Cinnamon is An Amazing Spice with Many Health Benefits

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Recently the U.S.D.A has conducted research which suggests that cinnamon regulates blood sugar, inhibits cancer cells and is anti-inflammatory.

In the ancient world, cinnamon was more precious than gold and was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs. In fact, Pliny the Elder in the first century AD valued cinnamon at 15 times the value of silver. Cinnamon is a super powerful antioxidant. Containing more antioxidant activity than goji and acai berries. 

It is an effective natural remedy for all kinds of digestive complaints such as flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and cramps. Cinnamon is also an anti-spasmodic making it good for preventing internal cramping (during your period) and “night  cramps” of the leg, calf and foot. 

 
Most of the cinnamon benefits are primarily derived from the three active compounds present in cinnamon: Cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol. These compounds are naturally present in the essential oils that are found in the bark of the cinnamon tree. The bark of cinnamon tree has been used for several medicinal as well as non medicinal purposes. It is believed to have strong antioxidant properties along with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Cinnamon and NUTRIENTS
A mere teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 mg of calcium, almost one mg of iron, over a gram of fiber, and quite a lot of vitamins C, K, and manganese. It also contains about half a gram of “usable” (non-fiber) carbohydrate.

COUGH & COLD
Cinnamon has been used as a home remedy for cough and common cold since ages. Have cinnamon tea twice a day and your cough or cold will disappear in no time. Adding a little raw honey to ground cinnamon is just perfect to treat conditions like chronic cough, cold, sinus and even flu.

DIABETES
Cinnamon contains polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants, that help in regulating blood sugar levels. Certain compounds present in cinnamon stimulate the insulin receptors and thus help the body to use up glucose in the right way. Studies have shown that cinnamon can prove beneficial for those who suffer from diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon improves insulin resistance, that helps in weight control. This explains the use of cinnamon for weight loss.

LOWERING CHOLESTEROL
Studies show that cinnamon is capable of reducing the level of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, thus helping to prevent a number of heart diseases. Just add a pinch of cinnamon to your food or use it as a mild sweetener for tea and coffee to enjoy its benefits.

ARTHRITIS
Cinnamon has anti inflammatory properties that may help in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

CANDIDA
Cinnamon has been commonly used to treat Candida. It contains some important terpenoids, which are potent anti-fungal compounds.

CANCER
In a studies cinnamon extract dramatically reduced the rate of proliferation in cancer cells. It did this in a dose-dependent manner, i.e., the higher the concentration of cinnamon extract, the greater the reduction in proliferation rate. At the highest cinnamon concentration used, the cell counts were reduced by about 50% compared with the untreated control cells.

IMMUNE STRENGTH
Cinnamon helps in strengthening the immune system and protects us from a variety of bacterial and viral infections. It has anti fungal properties and may help in curing a lot of fungal infections too.

TOOTHACHES
Cinnamon is one of the natural pain relievers for toothaches. Applying a paste made of one part cinnamon and four parts honey on an aching tooth will help in relieving the pain to a great extent.

HEALTHY SKIN
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of cinnamon help in keeping the skin free of any infections. It has anti aging properties which protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and makes the skin look healthier and younger. Adding cinnamon to the morning tea keeps your skin soft and fresh all the time.

PLUMPING WRINKLES & LIPS
Cinnamon is a spice that brings blood to the surface of the skin, causing minor swelling and plumping. A preparation of three drops of cinnamon essential oil mixed with a couple tablespoons of olive oil can be applied to fine lines to plump out the skin, making the lines less visible. It's best to avoid the eye area as cinnamon can cause burning if it gets in your eyes. You may carefully apply it to the outside of crow's feet, away from the eye. This mixture is also helpful in plumping lips and can be used in place of lip gloss.

HAIR
A lot of people suffer from the problem of hair loss. Cinnamon helps control hair loss and thus prevents balding.

WOUNDS
If you happen to cut yourself and you don't have any antiseptic around, you can actually use cinnamon. Simply clean your wound, and then sprinkle a little cinnamon over it. It's known to kill bacteria and help prevent infections. It's important to be careful, though, because cinnamon can also be an irritant, especially in its essential oil form. Applying it to your skin could result in a burning sensation or dermatitis. Some people may also experience an allergic reaction.

CINNAMON HONEY MASK FOR SMOOTH SKIN:

3 Tbsp. Raw Honey (you can use more if you want)
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Nutmeg
dash of lemon juice (optional)
*If you use the lemon juice you will need to keep this mask refridgerated*

Mix this all together to form a paste. Apply to your face for 30 min. then rinse and moisturize. 

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