While spices are a great way to enhance the flavor of food, they can also help improve your overall health. Many people don’t realize the health benefits certain spices contain. Cinnamon is a perfect example. Perhaps you only think of cinnamon as an ingredient you put in your muffins, sprinkle on your cereal or use to top some delicious dessert, but the reality is that eating cinnamon on a regular basis can seriously affect your health–for the good. All in all, the benefits of cinnamon are many.
Lowers Cholesterol
Research shows that just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day can help lower your LDL cholesterol, a major cause of heart disease. With lower amounts of LDL cholesterol in your system, you will be at less risk of serious health issues.
Reduces Arthritis Pain
Studies indicate that cinnamon cuts the number of cytokines in your body that are directly linked to arthritic pain. If you have ever tried to live an active life while dealing with arthritis, you know just how painful it can be. Ingesting a small amount of cinnamon on a daily basis could help you alleviate some of this pain.
Prevents Cancer
While the research behind this health benefit of cinnamon is still in its early stages, scientists believe cinnamon may help reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Even if there is just a slight chance of cinnamon being able to help reduce your odds of contracting cancer throughout your lifespan, it is worth it to include this spice in your diet on a regular basis.
Lowers Blood Sugar
Cinnamon may also be great for diabetes patients as it’s known to lower a person’s blood sugar. When dealing with diabetes, it is important that you carefully regulate your body’s blood sugar levels. Ingesting cinnamon regularly will allow you to do just that as it will lower your body’s blood sugar fairly rapidly.
If you are planning on using cinnamon or cinnamon extract to help regulate your body’s blood sugar levels, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor first. Combining diabetes medication and daily doses of cinnamon can actually lower your blood sugar levels too much, which is not good for overall health.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Cinnamon is believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help prevent ulcers from forming in your body. Cinnamon does this by attacking Helicobacter pylori bacteria in your system, known for creating ulcers. Once this bacteria is eliminated, ulcers are less likely to form.
Good Source of Minerals
Lastly, cinnamon is an excellent source of minerals. Since cinnamon contains fiber, calcium, iron and manganese, eating it on a regular basis can help your body obtain the healthy doses of these minerals needed to remain healthy.
The next time you are perusing the spice isle at your local grocery store, consider picking up some cinnamon and mixing it into your daily diet. You may be surprised at how good it makes you feel!
Richard Freeland brings you this article on the benefits of Cinnamon in the hopes that you can enjoy its many healthful properties. Prograde is a source for high-quality nutritional supplements, coupled with nutritional education. Their supplements are recommended by thousands of professionals within the health and fitness industry.
