Cinnamon: Some Important Reasons To Take It Frequently
Ceylon cinnamon is undoubtedly an exquisite spice. It has an excellent flavor and aroma. In addition, consumed in the right dose, it can be beneficial for health. Incorporating it into the diet may be a good idea. It can be used in many ways. Here are some reasons to take it frequently.
Nutritional properties of cinnamon
The first reason to include this spice in the regular diet is its concentration of nutrients. According to the food database published by the US Department of Agriculture it contains:
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins A, B, C and K
- Protein and fat (in trace amounts)
- Minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and calcium
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Scientific research that has been done on cinnamon has been able to determine that it is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties. For example, a study published in Food & Nutrition , determined that the phytochemical compounds of this spice contribute to fight inflammation.
As some may know, inflammation can become a problem when it is chronic and attacks the body’s own tissues. Thus, by controlling it, it favors disease prevention.
It is an antioxidant
This prodigious spice also stands out in alternative medicine for its high content of antioxidant compounds. In research, published in Food Chemistry , it was found that antioxidant compounds contained in cinnamon, such as butylated hydroxyl anisole, trolox, and ascorbic acid help fight free radicals.
Has antimicrobial effects
Evidence also suggests that compounds from this spice have antimicrobial effects. Even these have positive effects in the fight against some infections. A study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine determined that it can be effective against bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.
Why should you take cinnamon more often?
Well, beyond the properties mentioned, there are other reasons to consume cinnamon more frequently. Coinciding with a study published in the medical journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, this spice contains oils and other derivatives such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate.
Therefore, it is attributed antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and lipid-lowering properties.
Among other things, and according to this same publication, it could:
- Help treat infections.
- Relieve tooth and toothache.
- Fight bad breath (halitosis).
- Regulate blood glucose levels.
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Ways to consume it
It is best to consume cinnamon naturally: stick or powdered and combined or not with other foods. Although it is less recommended, there is also the possibility of ingesting it as a dietary supplement. As an example, here are some ideas:
- If you consume it in powder, you should take a teaspoon in the morning and another at night.
- You could use this spice instead of sugar to sweeten herbal teas or foods.
- In a cup of hot water or tea, you could add a teaspoon of honey, another two of the powdered spice. Mix it all up and just drink.
- If you prefer to consume it in pills, it would be recommended that you take 500 milligrams at breakfast and another 500 milligrams after dinner. Another possibility would be to take 1000 milligrams just at lunch. In the latter case, it is better to have medical supervision.
Some drawbacks of cinnamon
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting to include cinnamon in your diet regularly, since there are some contraindications in certain cases and in others it could cause interactions with drugs.
Chronically ill patients may need to consume cinnamon under medical supervision.
It should also be borne in mind that, when consumed in very high doses, this spice can become toxic. Hence, as in all areas of life, it is so important to maintain moderation.
In summary, cinnamon, taken in the right dose, can be beneficial to health. If you haven’t already, add it to dishes and desserts you make at home.
