Cinnamon has been used for Chinese and Ayurvedic medicinal purposes from the days of old. At some point it was even more valuable than gold. With its numerous health benefits, it’s indeed still valuable.
There are two types:
Cassia: The more common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”
Ceylon: known as “true” cinnamon.
The powder is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees, removing the inner bark and removing the woody parts.
Antimicrobial
This herb fights off fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens in food. Hence it can be used to prolong the freshness of cooked food up to a certain point. It also helps in alleviating common colds and lung problems by unblocking clogged airways.
Anti-inflammatory
Studies have shown that cinnamon consumption can reduce specific and systemic inflammation, though more research is still needed.
Managing PCOS
This herb can help in managing the symptoms of Polycystic ovarian syndrome, for instance insulin resistance which contributes to weight gain.
Antioxidant
Cinnamon’s high level of antioxidants protect the body from damage by free radicals and reduce inflammation, reducing risk of cancer and other ailments.
Heart Health
This herb has been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by keeping the level of triglycerides and low density lipoproteins low.
Eye Health
According to some studies, using cinnamon in tandem with other remedies can treat optical diseases such as dry eye and conjuctivitis.
Insulin Resistance
This is a huge problem today due to unhealthy diets. Insulin resistance causes type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The herb can be used in mitigating this.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Studies show that cinnamon’s usage helped protect neurons, normalise neurotransmitter levels and improve motor function. Tests have only been done on mice so far, thus more research is needed for conclusive results.
