19/11/2019
Cinnamon is a great source of fibre, manganese, and calcium. Its research-tested benefits are diverse, but these are the big ones:
1. Manage type 2 diabetes
Perhaps the most astounding and exciting benefit of a daily dose of cinnamon is its impact on type 2 diabetes. It can help manage this condition by reducing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity. Certain compounds in cinnamon can imitate the effects of insulin and help regulate blood sugar, a function which is crucial for those with diabetes. Hereās more on how your diet can help you control type 2 diabetes.
2. Reduce cholesterol
Although research is ongoing, some studies show that cinnamon may help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels. One compound, in particular, cinnamate, may be able to decrease the activity of an enzyme that makes cholesterol, thus reducing the number of fatty acids in the blood.
3. Combat acne
Cinnamon can stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks! To make one great-smelling acne mask, simply combine 3 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to form a paste. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash it off and enjoy your refreshed face.
4. Reduce inflammation
Cinnamaldehyde is the incredible compound that gives cinnamon its odour and flavour, and it can also ease swelling and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. Its anti-inflammatory qualities donāt stop there; it can also block certain substances associated with abnormal cell growth and thereby lower the risk for disease.
5. Freshen breath
Fans of Big Red gum can attest to the breath-freshening power of cinnamon. Cinnamaldehyde comes into play again, killing that pesky oral bacteria. To achieve fresher breath, chew your cinnamon gum or make your own mouthwash by boiling 5 cinnamon sticks in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes, then use it as you would a regular mouthwash!
6. Act as an antioxidant
Antioxidants are important because they help the body reduce oxidative stress, which has been proven to damage cells and contribute to nearly every chronic disease, including the aforementioned type 2 diabetes. Surprisingly, cinnamonās antioxidant capabilities are superior to that of many well-known superfoods!
7. Plump up lips
Thin-lipped ladies (and gentlemen) rejoice! Since cinnamon improves blood flow to the surface of the skin, it can actually cause your lips to plump up, no injections necessary. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon or so of ground cinnamon with some Vaseline or a few drops of oil (vitamin E, coconut, or even olive oil) and make a paste to apply to your lips. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off, then pucker up.
8. Slow signs of ageing
As our skin ages, it produces less collagen and elastināthe proteins that help keep skin smooth and supple. Lots of lotions and creams claim to help increase the production of these proteins, but cinnamon extract may do the job without the help of extra chemicals.
9. Sanitize hands
Cinnamon oil has been shown to kill a number of common and hospital-acquired infections like Streptococcus, MRSA, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. For a natural hand sanitizer, one doctor recommends making an aromatic and effective blend called thieves oil, which contains a good amount of cinnamon. Germs donāt stand a chance!
10. Speed up hair growth
While no definitive studies exist, some scientists insist that cinnamon can help hair grow. It does this by encouraging blood flow to the hair follicles, boosting the circulation your hair needs to grow. To make mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of honey and about a cup of olive or coconut oil to form a paste. Apply this to your scalp, let it sit for 10 minutes, then use a gentle shampoo to wash it off.
11. Gut Distress
Due to its antimicrobial properties, cinnamon has lent a hand to millions of people all across the world who overcame bacterial excess in their gut. Several studies, such as one out of Iran, have reported cinnamonās potential in controlling dangerous infections of E. coli.
12. Common Cold
Similarly, because of its influential antimicrobial characteristics, a report published highlights that cinnamon essential oil was found to be highly effective in controlling the common cold. Specifically, by decelerating the progress of a number of bacteria and fungi, the microorganisms that frequently cause the common cold are restrained by cinnamon supplements.
