all substances have a good and a bad side, even cinnamon.
The good....
Cinnamon is a great source of manganese (45.5%), fiber (11%) and calcium (5.2%), but the real healing components are found in the essential oils of the bark. Here are just a few of the miraculous findings in relation to cinnamon and health.
Cinnamon lowers blood sugar
Studies have shown that cinnamon lowers blood sugar and blood pressure in those with type 2 Diabetes. A study published in 2003 by Diabetes Care identified that as little as 1g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. As Dr. Mercola informs us, it does this by slowing the stomach emptying (preventing blood sugar spikes) and enhancing antioxidant defenses.
Cinnamon improves brain function
Studies have shown that cinnamon reduces brain swelling for tramatic injury and stroke victims. It has also been discovered that even just the smell of cinnamon can improve cognitive functioning and memory.
Cinnamon is anti-fungal
Cinnamon has been shown to prevent and stop the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeasts and is often used to prevent and or lesson Candida yeast growth. A study published in 2003 in the International Journal of Food Microbiology showed that Cinnamon could act has a powerful food preservative with just a few drops of extract was added to a broth.
Cinnamon can inhibit tumor growth
A study published in July of 2010 showed that cinnamon extract had an anti-tumor effect by inducing tumor cell death, which could lead to the development of an alternative or complementary treatment for a diverse range of cancers.
Cinnamon can decrease inflammation
Inflammation is at the root of almost every disease in the body, whether the inflammation causes the disease or vise versa. Cinnamon acts as an anti-inflammatory by lowering the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes.
Beyond these five health benefits, cinnamon has also been connected to weight loss, preventing unwanted blood clotting, contributing to the prevention of Alzheimers disease and cardiovascular health. In order to reap these benefits, its important that you be sure to take the right amount of cinnamon or cinnamon extract, as there can also be negative effects if consumed in large amounts over time.
and the bad......
An allergic reaction to cinnamon can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the allergy and whether the cinnamon touches the skin or is swallowed. Some of the most common symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, and cough. Skin irritation may result in various types of dermatitis, including eczema. Swelling of the face or throat, especially if accompanied by difficulty breathing, may indicate the presence of a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
In many cases, an allergic reaction to cinnamon is so subtle that it may be confused with other problems, such as the common cold or seasonal allergies. This is especially true when cinnamon is an added ingredient in a product, because the affected person may not even realize that the spice has been consumed. Itchy, watery eyes and a stuffy or runny nose are commonly reported signs of a reaction and usually begin within a matter of seconds or minutes following contact with cinnamon. A cough, a mild fever, or a sore throat may also occur. Those with underlying respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, may notice a worsening of symptoms after coming into contact with this spice.
Sometimes, an allergic reaction may appear in the form of skin irritation, medically known as dermatitis. This often involves a condition known as eczema, in which the skin may itch, peel, or develop blisters that break open. This type of reaction is most common when cinnamon comes into contact with the skin, although those with a relatively mild allergy may develop skin symptoms if cinnamon is repeatedly ingested.
Anaphylaxis may occur during an allergic reaction to cinnamon, although this is not common. Symptoms of this severe type of allergic reaction may include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat as well as difficulty breathing. When breathing becomes difficult, there is a risk of oxygen deprivation to the brain and other organs of the body, which can cause permanent brain damage or even death within a matter of minutes, making it crucial to obtain emergency medical assistance at the first sign of these symptoms. Life support measures such as oxygen therapy may be necessary, and hospitalization is likely until the health of the patient has stabilized.
.....and now you probably know more about cinnamon than you ever wanted to.
