Cinnamon – a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees – is one of many natural ingredients that is known to benefit one’s health. It has been used throughout history, even dating back to Ancient Egyptian times. It was regarded as a gift for kings. Now, it is widely available and can almost be found in every kitchen cupboard.
According to Healthline, cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. When the extract dries, it forms strips that curl into the popular cylindrical shape we know, what we call cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.
Praised for its medicinal properties, here are the six health benefits of cinnamon as explained by WebMD.
Reduces inflammation
Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis become more common as you get older.
According to a study which looked at 115 foods, cinnamon is a top inflammation fighter. Although, more research could support using cinnamon as a natural remedy for older adults to help with these types of conditions.
Boosts metabolism
A study found that cinnamaldehyde – essential oil in cinnamon – can target fat cells and make them burn more energy. However, more research needs to be done to come to a steady conclusion.
Great for the skin
A small study found that Ceylon cinnamon fought the types of bacteria known to cause acne. Another small study suggested that cinnamon can boost collagen production, making the skin looks younger.
Lowers blood pressure
According to several studies, eating cinnamon every day for three months can bring down your systolic blood pressure by at least five points. However, larger studies are needed to answer the following questions:
- How much should one eat for the best results?
- How long do the effects last?
Because the research was done on people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, it is not certain that cinnamon has the same effect on people who do not have blood sugar issues.
Helps to fight bacteria
Cinnamon helps to fight many bacteria that make people sick. Examples of these bacteria include salmonella, E. coli and staph.
Also see: Is butter actually bad for you?
