Cinnamon is high in a substance with powerful medicinal properties. Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. It has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as Ancient Egypt. It used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift suitable for kings. These days, cinnamon is cheap, available in every supermarket and found as an ingredient in various foods and recipes. Apart from the flavour that they add to the food the health benefits of cinnamon are many. 

There are two main types of cinnamon, they are-

  • Ceylon cinnamon – Also known as “true” cinnamon and 
  • Cassia cinnamon –  The more common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”

Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed. When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder. The distinct smell and flavour of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde. Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of cinnamon’s powerful effects on health and metabolism.

There are several health benefits of cinnamon some of them are discussed below. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Yash Birla believes that it is so powerful that cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative.

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is incredibly important. It helps your body fight infections and repair tissue damage. However, inflammation can become a problem when it’s chronic and directed against your body’s own tissues. Yash Birla says the antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower your risk of disease.

The health benefits of cinnamon also include its property to cut the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, the world’s most common cause of premature death. Yash Birla says that cinnamon may improve some key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

Cinnamon improves sensitivity to the hormone insulin. Insulin is one of the key hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It’s also essential for transporting blood sugar from your bloodstream to your cells. It has many beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases says Yash Birla. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are two of the most common types.

At the end of the day, cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors and has a plethora of other impressive health benefits. Just make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or stick to small doses if you’re using the Cassia variety. The health benefits of cinnamon exist irrespective of the variety you consume. Focus on eating healthy.