Cinnamon is the dried bark of a tropical evergreen tree. It is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. Its bark contains cinnamanic aldehyde, eugenol, and tannis .It is antibacterial, carminative, stimulates appetite and is used in gastrointestinal complaints. However many people do not know the wonderful health benefits it has. Let’s now check them out and incorporate it into our daily food habits to enjoy health benefits.
Keeps check on diabetes: Cinnamon improves one ’s glucose levels and lipid levels by activating his insulin receptors. It also reduces the total serum, glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
Tip – Cinnamon tea is the most effective method to beat diabetes. Boil cinnamon in water for 15 minutes. Add few tulsi leaves for flavor and honey for sweetness. Strain and drink.
Helps in delaying Alzheimer: Extracts of cinnamon, when consumed on a daily basis slows down the progression of the disease Alzheimer. Cinnamon is a type of protein that aggregates around that part of the nerves that is responsible for transmitting impulses of the brain.
Tip – Have a teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon with a little bit of honey every day on an empty stomach. If u find this mixture too spicy, have it as a tea.
Relieves arthritic pain: Cinnamon has very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They make it a great home remedy for arthritic pain. It relieves aching joints because of its natural heating mechanism.
Tip – Grind cinnamon and make it a paste with water. Apply on the aching joints and place a soft muslin cloth on the paste to keep it wet for a longer.
Protects from cancer: A study done by the USDA (United States Agricultural Department) founded that cinnamon extract blocked the path of certain components that were important for the generation of the cell, restrained further multiplication of cancerous cells and slowly reduced their spread. The extract only subdued the growth of unhealthy cells untouched unlike conventional therapies like chemotherapy, etc.
Tip – Sprinkle cinnamon on any food you eat or consume with honey.
Fights tooth decay: Cinnamon not only beats tooth decay but also prevent gingivitis and bad breath because of its antibacterial properties.
Tip – Gargle with cinnamon boiled water for bad breath and chew a small piece of cinnamon, to get relief from a toothache and gingivitis.
Great for a heart: Packed with fiber and calcium, cinnamon translates to lower cholesterol levels which protect the heart from blockages and the arteries from atherosclerosis.
Tip – Have a teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day on an empty stomach with honey or warm water.
Relieves cold and cough: Cinnamon is an effectual remedy against a cold and cough. It is great for relieving cold oriented congestion and sore throat when combined with ginger.
Tip – Boil a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, a few tulsi leaves, some crushed pieces of ginger, crushed black pepper in two cups of water. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink to clean up blocked nasal passage and sinuses.
Helps beat acne: Pimples often arise from an infection within the pores of the skin. Combination of cinnamon and honey is an effective remedy.
Tip – Crush a little cinnamon and add a bit of honey to make a paste. Apply it on pimples and leave for few minutes. You can leave it on overnight for better results. Wash off with warm water and watch that pimples disappear.
Helps in weight loss: Cinnamon regulates the breakdown of carbohydrates and production of insulin. It improves digestion and assimilates food within the body helping in losing weight.
Tip – Drink cinnamon tea half an hour before breakfast. Add cinnamon powder to your meal by sprinkling on fruits, salads, coffee or other foods.
Helps in digestion: Cinnamon is rich in fiber, manganese, calcium and essential oils.It improves digestion and reduces inflammation caused due to indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and ulcers. The fiber content helps to relieve constipation and diarrhea.
Tip – Have cinnamon tea infused with mint leaves about two to three times a day.
Having these ample benefits cinnamon is a blessing of nature to the humankind. Now it is in our own hand to extract health benefits out of it. Cinnamon has a fragrant perfume and a sweet and aromatic taste. Delicate in flavor , it is used in desserts and biryanis. This spice is used in Indian curries and forms a part of garam masala. It’s flavor when added to anything, makes that unique.