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Top 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon
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When you think of cinnamon you probably think of baked apples, chai latte, cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on your morning toast, or possibly that hilarious YouTube video with the cinnamon challenge, but chances are you don’t think of cinnamon as something healthy for you, but it’s true. Cinnamon has been around for thousands of years, when in Ancient Egypt it was highly prized and used to treat coughs, sore throats, and aching joints. More modern research shows that this tasty spice has some super health benefits to it also.
Before we begin let’s talk about some important information you should know. There are two different types of cinnamon:
- Cinnamomum verum, more commonly known as Ceylon cinnamon. This is the one most commonly used, including here in the Western part of the world.
- Cinnamomum aromaticum also called Cassia or Chinese cinnamon. This spice originates from China and is less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon.
The reason you should know the two different types is because cinnamon contains coumarin, which has been linked to liver damage. Ceylon cinnamon has far less coumarin than Chinese cinnamon. So before you start on a cinnamon kick, be sure you are buying Ceylon cinnamon.
Ok, so besides the taste, here are 10 great reasons to start using cinnamon in more than just your grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe.
1. Control Blood Sugar
There are several studies that show that cinnamon has what it takes to help those with problems with their insulin. Cinnamon is very popular with those who have Type 2 diabetes. If you wish to try this option instead of medication, talk with your doctor.
2. Stops Stinky Smells
Cinnamon Leaf Oil is a powerful odor neutralizer that kills the bacteria that causes those bad smells, it doesn’t just cover it up. Add 2 to 5 drops of cinnamon oil mixed with water and put in a diffuser and in just a few minutes you will notice all odors are gone. Since cinnamon also has anti-bacterial properties, you might add the same amount to a spray bottle and spray it around your kitchen counter tops, garbage cans, toilets, even in your car to both clean and remove those foul smells.
3. Ease Joint Pain
There are many people who claim their arthritis pain was significantly reduced when they drank cinnamon tea twice a day. Still others claim that they received relief from a cinnamon oil based massage. Studies have shown that cinnamon has high levels of manganese, which the body uses to build bones, and other connective tissue.
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4. Helps IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome has many uncomfortable symptoms and cinnamon oil may be able to provide some relief. Cinnamon kills the bacteria responsible and can actually heal the digestive tract. Those with stomach cramps or other upsets should try drinking 2 or 3 cups of cinnamon tea for a dramatic lessening of their symptoms.
5. Anti-Fungal
Do you have or do you often get athletes foot? Or are you ashamed to get a pedicure because you have toenail fungus? Make an appointment at your favorite salon because cinnamon oil has your problem covered. It’s a natural anti-fungal and it will kill those nasty bugs. Add half dozen cinnamon sticks or a few drops of cinnamon leaf oil and soak your feet daily. You should see results in less than one week!
6. Excellent Massage Oil
If you’ve seen (or actually done) that YouTube challenge, you know that cinnamon is natural warming agent. Add a few drops to your bath for a sweet smelling, relaxing soak or a few drops in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, and you’ve got a great, all natural massage oil that will relieve those aching muscles. Read more how to get rid of cellulite naturally.
7. Insect Repellant
Not only does cinnamon oil kill mosquito larvae, but it’s an excellent bug repellant. Cinnamon oil is best here, rather than a cinnamon extract. Add a few drops to some water in a spray bottle, shake well, then spray lightly, avoiding the eyes.
8. Sore Throats and Cough Relief
Use cinnamon tea at the very first sign of a sore throat, or that itchy throat that usually comes just before a cold or the flu. Some claim its anti-bacterial properties kill cold and flu germs in their tracks. Even if it doesn’t kill them, cinnamon tea offers sweet relief from those nasty cold symptoms. Find out natural foods that cure colds.
9. Alzheimer’s Disease
A study done at the University of Tel Aviv in Israel found that cinnamon can delay the effects of Alzheimer’s and might even help prevent it.
10. Depression Fighter
An age old “cure” for the winter blues is to smell cinnamon on a daily basis. There is some proof in that old tale; modern research shows that some types of bacteria in the digestive tract make some people more prone to depression. Such cinnamon kills bacteria; it might also help with depression.
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