There are numerous potential health benefits of cinnamon powder and these are mostly due to the antioxidants it contains. These antioxidants and other polyphenols can support general health by shielding the human body from various oxidative damage caused by free radicals, say health professionals who have studied this topic. This damage causes a variety of diseases including cancer, which is believed to be primarily triggered by the presence of free radicals in the body. Cinnamon can help prevent these free radicals from wreaking havoc on the body. It can do so by scavenging the oxygen molecules on the outer surface of the cells and killing the peroxides that are responsible for the formation of the free radicals.
Another important health benefit of cinnamon is that it can help lower blood sugar levels. Research has shown that cinnamon helps lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting the entrance of glucose into the cells and stimulating the utilization of fat as an energy source. In other words, the presence of the antioxidants in cinnamon helps reduce the absorption of glucose into the cells and instead, utilizes fat as an energy source. The use of cinnamon as an alternative sweetener is becoming more popular because of its purported ability to help people lose weight. Research on this topic, however, has been largely inconclusive, so experts still caution against relying solely on this food to help control weight.
Oxidative stress is another known cause of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. Studies have indicated that regular consumption of cinnamon can reduce oxidative stress and thus may prevent some of these diseases. Some of the diseases that are believed to be controlled by antioxidants include atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Cinnamon is believed to have antioxidant properties that may work synergistically with these other ingredients to prevent oxidative stress and thus may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Cinnamon has also been shown to act as a natural insulin secretagogue, which means it aids in the process of obtaining energy. Insulin is needed in the process of glucose utilization. Without insulin, glucose cannot be used for energy production or fuel. Because cinnamon helps to stimulate insulin secretion, it can help reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, which then helps in reducing the amount of glucose that is stored as fat in the body. This, in turn, helps to reduce weight and prevent the storage of excess body fat. Therefore, cinnamon helps to increase energy and stamina while simultaneously reducing body fat.
Cinnamon’s antioxidant benefits were originally discovered over twenty years ago. Scientists have performed many studies that indicate the various beneficial effects of cinnamon on human health. For example, the research reviewed in 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who regularly consume cinnamon have lower chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These findings suggest that cinnamon has strong anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. In addition, a research review conducted in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine found that cinnamon can help to manage metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Cinnamon can also help reduce blood sugar levels and plaque buildup in arteries, which are common with diabetes.
Another research review published in the same journal noted that there are antifungal properties of cinnamon. Antifungal properties can explain its benefits to the respiratory tract. The antifungal properties of the aromatic chemicals found in the spice, which are known as carvacrol, explain why cinnamon can help to treat and prevent the infection that causes bronchial tubes to become inflamed and swollen.
One of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, catechins from cassia leaves, can also provide significant health benefits. A powerful anti-inflammatory, catechins have the ability to reduce swelling and pain associated with arthritis. In addition, catechins are reported to increase blood flow and increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood and appetite, so a boost in serotonin levels is likely to improve overall health. Additionally, catechins are reported to be an effective treatment for depression and other psychological conditions.
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon extends to the digestive system as well. The nut of the cinnamon tree has active compounds that have been shown to inhibit the growth of yeast in the body. As a result, people using cinnamon to treat diabetes may reduce the risk of developing infections in their bodies. Although there is currently no scientific evidence that shows cinnamon to have any effect on inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, using cinnamon to treat diabetes has a lot to offer the patient who is struggling with high blood sugar levels.