Cinnamon is one of the most delicious spices. It has been valued for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. And also modern science has now confirmed what people have known for a long time.
Types of cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon: Also known With “real” cinnamon
Cassia cinnamon: It is the most common type today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”
How to make cinnamon
Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. Then the inner bark is extracted and the woody parts removed, And when it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls. They are called cinnamon sticks.
These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder, The characteristic aroma and flavor of cinnamon is due to the oily part. It is very high in cinnamaldehyde.
Scientists believe that this The boat is responsible About cinnamon’s most powerful effects on health and metabolism.
The health benefits of cinnamon
Here are a number of cinnamon health benefits that are backed by scientific research.
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. And cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants. Such as Polyphenols .
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties
Cinnamon helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
However, Inflammation can become a problem when it is chronic and directed against the body’s own tissues.
Cinnamon may be helpful in this regard. Where it appears Studies This spice has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
It reduces the risk of heart disease
Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. It is the most common cause of premature death in the world.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram, or about half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day, has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood markers.
It lowers total cholesterol levels, Bad cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, While the good HDL cholesterol remains Static .
It can improve sensitivity to insulin hormone
Insulin is one of the main hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It is also necessary for transporting blood sugar from the bloodstream to your cells.
The problem is that many people are resistant to the effects of insulin.
This is known as insulin resistance. It is a hallmark of serious conditions such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon can drastically reduce insulin resistance. Which helps this The hormone Important in doing his job.
It may have beneficial effects on nerve diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells.
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are the most common types.
Two compounds in cinnamon seem to inhibit accumulation Tau protein In the brain, It is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Fight bacterial and fungal infections
Cinnamaldehyde, One of the main active ingredients of cinnamon is, It may help fight different types of infections.
Cinnamon oil has proven effective in treating respiratory infections caused by fungi, It can also prevent the growth of some Bacteria , Including listeria and salmonella.
The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath
Combating HIV
HIV is a virus that slowly breaks down your immune system. Which could eventually lead to AIDS, If not treated.
Cinnamon is believed to be extracted from Cassia varieties Help fight HIV-1, It is the most common strain of HIV.
Cinnamon side effects
Cinnamon may cause a number of unwanted side effects, which can be mentioned in the following points:
May cause liver damage
Cassia cinnamon (or regular) is a rich source of coumarin, This can range from ground cassia cinnamon, ranging from 7 to 18 milligrams per teaspoon (2.6 grams).
While Ceylon cinnamon contains Trace amounts of coumarin .
The permissible daily intake of coumarin is approximately 0.05 mg / lb (0.1 mg / kg) of body weight.
This means that only a teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon It can put you on the daily limit.
It may increase the risk of cancer
Animal studies show that eating a lot of coumarin, It is abundant in cassia cinnamon. It may increase the risk of some types of cancer.
For example, have found Studies In rodents, eating too much coumarin can cause carcinomas in the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
It might cause mouth ulcers
Some people have experienced mouth sores from consuming products that contain agents flavor Cinnamon.
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, It is a compound that may trigger an allergic reaction when consumed in large quantities.
May cause low blood sugar
Chronic high blood sugar is a health problem. If left untreated, It may lead to diabetes, heart disease and many more Other health problems .
Cinnamon is known to lower blood sugar. Where it is found Studies That the spice can mimic the effects of insulin, It is a hormone that helps remove sugar from the blood.
It might cause breathing problems
Eating a lot of ground cinnamon in one sitting may cause breathing problems.
This is because Spices It has a smooth texture that can make it easy to inhale. It can cause it to be accidentally inhaled; Cough, Difficulty of self.
People who suffer from asthma or other medical conditions should be especially careful not to accidentally inhale cinnamon. You will likely have difficulty breathing.
Cinnamon allergy
Although cinnamon does not cause diarrhea in most people, However, those who are allergic to cinnamon may experience diarrhea after eating it.
Diarrhea from a food allergy often accompanies other gastrointestinal symptoms, Such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps.
These symptoms generally appear within minutes of consuming cinnamon. But it may happen after two hours, According For the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology .
