Benefits of Cinnamon
Brain Function: Cinnamon boosts the activity of the
brain and makes it a good brain tonic. It helps to remove nervous
tension and memory loss. Research at the Wheeling Jesuit University in
the United States has proved that the scent of cinnamon has the ability
to boost brain activity.
The team of researchers, led by Dr. P. Zoladz, found that people who
were given cinnamon improved their scores on cognitive activities such
as attention span, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and
visual-motor response speed.
Blood purification: Cinnamon can also help to remove blood impurities. This also makes it a great treatment for pimples.
Blood circulation: Cinnamon helps to improve the
circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood thinning compound
within cinnamon. This blood circulation helps to significantly reduce
pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body’s
cells, which leads to higher metabolic activity. You can significantly
reduce the chance of suffering from a heart attack by regularly
consuming cinnamon.
Pain Relief: Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory
substance, so it helps in removing stiffness of the muscles and joints.
Cinnamon is also recommended for arthritis, and it is known to help in
removing headaches that are caused by colds.
Diabetes: Cinnamon has the ability to control blood
sugar, so diabetics find it very useful because cinnamon aids them in
using less insulin. Research has shown that it is particularly helpful for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients are not able to regulate their
insulin levels properly. Researchers at the US Department of
Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland
studied the effect of various food substances that include cinnamon on
blood sugar levels. They found that a water-soluble polyphenol compound
called MHCP, which is abundant in cinnamon, synergistically acted with
insulin and helped in the better utilization of that vital component of
human health.
Infections: Due to its antifungal, antibacterial,
antiviral and antiseptic properties, it is effective on treating
external as well as internal infections. It helps in destroying germs in
the gall bladder and the bacteria present in staph infections.
Healing: Cinnamon acts as a coagulant and helps to stop excess bleeding. Therefore, it facilitates the healing process.
Heart diseases: It is believed that the calcium and
fiber present in cinnamon provide protection against heart diseases. By
including a little cinnamon in your food, you can help prevent coronary
artery disease and high blood pressure.
Colon cancer: It can also improves the health of the colon and thereby reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Mouth freshener: Cinnamon is often used in chewing gums, as it is a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath.
Perfumes: It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in perfume-making.
Indigestion: Cinnamon is added in many ethnic
recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in
digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting,
upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to its carminative
properties, it is very helpful in eliminating excess gas from the
stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity, combats diarrhea and
reduces the effects of morning sickness. Cinnamon is therefore often
referred to as a digestive tonic.
Respiratory problems: Cinnamon helps in relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, sore throat and congestion.
Menstruation: Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.
Birth control: Cinnamon also helps in natural birth
control. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays
menstruation and thus helps to avoid conception.
Breastfeeding: It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of healthy breast milk.
Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in the secretion and
discharge of urine. It is also commonly used as an aphrodisiac and is
believed to arouse sexual desire in men and women.