Cinnamon  

On toast and in lattes, cinnamon is a spice. But for thousands of years, extracts from the cinnamon tree’s bark, leaves, blossoms, fruits, and roots have also been utilized in traditional medicines all throughout the world. It is added to many foods and used in baking and cooking.

Types of Cinnamon

The four main types of cinnamon are as follows. The variety of cinnamon that is most frequently offered in the US is cassia, which is darker in color. Southeast Asia is where it is raised. True cinnamon, commonly referred to as Ceylon cinnamon, is widely utilized abroad.

One of the two primary varieties of cinnamon—Ceylon or Cassia—or a combination of the two—could be the cinnamon you purchase at the shop. Although Ceylon is simpler to grind, it could not offer the same health advantages.

Benefits of Cinnamon for Health

One of the most important active ingredients in cinnamon is cinnamonaldehyde. It is used in flavorings and perfumes. Some of cinnamon’s possible health benefits may result from it.

According to certain studies, cinnamon may benefit diabetics. According to a study of 18 studies, cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar levels. Hemoglobin A1C, a marker of blood sugar levels over time, was unaffected, nevertheless. In diabetics, it may also decrease cholesterol. Numerous studies lack information about the sort of cinnamon they used or have other issues that cast doubt on the accuracy of their conclusions. According to one analysis, cinnamon may aid in reducing obesity and weight gain. Irritable bowel syndrome and other stomach and intestinal issues are occasionally treated with it. But its effectiveness is unclear.

Cinnamon has been proposed to be beneficial for:

• Heart disease
• Infection
• Allergies
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• HIV
• Tooth decay

Although cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, there are currently insufficient studies to support their effectiveness in treating human conditions. Cinnamon consumption in moderation is unlikely to have a significant negative influence on your health. Consuming excessive amounts of it is also not recommended. There is no established dosage for cinnamon because it is an untested therapy. Some experts advise taking 2-4 grams of powder, or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, every day. The amount of cinnamon used in several trials ranged from 1 to 6 grams. High amounts could be harmful.

Side Effects of Cinnamon

Allergies and irritability

Typically, cinnamon has no negative side effects. However, frequent use may irritate your mouth and lips, leading to sores. It triggers allergies in certain people. If you apply it on your skin, it could result in redness and irritation.

Toxicity

Cassia cinnamon can be dangerous if consumed in excess, especially if you have liver problems. Although some cinnamon products include coumarin, which has the potential to damage your liver, the amount you would consume is probably negligible. Due to a lack of safety information, cinnamon should not be used as a treatment for children, pregnant women, or nursing moms.

Lower blood sugar

If you have diabetes and take cinnamon supplements, you may need to modify your therapy. Cinnamon may alter your blood sugar levels.

Interactions

Before beginning to use supplements containing cinnamon, discuss with your doctor whether you routinely take any medications. They might alter how treatments for diabetes, blood thinning, the heart, and other conditions operate.

Nutrition of Cinnamon

 

It’s possible that you have never given cinnamon’s nutritional value any thought. It is true that cinnamon has very little protein or fat and won’t have a significant impact on your diet as a whole. However, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon does contain trace levels of the following vitamins and minerals:

• 6 calories
• 0.1 gram of protein
• 0.03 grams of fat
• 2 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of fiber
• 26 milligrams of calcium
• 11 milligrams of potassium
• 3 mcg (micrograms) of beta carotene
• 8 IU (International Units) of vitamin A