Health Properties of Cinnamon

There are many health properties of cinnamon. More are discovered every day. Since ancient Egypt, healers have used this simple spice to treat many conditions. Today, scientists are discovering the truth behind these ancient practices and embracing the potential health properties of cinnamon.

Cinnamon offers many health benefits.

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of the Cassia tree. These trees grow throughout Asia and two different species of trees yield the aromatic, reddish-brown spice called cinnamon. The two types of cinnamon are used interchangeably in cooking and baking.

Since ancient times, herbalists recommended cinnamon as an antimicrobial agent, to treat exhaustion and tiredness, for stomach upsets, colds and other upper respiratory ailments. Some of these claims are now being explored by scientists.

New research into the health properties of cinnamon provides hope for diabetics. Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture conducted a study on the benefits of cinnamon using the pill form of the spice in various doses. Four groups received either a placebo or varying amounts of cinnamon. Their blood glucose levels were monitored. The net result was that cinnamon appeared to lower blood glucose levels regardless of the dose, so a little went a long way.

Other studies also point to cinnamon as a promising agent to reduce blood glucose levels. This is very important for people who may be diagnosed with Adult Onset or Type II diabetes or insulin resistance, a warning sign of impending diabetes. Cinnamon taken with meals, a healthy diet low in sugar and moderate exercise may prevent development of full blown diabetes or delay its onset for many years.

Another benefit of cinnamon appears to be a reduction in LDL cholesterol, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol in the lipid profile. A study published in Diabetes Care, a medical journal, indicated that LDL cholesterol levels were reduced to 7 percent from 27 percent. Total cholesterol levels appeared to decrease as well. Other herbs useful in reducing blood cholesterol include garlic. Odorless garlic tablets provide a convenient dose of garlic without the telltale garlic breath.

Cinnamon may also pack a powerful punch against microbes. Research at Kansas State University demonstrate that cinnamon fights E.coli bacteria. The study examined cinnamon used in unpasteurized apple juice. When used alone or in combination with typical food preservatives, cinnamon knocked the amount of E.coli bacteria in the apple juice to almost undetectable levels. Another study conducted in Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, demonstrated similar effects against other strains of bacteria.

Among herbal remedies, cinnamon is very safe to use. Keep the dose low and follow recommendations from your health care provider. Even cinnamon found in the spice section of the grocery store can be used as an herbal remedy. Use half a teaspoon or less and take it with meals to avoid an upset stomach. You can mix cinnamon into oatmeal or yogurt, sprinkle it on fruit, or even stir it into coffee. It tastes like a gourmet treat and you may be helping your cholesterol too.

Cinnamon has few known side effects. The most troublesome appears to be an upset stomach. If this happens, discontinue use or reduce the dose. Taking cinnamon with meals appears to mitigate this effect.

Cinnamon is relatively inexpensive, safe enough that it's used all the time as a food additive, and readily available. Best of all, scientific experiments are now proving that it may benefit health, especially in reducing blood glucose levels, reducing cholesterol, and killing dangerous bacteria. With benefits like this, cinnamon deserves a place of honor in both the kitchen and the herbal medicine chest.

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