Growing up in the kitchen my sister and I were exposed to so many different kinds of spices. My mom cooked and baked with all kinds of spices like cinnamon, cumin, curry, nutmeg, vanilla and so many others.  We were so accustomed to her using them that we didn’t know there were so many health benefits to eating them. Cinnamon is one of my favorites. Now as an adult, I put cinnamon on my children’s hot cereals.  I also bake with it and we sometimes sprinkle it on our desserts.   I saw a good friend of mines put cinnamon in her coffee.  It never occurred to me that cinnamon and coffee goes great together.  Now I’m addicted! 

Much of the current research centers on cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as this may have an impact on many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.  Cinnamon is high in fiber and manganese with a good source of calcium, and very low in calories, fat, and simple sugars.

In an article by best-selling author, Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, she says:

1. Numerous studies show that cinnamon regulates blood sugar, making it a great choice for diabetics and hypoglycemics alike.  That’s also great news for anyone who wants stable energy levels and moods.

2. It reduces LDL cholesterol levels.  LDL is also known as the harmful cholesterol.  Reducing it may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. It has natural anti-infectious compounds.  In studies, cinnamon has been effective against ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria and other pathogens.

4. It reduces pain linked to arthritis.  Cinnamon has been shown in studies at the Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Korean Hospital, to reduce cytokines linked to arthritic pain.

5. Research at the University of Texas, published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, shows that cinnamon may reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, holding promise for cancer prevention and sufferers of the disease.

6. It is a natural food preservative.

7. It contains fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese—albeit small amounts to the typical dose of ground cinnamon.

8.  It’s been proven effective for menstrual pain.

9. Infertility.  Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones.

10. Cinnamon holds promise for various neurodegenerative diseases, including: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and meningitis, according to research at the Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas.  Their research shows that cinnamon reduces chronic inflammation linked with these neurological disorders.

She also adds:

11.  Not a health benefit, but a great reason to love cinnamon, it’s versatile.  It works with sweet and savory dishes alike.  Consider that many curries and savory Moroccan dishes include cinnamon.  It’s not just for apples anymore.

You can google “health benefits of cinnamon” and find lots more great information about cinnamon and why it’s such a powerful spice in promoting well-being.

What are your favorite ways to use cinnamon?