Cinnamon has been cherished for its delicious taste and wonderful aroma in eastern nations for centuries. Its history goes back to 2000 BCE. Cinnamon was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and even for a god.
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
Medicinal Use: There are no western randomized clinical trials proving health claims of cinnamon but this delicious spice has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of its medicinal benefits as below.
Glucose or carb metabolism: Impaired glucose or carb metabolism is the hallmark of what we call in medical term ''Metabolic Syndrome'. This metabolic syndrome is characterized by abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance and abnormal fat metabolism. Metabolic syndrome is the mother of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, liver disease, heart disease and many other chronic medical conditions.
So optimum glucose/carb metabolism in our blood is the key to elevating our health. And one of the magical tools to improve our carb metabolism is in our pantry - this wonderful spice called cinnamon.
Insulin is the hormone in our body that regulates our blood sugar. Cinnamon has an active ingredient called 'methylhydroxychalconepolymer- or MHCP. This MHCP mimic insulin function, increasing glucose uptake by cells and stored in our muscles in a form of energy called ' glycogen'.
Cinnamon is very high in manganese which is an essential mineral for glucose metabolism and it has been shown to protect against diet induced diabetes
Cinnamon also has another chemical called ' chalcone polymers' that increases glucose metabolism in the cells twenty-fold or more.
This is very important as any extra sugar that is not taken up by our muscles or cells ends up being stored as a fat that in long term results in metabolic syndrome.
Cholesterol: A study published in Diabetic care shows that cinnamon reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol. One of the mechanism is due to improved carb metabolism. As if carbs are not metabolized properly then they are stored as a fat which eventually slowly releases triglycerides in our blood.
Digestive- In Ayurveda (eastern Indian medicine), cinnamon is used to balance the digestion and to pacify stomach disorders. Combined with other warming herbs and spices like ginger and black pepper, it can be boiled into an herbal tea to soothe discomfort associated with digestive problems. Cinnamon has compound called catechin that helps relieve the nausea
Other benefits: It has also been shown to have powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties. Cinnamon has been shown to improve our immunity against harmful bacterias, viruses and some fungi.
How to use: A 1/2 to 1 teaspoon a day of cinnamon powder may provide these health benefits. It can be used in tea, stews, desserts, smoothies. It is always better and safe to use it in its natural powder or stick form.
Consult your physician if you want to use the cinnamon supplement in a tablet or capsule form. Cinnamon in a very high supplemental dose may affect liver function.
Recipes:
Chia seeds pudding with cinnamon, apple and dark chocolate:
Recipes for delicious cinnamon teas:
https://diabetesmealplans.com/5573/how-to-make-cinnamon-tea/