The Many Benefits of Cinnamon

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Published on Tuesday, 05 March 2013 18:21

Written by Dr. Stacey Naito, ACOFP & National Bikini Champion

Most of you have added cinnamon to your meal plans and know what a flavor boost it can provide to an often dull and monotonous regimen.  Some of you also recognize the health benefits which cinnamon provides.  This article is directed at individuals who are not aware of the powerful health benefits of this spice.

Ever since I discovered the health benefits of cinnamon a few years ago I have made sure to incorporate a half-teaspoon of this fragrant spice in my first meal of the day.  Cinnamon spice is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree and can be purchased either in its whole quill form (cinnamon sticks) or as ground powder.  I find it more convenient to use the powdered form, but a cinnamon stick in a mug of hot tea is fantastic on a cold winter day.  

Cinnamon got a lot of attention a few years back in a 2003 study involving patients with diabetes.  Subjects who were given 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon per day demonstrated a measurable reduction in blood sugar, triglycerides, blood pressure, body fat mass, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.  Studies conducted since that time have determined that cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin response in non-diabetics as well.  

As if the blood sugar stabilizing effects weren’t enough, cinnamon has the following health benefits:

· ANTI-FUNGAL AND ANTI-CANDIDA:  Especially effective in individuals who are prone to yeast overgrowth.

· ANTI-CLOTTING EFFECT

· ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES

· RELIEVES PAIN FROM ARTHRITIS

· INHIBITS BACTERIAL GROWTH AND FOOD SPOILAGE

· FIGHTS ULCER CAUSING H. PYLORI

· FIGHTS E. COLI BACTERIA IN UNPASTEURIZED JUICES

· INHIBITS GROWTH OF LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA CANCER CELLS

· NATURAL MIGRAINE REMEDY

· EXCELLENT SOURCE OF MANGANESE (almost 50% of RDA)

· GOOD SOURCE OF CALCIUM AND DIETARY FIBER

Cinnamon is a versatile spice which can be added to savory dishes while also enhancing sweeter dishes.  It can also serve to curb cravings for sugary food items because of its satisfying flavor.  Cinnamon is especially tasty in tea, oatmeal, cream of wheat, protein pancakes.  If you haven’t added this amazing spice to your daily meal regimen, I highly recommend you do so today!