Cinnamon is a very common spice that you can spot in almost all kitchens across the globe sitting in an air-tight container. Its rich aroma and flavour make it a perfect addition to several food types like gravy-based dishes, milk-based mocktails, and even traditional desserts. But did you know this spice has a lot of health benefits?
Yes, apart from adding flavour to your food, the antioxidant-rich spice can benefit your health to a large extent if consumed on a regular basis. While its medicinal properties have been appreciated for centuries, it has a dignified spot in Ayurveda and modern medicine as well. Read on to learn how cinnamon can benefit your overall health.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon is made up of compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. As per a study published in 2018 in the journal Food and Function, cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties can help in reducing inflammation in the body. This can prevent many serious underlying diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even certain types of cancer.
Rich In Antioxidants
As per a study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research in 2015, cinnamon is a great source of many antioxidants, like polyphenols. Thanks to its anti-oxidative properties, cinnamon can help remove free radicals from the body, which can damage cells and even cause potential chronic illnesses.
Improves Heart Health
Consuming about a fourth of a teaspoon of cinnamon every day is proven to lower cholesterol levels, as per a study published in the journal Critical Reviews In Food Science And Nutrition in 2022. Similarly, it is often linked with decreasing the risks of potential heart conditions by keeping the heart healthy and maintaining a normal blood pressure level.
Can Treat Neural Diseases
Apart from physical health, cinnamon is also found useful in treating many cognitive and neural disorders as well. A study published in the journal Pharmacological Research in 2017 states that cinnamon helps in building proteins in the brain that are effective in treating Alzheimer's. Many studies also suggest that cinnamon is also helpful in reducing the symptoms of Parkinsons.
May Prevent Cancer
As per a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2022, cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon helps to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the ovaries of a female human body. It has also been found to reduce the production of cancer cells in blood vessels and can even prevent the spreading of cancer in the body.