound in cinnamon on cells by mimicking insulin (act 14 , 15 ).
This increases the glucose uptake by cells, but is much slower than insulin itself.
Many human studies confirm the cinnamon antidiabetic activity, shows that the blood sugar level (can save up to 10 to 29% fasting 16 , 17 , 18 ).
The effective dose is generally from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon per day (about 0.5 to 2 teaspoons).
Conclusion: Cinnamon has been shown to reduce both the levels of fasting blood sugar with a strong anti-diabetic effect of 6.1 grams per day.
7. Cinnamon may have beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of structure or function of the brain cells.
Alzheimer's disease [9] and the Parkinson's disease [10] There are two general types.
Two compounds appear found in cinnamon to the accumulation of the protein tau protein in the brain, which is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (inhibit 19 , 20 , 21 ).
In a study of mice with Parkinson's disease, cinnamon helped protect neurons normalize neurotransmitter and improve motor function ( 22 ).
These effects should be further investigated in humans.
Conclusion: Cinnamon has been shown to cause various improvements for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease in animals.
8. Cinnamon can protect against cancer
Cancer [11] is a severe disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential application in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
In general, evidence will test tube experiments and limited to animal studies, suggesting that cinnamon extracts can against cancer (Protection 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ).
Its function is to reduce the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, and is toxic to be cancer cells, leading to cell death.
A study in mice with colon cancer showed Cinnamon is a potent activator of detoxification enzymes in the intestine, the protection against the development of cancer be added ( 28 ).
These results were confirmed by laboratory experiments that showed support that the responses of antioxidant protection active cinnamon human colon cells ( 29 ).
That cinnamon has a purpose in life, human respiration in controlled studies must be confirmed.
Conclusion: In animal studies and laboratory experiments show that cinnamon may protective effect against cancer.
9. Cinnamon helps against bacterial and fungal infections
Cinnamaldehyde, the main active ingredient in cinnamon help fight against various types of infections.
Cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory infections caused by fungi.
Can the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella (inhibition 30 , 31 ).
Antimicrobial effect of cinnamon may also help to prevent tooth decay and reduce (halitosis 32 , 33 , 34 ).
Conclusion: cinnamaldehyde has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to reduce and inflammation, fight against tooth decay and bad breath.
10. cinnamon can help in the fight against HIV
HIV is a virus that slowly, the immune system, which can eventually lead to the absence of the treatment of AIDS breaks.
Cassia cinnamon varieties are believed to (help in the fight against the HIV-1 35 , 36 ).
This is the most common strain of HIV virus in humans.
A laboratory study looking at the HIV-infected cells showed that cinnamon was the most effective for all investigated 69 medicinal plants (treatment 37 ).
In human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Conclusion: Laboratory studies have shown that cinnamon can in the fight against HIV-1, the main types of HIV virus to help the people.
It is best to use Ceylon ("True" Tan)
Canela not equal.
Cassia area contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin [12] , which is allegedly considered harmful in high doses.
Everyone should have health benefits of cinnamon, cassia but can cause problems in large doses by coumarin content.
Ceylan ("true" cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it is in the multitude Cassia coumarin (much lower 38 ).
Unfortunately, most of cinnamon can be found in supermarkets, the cheaper variety Cassia.
You can find in Ceylon in some health food stores, and there is a good selection on Amazon .
[13]
Message Home
At the end of the day, cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthy spices on the planet.
It can lower blood sugar levels to reduce risk factors for heart disease, and a host of other amazing health benefits.
Be sure to get Ceylon cinnamon, or stick to small doses (no more than 0.5 to 2 teaspoons per day), when the plurality Cassia used.
Credentials
- ^ Food (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ cinnamaldehyde (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ antioxidants (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ garlic (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ inflammation (www.docsopinion.com)
- ^ insulin (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ insulin resistance (diabetes.niddk.nih.gov)
- ^ carbohydrates (authoritynutrition.com)
- ^ Alzheimer (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ Parkinson (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ cancer (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ coumarin (en.wikipedia.org)
- ^ good selection at Amazon (www.amazon.com)
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