Cinnamon, a spice with potent medicinal properties, helps manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. It also offers protection against fungal and bacterial infections, improves brain function, and boosts immune health. Additionally, cinnamon has supports digestion, and helps prevent certain cognitive disorders.
Cinnamon, which has the scientific name Cinnamomum zeylanicum, originated in tropical Asia and was, particularly used in Sri Lanka and India. Now, the shrub is grown in almost every tropical region of the world. The spice, owing to its vast medicinal uses, has found a prominent position in traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda, which is the traditional Indian medicinal system. It has been used in many cultures for dealing with a variety of health disorders including diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, heavy menstruation, yeast infections, colds, flu, and digestive problems. [1]
Cinnamon is now being used all over the world for conditions including respiratory problems, skin infections, blood impurity, menstrual problems, and various heart disorders. The most important part is its bark, which can be used in various ways.
Cinnamon essential oil is majorly used for aromaatherapy due to its warm and soothing aroma. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
| Serving Size : | |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value |
| Water [g] | 10.58 |
| Energy | 247 |
| Energy [kJ] | 1035 |
| Protein [g] | 3.99 |
| Total lipid (fat) [g] | 1.24 |
| Ash [g] | 3.6 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference [g] | 80.59 |
| Fiber, total dietary [g] | 53.1 |
| Sugars, total including NLEA [g] | 2.17 |
| Sucrose [g] | 0.02 |
| Glucose (dextrose) [g] | 1.04 |
| Fructose [g] | 1.11 |
| Calcium, Ca [mg] | 1002 |
| Iron, Fe [mg] | 8.32 |
| Magnesium, Mg [mg] | 60 |
| Phosphorus, P [mg] | 64 |
| Potassium, K [mg] | 431 |
| Sodium, Na [mg] | 10 |
| Zinc, Zn [mg] | 1.83 |
| Copper, Cu [mg] | 0.34 |
| Manganese, Mn [mg] | 17.47 |
| Selenium, Se [µg] | 3.1 |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] | 3.8 |
| Thiamin [mg] | 0.02 |
| Riboflavin [mg] | 0.04 |
| Niacin [mg] | 1.33 |
| Pantothenic acid [mg] | 0.36 |
| Vitamin B-6 [mg] | 0.16 |
| Folate, total [µg] | 6 |
| Folate, food [µg] | 6 |
| Folate, DFE [µg] | 6 |
| Choline, total [mg] | 11 |
| Betaine [mg] | 3.9 |
| Vitamin A, RAE [µg] | 15 |
| Carotene, beta [µg] | 112 |
| Carotene, alpha [µg] | 1 |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] | 129 |
| Vitamin A, IU [IU] | 295 |
| Lycopene [µg] | 15 |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] | 222 |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] | 2.32 |
| Tocopherol, gamma [mg] | 10.44 |
| Tocopherol, delta [mg] | 0.26 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] | 31.2 |
| Fatty acids, total saturated [g] | 0.35 |
| 10:0 [g] | 0 |
| 12:0 [g] | 0.01 |
| 14:0 [g] | 0.01 |
| 16:0 [g] | 0.1 |
| 17:0 [g] | 0.14 |
| 18:0 [g] | 0.08 |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] | 0.25 |
| 16:1 [g] | 0 |
| 18:1 [g] | 0.25 |
| 18:1 c [g] | 0.25 |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] | 0.07 |
| 18:2 [g] | 0.04 |
| 18:3 [g] | 0.01 |
| 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) [g] | 0.01 |
| Phytosterols [mg] | 26 |
| Tryptophan [g] | 0.05 |
| Threonine [g] | 0.14 |
| Isoleucine [g] | 0.15 |
| Leucine [g] | 0.25 |
| Lysine [g] | 0.24 |
| Methionine [g] | 0.08 |
| Cystine [g] | 0.06 |
| Phenylalanine [g] | 0.15 |
| Tyrosine [g] | 0.14 |
| Valine [g] | 0.22 |
| Arginine [g] | 0.17 |
| Histidine [g] | 0.12 |
| Alanine [g] | 0.17 |
| Aspartic acid [g] | 0.44 |
| Glutamic acid [g] | 0.37 |
| Glycine [g] | 0.2 |
| Proline [g] | 0.42 |
| Serine [g] | 0.2 |
| Sources include : USDA [2] | |
Uses
In addition to being used as a flavoring agent and spice, cinnamon is even added to chewing gums due to its mouth refreshing effects and the ability to remove bad mouth odor. [3]
Since cinnamon is a coagulant, it prevents bleeding. It also increases the blood flow in the uterus and promotes tissue regeneration. Cinnamon plays a vital role as a spice, but its essential oils and related constituents also play important roles such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antidiabetic.
Cinnamon has also been used as anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, mosquito larvicidal, insecticidal, antimycotic. Moreover, cinnamon is also used as a tooth powder due to its refreshing flavor. This addition to toothpaste is to treat toothaches, prevent gum bleeding, dental problems, and bad breath.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
The health benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-clotting properties. The spice is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron, and calcium, while also having a high content of fiber. Its health benefits include the following:
Boosts Brain Function
It can boost the activity of the brain and makes it a great tonic. It helps to remove nervous tension and memory loss. Research at the Wheeling Jesuit University in the United States proved that the scent of the spice has the ability to boost brain activity. The team of researchers, led by Dr. P. Zoladz, found that people who were given cinnamon improved their scores on cognitive activities such as attention span, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed. [4]
Acts as a Blood Purifier
Cinnamon can also help remove blood impurities. This also makes it a great alternative for dealing with pimples.
Improves Blood Circulation
Cinnamon helps to improve the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood-thinning compound in it. This blood circulation helps to significantly reduce pain and ensures oxygen supply to the cells, which leads to higher metabolic activity.
Relieves Pain
Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory substance, so it helps in removing stiffness of the muscles and joints. It is also recommended for arthritis and is known to help in removing headaches caused by cold.
Cinnamon for Weight Loss
Research suggests that cinnamon may help reduce the effects of a high-fat diet. It may further reduce the risk of cardiovascular damage. [5]
Controls Diabetes
It has the ability to control blood sugar, so diabetics find it very useful because it aids them in using less insulin. According to a report by the American Diabetes Association, including cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes reduces risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. [6]
Treats Infections
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, it is effective for treating external as well as internal infections. It helps in destroying germs in the gallbladder and the bacteria present in staph infections.
Speeds up Healing
It acts as a coagulant and helps stop excess bleeding. Therefore, it facilitates the healing process as well.
Prevents Heart Diseases
It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon provides protection against heart diseases. By including a little of this spice in your food, you can help prevent coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
Removes Bad Breath
Cinnamon is often used in chewing gums, as it is a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath.
Perfume-making
It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in perfume-making.
Aids in Digestion
Cinnamon is added in many ethnic recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. It is very effective against indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and flatulence. Due to its carminative properties, it is very helpful in eliminating excess gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes acidity and reduces the effects of morning sickness. It is, therefore, often referred to as a digestive tonic.
Heals Respiratory Problems
It helps in relieving the symptoms of colds, influenza, sore throat, and congestion.
Eases Menstruation
Cinnamon is effective in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.
Birth control
It also helps in natural birth control. Regular consumption of the spice after childbirth delays menstruation and thus helps to avoid conception.
Promotes Lactation
It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of healthy breast milk.
Acts as Diuretic
Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps in the secretion and discharge of urine. It is also commonly used as an aphrodisiac and is believed to arouse sexual desire in men and women.
Benefits of Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is obtained from the bark and leaves of its trees. This oil does have various applications in aromatherapy; however, it is not as popular as other essential oils such as pine essential oil, basil essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and lavender essential oil.
The benefits of cinnamon oil include the following:
Flavor in Cooking
Some people add cinnamon oil to their culinary preparations. The oil obtained from cinnamon leaves contains a compound named cinnamaldehyde, which is an excellent flavoring agent.
Room Freshener
The pleasant aroma of cinnamon oil makes it very effective as a room freshener. It is often added to potpourris.
Effective Mosquito Killer
Cinnamon oil is a great mosquito repellent. Research has now proved that it is very effective in killing mosquito larvae. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (a renowned scientific journal) has reported on research conducted at the National Taiwan University. Apart from the leaves of cinnamon, its bark is also a good source of cinnamaldehyde, which is an active mosquito-killing agent. This research has paved the way for finding an environmentally safe solution for solving the global menace and disease-spreading capacity of mosquitoes. [7] [8]
Many companies that produce the oil claim that it is a good antibacterial and antifungal agent, making it very effective in the treatment of infections. Recent research suggests that [9]Cinnamomum cassia oil has the potential to be used as a natural antibacterial agent in the food industry.
It also helps increase blood circulation and acts as a sexual stimulant. Research has also proven that oil obtained from the leaves and twigs of cinnamon can be used for controlling mites that negatively affect honey bees.
Word of Caution: Being strong in nature, cinnamon oil should be avoided for internal consumption. Furthermore, it can have adverse effects on the skin if used topically in concentrated form. Therefore, it should be used in diluted form. Before using the oil, it should be tested to make sure it suits your skin. You should apply only a small quantity of the oil initially and check if you develop an allergic reaction. Do not apply the oil to the face and other sensitive areas.
Blending: This oil blends well with various essential oils, so it is added to many aromatherapy preparations. It enhances the effectiveness of other herbs and essential oils, thus speeding up the effect of various herbal remedies. Furthermore, many herbs can have an unpleasant taste. Cinnamon or its oil is often added to herbal preparations to make them taste better. The oil blends well with other essential oils such as lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil, and cardamom essential oil.
