Originally published April 2 2015
The health benefits of cinnamon and how to use this amazing spice
by Michael Edwards
(NaturalNews) While there are definitely color, taste, and texture variations between Ceylon, Cassia, Korintje, and Saigon cinnamon, the differences in respect to health benefits are minor.
Nutrients - One teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder has up to 16% of the U.S. recommended daily allowance for Manganese, 5% for fiber 3% for iron, and 3% for calcium.
Cinnamon, Blood, and Inflammation Reduction
Cinnamon helps reduce unwanted blood platelet clotting, which can result in inadequate blood flow, and is a common symptom of various diseases and overall poor health.
Cinnamon Is a Powerful Antimicrobial Spice
Cinnamon is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic.
Multiple studies have shown cinnamon's effectiveness with a multitude of viruses including but not limited to HIV, herpes, and the adenovirus. Cinnamon even shows promise with cancer.
Cancer Preventer
Studies have shown that cinnamon and cinnamon oil shows promise with treating tumors, gastric cancers, melanomas, leukemia, colon cancer, and lymphoma cancer.
Antioxidant
Cinnamon a powerful antioxidant. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking "superfoods" like garlic and oregano.
Blood Sugar, Diabetes, and Cinnamon
Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss, and can also prevent, and even help reverse, diabetes and hypoglycemia.
One study found Cassia cinnamon was almost twice as effective as the same amount of Ceylon cinnamon for controlling blood sugar.
Lowering LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Studies have found that regular consumption of cinnamon is associated with a statistically significant decrease in levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase in HDL cholesterol (known as the good cholesterol).
Cinnamon and the Brain
Folklore says the smell of cinnamon can cure the winter blues. Cinnamon consumption may delay the effects of, slow the effects of, and even reverse some of the effects of Alzheimer's. In addition, some parents are using cinnamon to treat their children with ADHD.
Ways to Use Cinnamon
There are various essential oils extracted from various parts of the tree (not just the bark), and various species (as mentioned above) to choose from.
Tooth and Gum Health
Antibacterial properties of cinnamon remove harmful bacteria without damaging teeth or gums. Try using cinnamon with homemade mouthwash and toothpaste recipes. Also, try oil pulling with coconut oil and a few drops of cinnamon oil (see recipes, first source below).
Insect Repellant
Cinnamon essential oil can be used for head lice treatment and to repel (or kill) ants, bed bugs, dust mites, roaches, and mosquitoes.
Skin Infections Like Athlete's Foot
Try cinnamon oil on any topical skin infection, including athlete's foot. It's antimicrobial properties make quick work out of fungus.
Digestion
Cinnamon is very effective for treating indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Cinnamon eliminates excess gas from the stomach and intestines, removes acidity, kills pathogens and acts as a diuretic to stop diarrhea. It relieves irritable bowel syndrome, reduces morning sickness, and is often referred to as a digestive tonic.
Menstruation
Cinnamon has been shown to provide relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.
Breastfeeding
Regular consumption of cinnamon after childbirth delays menstruation, especially when combined with breastfeeding. Many believe that cinnamon promotes healthier breast milk as well.
Massage
Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory substance that combined with carrier oil for massage, and when consumed, can help soothe and remove stiffness in muscles and joints.
Wound Healing
Cinnamon oil acts as a coagulant to stop excess bleeding, and it kills infectious pathogens, facilitating the healing process.
Conclusion
The cinnamon in your pantry is most likely many years old, stale, and of little potency. Stale cinnamon has reduced flavor and health benefits. It may be time to go cinnamon shopping. Be sure to check out the cinnamon recipes in How to Optimize Curcumin Absorption and Cinnamon - Ceylon Vs Cassia, Health Benefits, and Other Interesting Facts. Also see the first source below for natural oral health recipes and remedies for your teeth and gums that you can use cinnamon with.
Sources:
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com
www.organicfacts.net
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com
http://www.organicauthority.com
About the author:
Michael Edwards is the founder, owner, editor-in-chief, and janitor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine and Green Lifestyle Market. At age 17, Michael weighed more than 360 pounds. He suffered from ADHD, allergies, frequent bouts of illness, and chronic, debilitating insomnia.
Conventional medicine wasn't working. While he restored his health through alternative medicine he studied natural health and became immersed in it.
Michael Edwards is the founder, owner, editor-in-chief, and janitor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine and Green Lifestyle Market. At age 17, Michael weighed more than 360 pounds. He suffered from ADHD, allergies, frequent bouts of illness, and chronic, debilitating insomnia.
Conventional medicine wasn't working. While he restored his health through alternative medicine he studied natural health and became immersed in it.
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