Despite the fact that he likes 90%+ of what I cook, the hubby always rolls his eyes at the quantity and array of seasonings that I use when I cook.
Especially when it comes to cinnamon. I adore using it in almost everything – steel cut oats, sweet potatoes, sautéed greens, thai dishes, smoothies, fruit & yogurt parfaits, eggs…(okay, kidding on that one).
And as the defining spice of the Christmas season, there are more reasons than just taste and holiday tradition to use enormous quantities of it.
Check out these reasons to use more cinnamon for better health!
7 Surprising Benefits of Cinnamon
1. Blood Sugar Control
Get this – studies show that cinnamon can improve blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, all markers of metabolic disease. This study specifically shows that three separate groups taking 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon each day ALL had lower levels of these markers after just 40 days.
Even just 1/2 a teaspoon per day can lower your LDL cholesterol. Talk to your doctor, though, before diving into therapeutic doses!
2. Decreasesd Sugar Cravings
Because of cinnamon’s blood sugar stabilizing properties, it is shown to naturally decrease sugar cravings, which we could all use around the plethora of baked goods during the holidays!
3. Antimicrobial
Cinnamon contains anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that help sooth the stomach, stimulate the gastric juices to facilitate digestion, and help with nausea and/or abdominal cramps. (Throw that Midol out, ladies!)
4. Natural Food Preservative
In fact, it is even used as a natural food preservative because of its ability to protect against microbes!
5. Antioxidants Boost Brain Function
According to research, cinnamon can prevent swelling of the brain, and has been shown to improve cognitive ability in Alzheimer’s patients.
Even the scent of cinnamon and/or taste of cinnamon gum has been shown to enhance memory, visual-motor speed, and may be the next best secret for acing a test!
6. Excellent Source of Fiber & Nutrients
As a good source of fiber, which is important for colon health and heart disease prevention, a single teaspoon contains manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K!
7. Improves Blood Circulation
According to the George Mateljan’s The World’s Healthiest Foods, the cinnaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets, and helps prevent the release of an inflammatory fatty acid, arachidonic acid, from cell membranes. This keeps the blood flowing properly and well, which is preventative to heart disease.
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The cinnamon found in grocery stores is perfectly adequate for the benefits mentioned above, but as always, organic is best to eliminate any toxins or chemicals.
Also, ground cinnamon keeps for about 6 months in a cool, dry place, but you can increase shelf life by storing your refrigerator.
Whether in tea, sprinkled on fruit, or in oatmeal, pumpkin dishes, pies, or baked goods, there are numerous ways to work in more cinnamon and its awesome health benefits to your daily routine!