7 Health Benefits of Consuming Cinnamon
Lately, I’ve been all about cinnamon. I’ve taken to sprinkling it in smoothies, on hot cereal and even on vegetables sometimes. I also take about 500 mg daily of the newwater-soluble cinnamon extract product we developed at Stop Aging Now.
In researching cinnamon’s health benefits as part of the development process, I’ve become convinced that it is a supplement just about anyone can benefit from.
Cinnamon has been used as both a culinary spice and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Recently however, groundbreaking research on cinnamon has led to some exciting discoveries in the areas of blood sugar control, weight loss, cardiovascular health and more.
Here are 7 evidence-based reasons to consume cinnamon:
1. Balances blood sugar
A recent study showed that people who consume cinnamon daily have improved insulin function and increased levels of a peptide that helps to prevent overeating, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar.[1] Another study showed that supplementing with 500 mg of a water-soluble cinnamon extract regulates blood sugar in people with insulin resistance.
2. Promotes weight loss
Cinnamon’s ability to help control blood sugar makes it a valuable tool for weight loss. The fat cells in your abdomen are particularly sensitive to high insulin levels, and are very effective at storing excess calories that become fat. Research shows that cinnamon may actually mimic insulin, which can translate into fat loss.[3]
3. Helps your heart
Research has shown that cinnamon contains powerful antioxidant substances that promote optimal blood vessel health and support optimal heart function.[4] Scientists believe that cinnamon’s free radical fighting properties may be the reason that it has effectively balanced both blood pressure and cholesterol levels in numerous clinical studies.[5]
4. Fights cognitive decline
In a recent study, researchers at Tel Aviv University found that potent extracts from cinnamon bark inhibit the toxic amyloid polypeptide oligomers and fibrils that have been found in Alzheimer’s brain plaque formations. They isolated certain compounds, called proanthocyanidins, and determined that they are responsible for the majority of cinnamon’s brain health benefits.[6]
5. Keeps cells healthy
Research has linked certain antioxidant compounds found in cinnamon to anti-tumor effects. One animal study found that a particular component of cinnamon impaired the proliferation of abnormal cells and slowed tumor growth.[7]
6. Soothes inflammation
In a 2005 study, South Korean researchers demonstrated that compounds found in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects and have the potential to reduce inflammation in gastritis and other conditions related to inflammation.[8]
7. Fights infection
The healing power of cinnamon has been known since biblical times when high priests used the spice to protect against infectious disease. Its antiviral properties have been confirmed by modern research, and studies have also shown that it has antibacterial properties. A 2007 study found that even small doses of cinnamon boosted the activity of the antibiotic clindamycin.[9]
Pretty convincing, wouldn’t you say?
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