Cinnamon Tea Cut 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)
Benefits:
Antioxidants Antioxidants protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols.
One study found that cinnamon supplementation could significantly increase antioxidant levels in the blood while reducing levels of markers used to measure inflammation, such as C-reactive protein. In fact, the antioxidant effects of cinnamon are so powerful that it can even be used as a natural food preservative
Anti-inflammatory Inflammation is incredibly important, as it helps your body respond to infections and repair tissue damage. However, inflammation can become a problem when it’s chronic and directed against your body’s own tissues. Cinnamon may be useful in this regard. Studies show that this spice and its antioxidants have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Disease Cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death around the globe.
According to one review, supplementing with at least 1.5 grams (g), or about 3/4 of a teaspoon (tsp.), of cinnamon per day was able to reduce levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and blood sugar in people with metabolic disease. Another review of 13 studies found that cinnamon could reduce triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Cinnamon has also been shown to reduce blood pressure when consumed consistently for at least 8 weeks. When combined, all of these factors could help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Diabetes Insulin is one of the key hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It’s also essential for transporting blood sugar from your bloodstream to your cells. However, some people are resistant to the effects of insulin. This is known as insulin resistance, a hallmark of conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that cinnamon may be able to reduce insulin resistance. By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and support better blood sugar control.
Cinnamon is well known for its blood-sugar-lowering properties. Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar through several other mechanisms. First, cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of sugar that enters your bloodstream after a meal. It does this by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in your digestive tract.
Second, a compound in cinnamon may mimic the effects of insulin to improve the uptake of sugar into the cells. Numerous human studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of cinnamon, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Neurodegenerative Diseases Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure or function of nerve cells. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are two of the most common types. Certain compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2014 study in mice with Parkinson’s disease, cinnamon helped protect neurons, normalized neurotransmitter levels, and improved motor function.
Cancer Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment.
Overall, the evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies, which suggest that cinnamon extracts may protect against cancer. It acts by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumours and appears to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death. One study in mice with ovarian cancer found that cinnamaldehyde could block the expression of certain proteins involved in cancer growth. These findings were supported by test-tube experiments, which showed that cinnamaldehyde could reduce the growth and spread of ovarian cancer cells.
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active components of cinnamon, may be beneficial against various kinds of infection.
Test-tube studies suggest that cinnamon oil could help kill certain fungi that cause respiratory tract infections. It may also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. Plus, the antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath. However, the evidence is mostly limited to test-tube studies, so more research in humans is needed.
Some research suggests that cinnamon may help protect against certain viruses. For example, cinnamon extracted from Cassia varieties is thought to be beneficial against HIV-1, the most common strain of HIV in humans. Other studies suggest that cinnamon could also protect against other viruses, including influenza and Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
Cassia or Ceylon? The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. All cinnamon should have health benefits, but Cassia may cause problems in large doses due to the coumarin content.
Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it’s much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety. Compared to Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon is generally more affordable and more widely available.
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum cassia
English: Chinese Cinnamon Also, known as: Chinese Cinnamon, Cassia Bark, Tvak, Daalchini, Lavangappattai, Casse, Canéfice, Cannelle de Chine, Chinesischer Zimt, Kassie, Keishi, Keihi, Kashia, Korichnoje derevo, Kassia and Kassia korichnaya.
Habitat: Native to China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Origin: India
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Tree bark
General Information:
It is one of several species of Cinnamomum used primarily for their aromatic bark, which is used as a spice Cinnamomum cassia is the most common type of cinnamon used. The product of this tree is usually regarded as a substitute for that of the Cinnamomum zaylanicum of Ceylon, which it closely resembles.
The cultivated trees are kept as coppices, and numerous shoots, spring from the roots Their appearance when the flame-colored leaves and delicate blossoms first appear is very beautiful. The fruit is about the size of a small olive. The leaves are evergreen, oval, oblong blades from 5 to 9 inches long. The trees are at their greatest perfection at the age of ten to twelve years, but they continue to spread and send up new shoots. The bark may be easily distinguished from that of cinnamon, as it is thicker, coarser, darker, and duller, the flavor being more pungent, less sweet, and delicate, and slightly bitter.
Cassia has a stronger aroma than cinnamon, is cheaper in price, and is sometimes referred to as “poor man’s cinnamon. Cassia bark both powdered and in whole, or stick form is used as a flavoring agent for confectionery desserts, pastries, and meat, it is specified in many curry recipes, where Ceylon common is less suitable. Ceylon cinnamon sticks have many thin layers and can easily be made into powder using a coffee or spice grinder, whereas cassia sticks are extremely hard and are usually made up of one thick layer.
Dosage
The effective dose is typically 1–6 g, or around 0.5–2 tsp. of cinnamon per day.
How to use:
As a spice
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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