Cinnamon: The Sweet Side of Science.

 

The Sweet Side of Science: let me take you on a journey to discover the potential of Cinnamon as medicine.

Now let’s look at this spice that adds heat and warms up our recipes and has as interesting history as it is broad use. Throughout history and across cultures, it has been valued not only as the kitchen delight but as the healer and health-enhancer, as well. Today, the modern science has started realizing that what those ancients knew about the health beneficial properties of cinnamon is rich and varied in a sense which few might have expected. Being a spice, it must be pointed that the origin of saffron is quite checkered.

History of Cinnamon:

Cinnamon originated from Sri Lanka and parts of south India a few thousand years ago. It was later prized like no other mineral, even stated to be more valuable than gold. Cinnamon surprisingly has been a part of medical systems as old as Egyptian and Chinese one and it was used to cure diseases such as coughs, stomach aches and even wounds.

Types of Cinnamon:

There are two main types of cinnamon commonly available: Namely Ceylon cinnamon also known as true cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Real cinnamon is known as Ceylon cinnamon and it is much rarer and more expensive than the more commonly used cassia cinnamon. It also contains a unique touch and sweet taste with a very beautiful aroma of the plant. There is actually the Cassia cinnamon which is more widely available to the public and this one has a stronger and darker flavor to it.

However it is pertinent to mention here that Cassia cinnamon are found to contain more coumarin, a substance that is rather dangerous if taken in large quantity.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon:

The health benefits of cinnamon that need to be attributed are from different properties of the flavonoid. It is also a good provider of antioxidants like cinnamaldehyde which is the reason why this spice has the taste and the smell that sets it apart from the others. These antioxidants as well help the cells to be shielded from damage from the free radicals which are inclined with various diseases.

Here's a closer look at some of the most promising research on cinnamon's medicinal properties:

1. Blood Sugar Management: Research shows that cinnamon could be helpful in managing blood sugar levels; more so, in those with type 2 diabetes. From its workings, it seems to have insulin like properties that would increase the efficiency of glucose uptake from the blood by cells. This can cause a fall in glucose levels and the subsequent advancement in insulin sensitivity.
2. Heart Health: But, cinnamon could help improve the health of the heart as it was found to act on the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, the levels of which decreasing while the levels of the HDL cholesterol level was found to increase. In addition, it exhibits anti-inflammatory activity that can prove useful in the lowering of inflammation in the blood vessels, hence improving heart health of the patients.
3. Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse: Inflammation is another critical concern given the fact that it is a key contributor to many diseases. The anti-inflammatory effects of Cinnamon can be able to help lower inflammation all over the whole body and this can be beneficial in arthritic and inflammatory bowel disease conditions.
4. Cognitive Boost: In a double-blind placebo-controlled proof-of-concept clinical trial, studies show that Cinnamon can enhance cognitive function, and confer protection against Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This may be attributed to its non-haemorrhagic hypotensive effect which enables it to alleviate blood stream congestion in the brains as well as engage antioxidant features in defence of brain tissues from the underlying effects of oxidants.
5. Antimicrobial Activity: A number of the qualitative researches have proved that cinnamon might have antimicrobial characteristics, which means that this substance can act against bacteria and fungi. This could be useful for the reduction of injuries and the wound healing process, oral health care and in the prevention of infections.
6. Brain Booster: Scientific studies show that countries where cinnamon consumption is higher, elderly people are less likely to have problems like Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that it is an antioxidant and may have neuroprotection properties , which may be an aid against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
7. Aiding Digestion: Cinnamon has been used to assist in normal digestion and to reduce cases of bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps. It also makes them beneficial where there is overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach as it kills them.
8. Weight Management Support: Current research also shows that this spice is useful in helping people manage or lose weight. May also help with blood sugar level control – this is since levels of these hormones play a role in controlling hunger and food intake. Further, it has thermogenic impact which will slightly raise metabolism levels among users.
9. Fungal Fighter: It also has been found that cinnamon is effective in combating fungi and thus benefits in countering fungal infections inclusive of Candida albicans which is prevalent in recent time.
10. Oral Health Ally: This sweet spice can also reduce the bacteria levels in your mouth and improve the overall health of your oral cavity, which can in turn reduce bad breathe. Some relevant researches point toward it as a potential solution against some of the strains of bacteria responsible for forming cavities and gingivitis.

Uses of Cinnamon:

As for the current state of the research, cinnamon looks like it should be considered a worthy component of the quality improvement plan. 

Here are some ways to incorporate cinnamon into your daily routine:

• Spice Up Your Diet: Even in sweet dishes, cinnamon enhances the warm nature of foods like oatmeal, yogurt, curries, and stews when sprinkling on top. That is why you can try using cinnamon in dishes that are savoury, for instance, with roasted vegetables or with lentil soup.
• Embrace the Beverage: Cinnamon contains a wealth of beneficial compounds, so drinking cinnamon tea is a gentle approach to upping your intake of cinnamon. Enjoy the taste of cinnamon with boiling water to which you add a stick and let it brew.
• Supplement Savvy: Calcium is available in capsule and powder forms and comes as cinnamon supplements. However, it is important that before one introduces any supplement into their system one should consult the doctor especially if they are suffering from some illness or they are taking some other medicine.

Safety and Side Effects of Cinnamon: 

Having few but significant limitations as an argument is a fundamental rule Moderation is Key.

But as is true with many foods, it is essential always to be careful when consuming cinnamon and its derivatives due to these possible negative effects in the body. As earlier discussed Cassia cinnamon has the dangerous nutrient called coumarin which is dangerous if consumed in large amounts. While there is no NEED to avoid Cassia cinnamon completely, it would be advisable to use only Ceylon cinnamon or take small amounts of Cassia cinnamon. Thus, for pregnant women and people with specific medical conditions, it is recommended to consult a physician before consuming an excessive amount of cinnamon.

Future of the Cinnamon Research:

It’s important to note that the compiled research on cinnamon and the different aspects of human health it can positively influence is constantly changing. Due to its low toxicity and good efficacy for controlling blood sugar levels, researchers are investigating its applications for other diseases, like metabolic syndrome, cancer, and oral health. In the course of future research, further avenues may still be found by which the potential of this ancient spice for enhancing general health can be tapped into.

Overall, cinnamon is not only a flavorful spice; it is a spice that has a number of remarkable characteristics. An effective spice with roots and branches in history and with the most optimistic future with natural medicine. Thus, adding cinnamon to your diet and daily routine in the right measured manner will help you receive a whole range of positive effects the safe and sweet science can offer you if applied.

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