Nutrition Facts and the benefit of Cinnamon
What is Cinnamon
Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of special trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. The stems of these bark are dried until they curl and form a cinnamon stick. Cinnamon is healthy as it is known for its medicinal benefits discussed below. We also use it in different recipes like in tea to sprinkle on desserts etc. This spice has a delicate aroma and sweet warm flavor. Below we have discussed the benefit of cinnamon in details.
what tree is cinnamon from?
Cinnamon comes from branches of the tree Cinnamomum family. Which is native to South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia including China and Sri Lanka.
There are two main types of Cinnamon
- Ceylon Cinnamon: This is also called “True” cinnamon
- Cassia Cinnamon: This type is mostly used today.
Nutritional Facts of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has Nutrition Profile as described in below table.
The Benefit of Cinnamon
Below are the benefit of cinnamon.
May Protect against Cancer
According to recent research, scientists evaluated cinnamon for its anti-cancer properties (1) (2). They have found that cinnamon significantly impacts reducing cancer cells in Breast cancer. Studies also indicate that cinnamon is a potent antioxidant that helps lower risk of human colon cancer (3).
May act as a Natural Preservative
Cinnamon acts as an antioxidant and use to preserve foods. Scientists studied this spice for its antibacterial activities and found it can kill not only pathogens (5) but also reduce the risks of aflatoxin producing molds (6).
According to recent study (7), researches coated pectin from fruits with cinnamon leaf extract, they found that due to high antibacterial and antioxidant activity these fruits stayed fresh for longer. They also protect fruits from discoloration.
Acts as a Natural Sweetner
You can replace cinnamon with your sugar as it contains no sugar but has a sweet taste. Its Glycemic Index is 5. which is low GI. (8) It minimizes your blood sugar spikes (9) which is why it releases sugar slowly in your blood and can help you with Diabetes.
Related: What is Glycemic Index & how it impacts your health
Help elevating Allergy symptoms
As Cinnamon contain anti-inflammatory properties. A study revealed that ceylon cinnamon has significant impact on allergy symptoms alleviation (10).
May support Gut health
Preserve Brain Function
Because this spice contains a high amount of antioxidants, it helps to boost brain functions. Study finds that it reduces the risks of neurological disorder including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. (13).
Other Health Benefits
This spice has multiple other health benefits like it contains vital oils and other beneficial substances like cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamate. Which are useful in cardiovascular and diabetes without any side-effects known. (14) It also reduce the risks of blood pressure, cholesterol and other factors, thus promoting the healthy heart.
Cinnamon Oil is also use in tooth paste, in order to maintain good Oral hygiene. It actually prevents the growth of certain bacteria which cause tooth decay, bad breath and overall oral hygiene. (15)
