Thinking about cinnamon is like going to the paradise of sweets. However, this little brown spice has many other applications that we want to reveal to you. In addition to sweetening your life, it can help you improve your health and well-being. Now we are going to explore the many benefits of cinnamon.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of trees that can be found in any pantry. It has been around for centuries, but it still finds new ways to surprise us with its different flavors and applications.
Let’s look into our cupboards right now. Chances are high we will find some form of cinnamon lying inside, waiting patiently. These small sweet and sour grains have great potentials when they’re used properly! Indeed, its benefits range from health, such as controlling blood sugar levels, to even beauty, as it helps to improve acne.
How can I add cinnamon to my diet?
Before explaining all the benefits and properties of cinnamon, let’s give you a few ideas on how to add it to your diet:
- to coffee
- to tea
- to custard
- to chocolate pastries
- sauce for chicken, chops, or meat
You will be surprised by the result! And by the way, remember that it is a powerful aphrodisiac, so add it to your romantic dinners!
Types of cinnamon
Historically, cinnamon has been attributed with benefits for ailments such as arthritis and pharyngitis. However, not all cinnamon is the same, and this is explained by nutritionists, who distinguishes:
- Cassia cinnamon,
- The so-called Ceylon.
The first, Cassia, has been shown to help balance blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, it has a high level of coumarin. This is a compound that poses a threat to the liver in large quantities. Nutrition experts state that the most recommended cinnamon is Ceylon. It has the benefits of the previous one: it balances sugar levels without being composed of so much coumarin. In addition, it is a potent source of antioxidants.
Differences between the two types of cinnamon
Supermarkets do not usually differentiate between the two types of cinnamon. However, we can do it ourselves, thanks to our sense of smell. The Cassia variant is much more penetrating, and its scent is stronger. The Ceylon scent is lighter and more delicate.
That said, it is recommended to buy Ceylon cinnamon. In the case of not identifying the types can be consulted in the store itself. Now that you are an expert in the types of cinnamon, you will also have to know its superpowers. Although it is not one of those superfoods on the rise like those on this list, it is still perfect for your health. Here are 11 of the main benefits and properties of cinnamon!
1. For tummy bloating
Are you feeling like a ball? Cinnamon is a great remedy for belly bloating. Cinnamon helps to make digestion lighter and prevents stomach discomfort.
You can add cinnamon to an infusion after every meal – it can make the difference between a watery infusion and a tasty one.
2. Cleanser
Surely you thought that the usefulness of this spice is reduced only to meals. Besides seasoning our palate, cinnamon is also one of the strongest natural disinfectants there is. Its antibacterial properties make it a powerful cleanser and are commonly used in the formulation of skincare products. Besides, cinnamon helps neutralize odors with its fragrance.
3. Anti-aging
Discover the youthful benefits of cinnamon by adding ½ teaspoon to your daily diet. Cinnamon is considered one of the seven major natural antioxidants and is often used as a skin tightening treatment. Its ability to protect the body’s cells not only has implications for helping to slow down the passage of time, but it also protects our skin from external agents that spoil it, such as pollution.
More than that, cinnamon actually boosts collagen production because it contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde which has been shown to increase levels of this protein. Collagen in your skin decreases with age, and the loss of collagen is what makes you start to wrinkle and sag.
4. Helps with colds
When it comes to colds and flu, cinnamon is a must and can help you combat colds and their side effects. Experts recommend combining half a teaspoon cinnamon with one teaspoon of honey 2 or 3 times a day to help cure colds. Cinnamon also helps prevent congestion and relieve headaches. Here’s how you can use cinnamon to combat colds and headaches:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with water.
- You will obtain a paste that you must apply to the affected area.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. Weight loss
Believe it or not, cinnamon can be the key to your weight loss plan. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce some of the bad effects of eating high-fat foods, such as increased blood glucose levels and a greater risk for obesity because too much fat makes you feel more hungry than carbohydrates do.
It’s important that when trying this spice out on its own, though, it won’t lead long term weight loss due to lack of exercise and other factors but is helpful nonetheless!
6. A good friend for the brain
Research has been conducted at the Healthspan center highlighting the beneficial potential of cinnamon compounds (cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin) in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. This is just one study that is still in progress, but we lose nothing by adding a little sweetness and hope to our lives with cinnamon.
7. Controls blood sugar
As mentioned at the beginning, cinnamon has been shown in several studies to help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. This is also a benefit for non-diabetics as it helps:
- Reduce the blood sugar spike
- To prevent the subsequent fall that can leave us feeling tired and headache.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to your breakfast every morning.
8. It is a muscle relaxant
The aromatic scent of cinnamon and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a fabulous natural remedy for tired and sore muscles —massages with cinnamon oil help to relax the muscles after any sports training. If you prefer a relaxing bath to rest after exercise, you should try the combination of hot water, cinnamon, and a few drops of honey. There will be nothing to stop you with a little cinnamon to help you after sports and these songs to help you during exercise.
9. For menstruation
In those delicate days of the month when all you want is to get rid of your belly, nothing better than a warm cup of milk with cinnamon. It will soothe your pain, and you will feel much more relaxed. You can also combine cinnamon with hot tea.
10. Healthy bones
Cinnamon is a great source of calcium, so if we talk about keeping our bones strong and a healthy life, nothing better than this great friend to achieve it. Try a cup of cinnamon tea a day or directly apply cinnamon oil to the joints.
11. Combats acne
Another reason to add cinnamon to your diet is that it helps treat acne. Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it helps to soothe and cleanse impurities from the skin. You can prepare it as a facial mask, just mix it with honey, let it act for 15 minutes, and then remove it with warm water.
The verdict
Undoubtedly, cinnamon offers us much more than we could expect. It is delicious and has numerous benefits. You can add it to many dishes, and it is especially good to give an aromatic touch to pancakes. How?
