The Health Benefits that are a Must Know About Cinnamon!

 

As a community we are unearthing what was once known and then sadly covered up and veiled from our minds. There is a reason that cinnamon was part of the holy anointing oil. In Exodus 30:22-33 the following is found:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, `Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels [a] of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels [b] of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin [c] of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.”

Extracts from the bark as well as leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of the cinnamon tree are used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of years.

At one point, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. Egyptians used the spice for various religious practices, as well as embalming. Cinnamon also played a role in religious ceremonies conducted by Medieval Europeans, and they also used it as a flavouring.

It was also an herb of choice to protect and kill off virus and bacteria while warding off the miasmas during deadly plagues. Cinnamon was utilized to preserve, heal, and flavour for over 4,000 years.

The antioxidant flavonoid compounds in cinnamon can neutralize free radicals, and therefore, reduce oxidative stress in the body reducing cellular damage, including the signs of ageing and loss of elasticity in the skin. It also helps limit nitric oxide build-up in the blood and prevents fat peroxidation, both of which can increase the risk of brain disorders, cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

The antioxidants in cinnamon can help relieve inflammation, which may help lower the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, cognitive decline and more. Researchers have identified many diverse types of flavonoids in the spice, all of which are highly effective at fighting dangerous inflammation levels throughout the body.

All varieties of cinnamon contain cinnamic acid. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help blood flow through the body, not only does this put less strain on the heart, but it also brings circulation to your skin giving you a fuller and more youthful look.

Cinnamon has proven to be highly effective at balancing insulin levels which helps your hormones, this in turn keeps your blood sugar stable and helps glucose tolerance. This helps those with blood glucose factors, such as diabetics and those who suffer blood glucose issues also helping with weight loss. This also supports our daily energy, heart health and mental acuity.

Studies show cinnamon supplementation experienced the exact same results as taking a diabetes drug. It has a 5% effective rating on blood sugar which is the exact same as a diabetes drug. This makes cinnamon an alternative that has the same outcomes without the side effects.

In a study by Naoko Takasao from 2012, they found that Cinnamon extract promotes type I collagen biosynthesis via activation of IGF-I signaling in human dermal fibroblasts. This is important to provide structure, strength, and support throughout the whole body, including the skin.

A few of the specific antioxidants found in cinnamon include:

Cinnamaldehyde: This flavonoid gives cinnamon its distinct flavour and smell and is a potent, naturally occurring antioxidant.
Eugenol: A colourless or pale-yellow oily extract that obtained from cinnamon as well as other herbs like nutmeg, clove, and basil.
Linalool: A naturally occurring aromatic alcohol with anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamins and mineral: Cinnamon is rich in vitamins A, B, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.

According to the ORAC scale, used to measure the concentration of antioxidants in different foods, cinnamon ranks No. 7 of all foods, herbs and spices. It has shown to have greater antioxidant power than commonly consumed herbs like thyme, garlic and rosemary.

Because of its antioxidant abilities, cinnamon may protect against DNA damage, cell mutation and cancerous tumour growth. Studies have revealed that the health benefits of cinnamon come from a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which can inhibit tumour growth and protect DNA against damage while also killing off cancer cells.

This is especially true in the colon. Studies show that it can improve the health of the colon, which could reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Cinnamon is now being investigated as a natural cancer-fighting food because of its strong antioxidant abilities and may be a useful supplement for those at a higher risk of cancer.

Research suggests that the powerful antifungal properties in cinnamon could be effective in treating and preventing candida overgrowth in the digestive tract. It has been shown to lower amounts of dangerous candida albicans, which is the yeast that causes candida overgrowth and can cause a host of digestive and autoimmune issues.

Those with allergies may find relief thanks to the multitude of beneficial compounds packed into this spice. In fact, it may help combat common allergy symptoms because it’s been shown to reduce inflammation and fight histamine reactions in many animal models.

One of the lesser-known cinnamon benefits is that it can be used to preserve food. Because it has antibacterial abilities and acts as an antioxidant, research highlights that it can be used as a preservative in many foods without the need for chemicals or artificial ingredients.

Studies have even found that cinnamon may have the ability to directly help with the hair growth cycle, make it an effective natural remedy for hair woes. One way it acts is by reducing the major androgens, like dihydrotestosterone and testosterone, the two hormones responsible for alopecia or excessive hair loss. Plus, with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, cinnamon improves overall hair health.

Is Cinnamon Safe?

All types of cinnamon contain a compound called coumarin which is toxic to humans. But the coumarin level varies drastically by type of cinnamon.

There are two main types of cinnamon:

• Ceylon cinnamon: This type is also known as “true” cinnamon.
• Cassia cinnamon: This is the most common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”

Cassia cinnamon is high in coumarin and regular intake of this spice in high doses is most likely harmful. Ceylon cinnamon is the richest in phytonutrients of all cinnamon types, and also has the lowest levels of toxins. Ceylon is the healthiest type of cinnamon to use, although studies similarly state health benefits are found in all five botanical species of cinnamon.

Dosage

The amount of cinnamon you should take depends on the condition you are treating. General dosing is about three grams, which is a about a teaspoon a day. However, every person is different, and you should consult with a health care practitioner if you are treating a particular condition.

Signs of too much cinnamon include, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Since cinnamon does not have stimulant or depressant effects, you can have it at any time of the day, whether it is in your morning oatmeal or in your evening tea. There has been some research that has suggested that cinnamon can help increase melatonin levels and decrease norepinephrine levels (the fight or flight chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system) which may help with a more restful sleep.

During pregnancy, avoid ingesting large amounts of cinnamon and always talk to your healthcare provider about any additional supplements or dietary changes.

There are people that are allergic to cinnamon, especially if it contacts their skin. Always patch test before using something that you have not had in your daily regime in the past.

A fun DIY skin care recipe to try at home. ALWAYS patch test prior to putting a new recipe on your face. Several recipes call for a greater amount of cinnamon but I have altered it for less. Your facial skin is fragile and being gentle is always the best remedy.

Cinnamon and Lemon Juice DIY Facial Mask

Ingredients

• 2 tsp Cinnamon Powder
• 4 tbsp Yogurt
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Banana

Recipe

• Combine cinnamon powder with yogurt, lemon juice, and banana.
• Mix all the ingredients and put them on the skin.
• Wash with normal water after 30 minutes.

Tip: Cinnamon with other ingredients combination helps to improve the skin colour and brighten the skin. Cinnamon boosts collagen production, and it has a potent antioxidant source that can be used for anti-aging.

To get quality cinnamon into your daily skin care regimen you can check out our Stop the Sag Tea Bag at bee23.ca!