Cinnamon benefits

Cinnamon

  Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, and has a plethora of other impressive health benefits. Just make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon, or stick to small doses if you're using the Cassia variety.

It is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which is available in its dried tubular form known as a quill or as ground powder. The two varieties of cinnamon, Chinese and Ceylon, have similar flavor, however the cinnamon from Ceylon is slightly sweeter, more refined and more difficult to find in local markets.

Types of Cinnamon

§  Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), often considered to be "true cinnamon"

§  Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum), which originates from southern China, is typically less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon.

Benefits

1: High Source of Antioxidants

Cinnamon is packed with a variety of protective antioxidants that reduce free radical    damage and slow the aging process.

2: Protects Heart Health

The special compounds in cinnamon are able to help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL “good” cholesterol remains stable.

3: Fights Diabetes

 Cinnamon has been shown to both reduce fasting blood sugar levels, having a potent anti-diabetic effect at 1 to 6 grams per day.

4: May Help Lower Cancer Risk

Because of its antioxidant abilities, cinnamon can protect against DNA damage, cell mutation, and cancerous tumor growth.

5.   Cinnamon May Have Beneficial Effects on Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cinnamon’s protective antioxidant properties is that they can help defend the brain against developing neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s andAlzheimer’s diseases.

6.  Fights Infections & Viruses

Cinnamaldehyde (the main active component of cinnamon) has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce infections and help fight tooth decay and bad breath.

7. Cinnamon May Help Fight The HIV Virus:

Test tube studies have shown that cinnamon can help fight HIV-1, the main type of HIV virus in humans.