The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

1. We have all used cinnamon at some point, perhaps in a dish, but certainly in the traditional Dutch apple pie or in the apple turnovers. The taste and smell of cinnamon always reminds me of domestic warmth and winter scenes. The use of cinnamon in these Dutch dishes, along with that Dutch winter feeling, would almost make you think that it is originally a Dutch spice, but that is not true.

1. Did you know that eating cinnamon regularly has many benefits for your health?

1. Below the content of the article 1. Where does cinnamon come from? 2. Two main types of cinnamon 3. Cinnamon as a medicine 4. Conclusion

1. Where does cinnamon come from?

1. Cinnamon is not some kind of sweet little plant that cinnamon sticks grow on, but cinnamon is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree, which feels best in a tropical climate. To make cinnamon sticks, the inner bark is removed from the tree. These pieces are put to dry on coconut mats, which automatically changes the color and the bark rolls up. You can buy these sticks in the supermarket. But powder is also available. This is basically just made from these same sticks being ground.

1. Cinnamon is very old, and has been used for centuries for food preparation and medicine. Thanks to a found herbal book, it has become known that cinnamon was already used around the year 2800 BC. In addition, cinnamon was also used in the embalming of the deceased, probably because of the preservative properties of this special spice.

2. Two main types of cinnamon

1. There are many types of cinnamon, but the most used are the Ceylon Cinnamon and the Cassia Cinnamon. Basically, it doesn't really matter which one you choose, because both types have similar health benefits. It's a different story if you use a lot of cinnamon every day.

1. The Cassia Cinnamon contains a substance Coumarin, which in normal quantities will not cause any problems. But in large quantities this can cause problems for the liver and kidneys. Up to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day is acceptable, and it doesn't matter which kind you choose.

1. If you use more, I recommend that you use Ceylon Cinnamon because the amount of Coumarin in Ceylon Cinnamon is considerably lower than in Cassia Cinnamon. I'd say why take a risk? Just use Ceylon Cinnamon!

3. Cinnamon against complaints

1. As mentioned, cinnamon has been used in medicine for centuries. Consider, for example, the fight against colds, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, menstrual pains and even cold feet. Yes, also against cold feet, because cinnamon warms your body! Cinnamon is actually a generally applicable â € medicineâ € ™ that can be used very widely. You simply get more energy after you eat cinnamon.

1. What is striking is the fact that the positive effects of cinnamon are further enhanced when taken in combination with honey. This also enhances the powerful effect of honey. A typical case of 1 + 1 = 3. You will often find in the list below that cinnamon should be taken with honey for maximum effect.

1. I would like to point out very clearly that the research (1) into the medical effect of cinnamon has still not been sufficiently completed to provide 100% conclusive evidence. The health benefits below are partly based on primary studies that need further elaboration, and partly on the experiences of the ancient Chinese.

1. But don't let that stop you from applying this: If it didn't help, then no damage was done. In normal amounts, both the cinnamon and honey are harmless and there will be no unwanted side effects.

Cinnamon against osteoarthritis

1. A recent study conducted by the University of Copenhagen found that cinnamon can make a significant contribution to reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis. The subjects were served both honey and cinnamon in their breakfast cereal every day. After about a week it turned out that the majority of the subjects had a large part of the pain disappeared. Good news! Are you skeptical about this? It doesn't hurt at all to give it a try, but remember what I said in the section on the two types of cinnamon. So everything in moderation!

Cinnamon for high blood sugar

1. There has also been scientific research into the relationship between diabetes, and too high blood sugar in general, and the consumption of cinnamon. Depending on what you eat and how you eat, your blood sugar always rises immediately after a meal or immediately after you eat something. Your body will produce insulin to get the blood sugar back into balance, and stores the unused sugars (= energy) as body fat for possible later use. In the subjects from the scientific study (2) it appeared that cinnamon keeps the blood sugar level better after meals, so without the intervention of insulin.

1. During the study it was also measured whether the amount of cinnamon would have any influence, but it turned out that 6 grams, 3 grams or 1 gram makes virtually nothing in the effect. The result of the study is therefore clear: Cinnamon causes a significantly lower peak in blood sugar.

Anti-fungal cinnamon

1. Anti-fungal cinnamon can be understood in two ways. Firstly, it turned out that food with cinnamon in it lasted longer than food with no cinnamon in it. Cinnamon can therefore be considered as a (perhaps limited) preservative. On the other hand, this also works in the body against diseases related to fungi. Think for example of Candida.

Cinnamon as food for your brain

1. Cinnamon has long been high on the list for foods that stimulate cognitive thinking. Cognitive has to do with the efficiency and alertness of your brain's thinking ability. It is the substance Magnesium that ensures that you think sharper and get a better memory. In addition, there is still a lot of Manganese and Iron in cinnamon, which make a very positive contribution to the functioning of your brain in general. All of this is not just an assumption, but a recent study has shown it. After eating cinnamon, the subjects scored much better on a knowledge test than the subjects who had not eaten any cinnamon.

Cinnamon for colds

1. Cinnamon is able to fight viruses and bacteria, we have already talked about that. This is very useful if, for example, you have a cold and are coughing a lot. Eat a tablespoon of honey every day for a number of days, followed by a quarter of a tablespoon of cinnamon. Not only good for coughs and colds, it also cleans your sinuses.

Cinnamon for a bladder infection

1. To quickly flush out the bacteria from a bladder infection, dissolve two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon in a glass of lukewarm water. Drink this mix every day until the bladder infection clears.

Cinnamon for stomach pain

1. Here too we can conclude that a combination of water, cinnamon and honey can have a beneficial effect. The mix cleans your system very effectively. In addition, it would have a positive effect against a possible stomach ulcer. Cinnamon also prevents flatulence.

Cinnamon for high cholesterol

1. Another beneficial effect of the combination with water and honey: Make a nice cup of tea with three teaspoons of cinnamon and two teaspoons of honey. This can reduce your cholesterol levels.

Cinnamon for bad breath

1. And then the last one for now. Gargling daily with a combination of warm water, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon will get rid of your bad breath in a few days.

Cinnamon for athletes

1. Cinnamon can also be used in sports: Cinnamon ensures that the amount of anabolic proteins in the muscle cells is increased. This has the direct consequence that more glucose is absorbed by the muscles, so that more energy will be available.

4. Conclusion

1. Cinnamon is a delicious spice that can also be responsible for many small and larger miracles. Make sure you use the right cinnamon if you become, or threaten to become, a real bulk consumer. One final word of caution for pregnant women: It is generally strongly advised not to eat cinnamon in any form while you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

1. Do you have any other ideas or experiences for the (medicinal) use of cinnamon?