But it doesn’t just taste good – there are a number of health benefits of cinnamon too! From its purported ability to lower blood sugar, to possessing anti-inflammatory properties – cinnamon is one spice that you should definitely be including in your diet.
Find out four of the biggest benefits of cinnamon that may just surprise you!
What are the Two Types of Cinnamon?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that there’s just one kind of cinnamon. After all, it’s not often you see a huge variety of cinnamon in the supermarket! However, cinnamon actually falls under two main categories: cassia and ceylon.
The main difference between the two types of cinnamon is that they’re harvested in a different way and both have a different scent, taste and chemical structure.
Cassia cinnamon is the cinnamon most commonly found in supermarkets. You know the type – it’s a deep red-brown colour and smells like Christmas. However, before it’s ground into the spice we all know and love, cassia cinnamon has a much rougher texture and has a darker colour than Ceylon cinnamon.
Native to Sri Lanka, Ceylon cinnamon is often more expensive and a lot harder to source than cassia cinnamon. Additionally, it tastes completely different to cassia, boasting a more delicate scent with a slightly floral aroma. It’s definitely one to seek out in your lifetime.
The Benefits of Cinnamon for Your Health
Now you know about the two types of cinnamon, you might be wondering how cinnamon can benefit your health.
1. Cinnamon is Rich in Antioxidants
One of the most surprising health benefits of cinnamon is that it’s said to be incredibly rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols.
These antioxidants can help to protect the cells from free radical damage, which is incredibly important for your health, as free radicals can lead to a number of conditions, including:
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Premature aging of the skin
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Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
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Diseases of the cardiovascular system
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Cataracts
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Diabetes
2. It’s Said to Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
As well as possessing antioxidant properties, cinnamon is thought to boast anti-inflammatory benefits too.
Although inflammation is a natural immune response, chronic inflammation can result in the development of a variety of health conditions, so it’s important to ensure your inflammation markers remain within a reasonable range.
Cinnamon contains high levels of flavonoids, which are a type of health-promoting plant compound that have anti-inflammatory effects. Helping to reduce inflammation within the body, these flavonoids could minimise the risk of developing these health conditions caused by chronic inflammation.
So whether you sprinkle cinnamon on your cappuccino, or enjoy it with granola and yogurt – cinnamon is definitely one spice to have on your radar.
3. It Could Help to Lower Blood Sugar
Perhaps one of the better-known benefits of cinnamon is that it may be able to help lower blood sugar, which is especially beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes.
Studies have found a link between cinnamon and a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels, as well as reducing extreme fluctuations in blood sugar following a meal. In fact, one study reviewed the difference between consuming rice pudding with and without cinnamon and found that those who consumed just six grams of cinnamon with their rice pudding had slower stomach emptying and a decreased rise in blood sugar than those who ate it without.
4. It May Help to Treat Fungal and Bacterial Infections
A lesser-known health benefit of cinnamon is that it is thought to boast anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
Commonly used in Chinese medicine, cinnamon bark contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is where the distinctive smell and flavour comes from. It’s this compound which is thought to possess the anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits which may be able to help treat infections caused by fungi, as well as potentially inhibiting the growth of listeria and salmonella.
These properties, along with the purported anti-inflammatory benefits of cinnamon, could potentially help to improve the appearance of acne and skin blemishes – especially when applied topically.
No longer just a spice that reminds you of Christmas festivities, now you know about the health benefits of cinnamon, you’ll be looking to incorporate it into your diet wherever you can – alongside a potent Raw Turmeric Shot, of course!
So whether you add it to your baked oats in the morning, enjoy a warming, health-boosting turmeric latte with cinnamon, or add a health-boosting Raw Turmeric Vitamin C & D3 shot to your morning routine – you might just start to notice some of the health benefits of cinnamon for yourself!
