According to research, Cinnamon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This may aid in the prevention of various diseases and conditions.
1. Cinnamon may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
In individuals who have diabetes, insufficient insulin is produced by the pancreas or cells don’t respond to insulin as they should, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Cinnamon potentiates insulin action by increasing the amount of 3 vitally important proteins involved in the insulin signaling, inflammatory response, and glucose transport of the body.
Research has found that individuals taking a supplement containing the equivalent of a quarter to half a teaspoon of cinnamon twice daily reduced risk factors for diabetes, which included glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, by 10 to 30%.
Results of one study have found that a daily cinnamon intake of 1, 3, or 6 grams can reduce serum glucose, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in individuals with type 2 diabetes. These results indicate that individuals with type 2 diabetes who include cinnamon in their diet can reduce risk factors linked to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Cinnamon may help to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Research has shown that the antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties. A meta-analysis of studies found that supplementing with Cinnamon significantly reduced C-reactive protein, a blood protein that increases when there is inflammation.
There was also a significant reduction in interleukin-6, a key player in chronic inflammation.
3. Cinnamon may help to protect against cancer
Although the scientific evidence suggests that cinnamon extracts may help protect against cancer, research is limited to test-tube and animal studies.
The research has revealed that the compound cinnamaldehyde, which is found in cinnamon, can inhibit tumor growth by reducing cancer cell growth and blood vessel formation in tumors. It also protects against DNA damage and is toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death.
There is some preliminary evidence that cinnamaldehyde can reduce colon cancer risk by improving the health of the colon. Cinnamaldehyde was found to have helped the cells of mice protect themselves against carcinogen exposure through detoxification. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon activates enzymes in the colon that help detoxify and protect against the growth of cancer cells.
4. Cinnamon may help to reduce the risk of heart disease
Several studies have shown that the cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon has protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
One study in rats has reported that cinnamaldehyde and another compound found in cinnamon called cinnamic acid offered protection against ischemic myocardial injury, which indicates the potential that cinnamon has to be used for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Research has revealed that cinnamon can help reduce high levels of LDL cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels as well as increasing levels of HDL cholesterol.
Cinnamaldehyde has also been shown to help reduce high blood pressure, which is another heart disease risk factor. Cinnamon also helps in increasing circulation and improving tissue repair, which could help to regenerate heart tissue.
5. Cinnamon can help to improve oral hygiene
Research has shown that cinnamon can help protect against certain strains of bacteria which cause mouth infections, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a natural active compound that has potent antibacterial properties, which can be used to naturally eliminate mouth bacteria.
Cinnamon-flavored chewing gums can help eliminate bad breath not by just masking foul mouth odor, they remove the oral bacteria that cause it, even if temporarily.
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