Known for its medicinal properties, cinnamon is one of the high priced spices. The aromatic flavour of cinnamon makes it an essential ingredient in Indian dishes. There are a variety of cinnamon uses as it is a great source of manganese, calcium and fibre. If you are looking for the health benefits of cinnamon, then you have landed on the right page.
Nutritional facts of cinnamon:
A teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains
- Calories – 6.42
- Carbohydrates – 2.1g
- Calcium – 26.1 mg
- Iron – 0.21 mg
- Magnesium – 1.56 mg
- Phosphorus – 1.66 mg
- Potassium – 11.2 mg
- Vitamin A – 0.39 micrograms
Cinnamon Uses for healthy life:
- Cinnamon as a powerful antioxidant – loaded with powerful antioxidants like polyphenols, cinnamon is used as a natural food preservative. Cinnamon helps to repair the damaged cells that contribute to chronic disease, including diabetes and heart disease.
- Cinnamon uses for reducing inflammation – it is this incredible compound cinnamaldehyde that gives cinnamon its odour and flavour. Cinnamon is good to use when you have swelling. Its anti-inflammatory properties prevent the growth of abnormal cells, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Controls diabetes – one of the profound benefits of cinnamon is its ability to control and manage Type-II diabetes. Certain compounds in cinnamon reduce the blood pressure and improve the insulin sensitivity.
- Cinnamon uses for reducing cholesterol – though there are not much-proven results, some studies show that cinnamon can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and elevate the good cholesterol (HDL) levels. The active compounds in cinnamon reduce the number of fatty acids in the blood, resulting in lowering the cholesterol levels.
- Anti-ageing formula – the elastin and collagen in cinnamon help keep the skin smooth and soft. Without adding any other chemicals or ingredients, you can apply the cinnamon extract to get a youthful look.
- A good sanitizer – at this point of time where hand sanitizers are in high demand, cinnamon acts as a powerful hand sanitizer. The cinnamon oil is known to kill bacteria like MRSA, E-coli, staphylococcus and streptococcus.
- Anti-bacterial properties – the cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps to fight various bacterial and viral infections. The cinnamon oil treats respiratory tract infections caused by fungi.
- Stops acne – looking for natural and effective acne treatment? Then cinnamon would do the job. To make one acne-mask, you need to combine three tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix them to form a paste and apply on your face for 10 minutes. Wash it off and get a refreshed look.
- Prevents Alzheimer’s disease – an extract in cinnamon bark known as CEppt contains properties that prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s from developing.
- Prevents cancer – using cinnamon extract and cardamom has found lower levels of oxidative stress in animals.
- Other cinnamon uses/benefits – though there are no scientifically proven results, people use cinnamon to treat digestive disorders, loss of appetite, bloating, diabetes and other health conditions. It is an excellent traditional medicine for treating bronchitis.
No matter whether the results are proven or not, cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices that every household keep stock of in their kitchen. Some people drink cinnamon tea for weight loss and improved heart health.