Sweet and spice and everything nice isn’t all that cinnamon is made from! In fact, the comforting spice made from the inner bark and stems of the cinnamon tree has been used for numerous medicinal benefits for centuries. Cinnamon, scientifically known as cinnamomum, comes in two main varieties:
- Cassia cinnamon: Is the popular version of cinnamon found in most grocery stores.
- Ceylon cinnamon: Is known as “true” cinnamon, and is the sweeter version of the spice found in specialty stores.
- Potent cancer fighter
If you’re looking to add a little sprinkle of something to your morning smoothie, coffee, or oatmeal, start each day with the cancer-fighting benefits of a pinch of cinnamon. This spice is loaded with antioxidants (or polyphenols), which safeguard the body from oxidative damage (which can turn into cancer) caused by free radicals. According to a 2005 study published by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, cinnamon was pronounced the most antioxidant rich spice compared to 26 different spices, including garlic. - Lowers LDL cholesterol
In addition to being yummy in your morning smoothie, cinnamon is also beneficial for your heart. A 2003 body of research published in the Diabetes Care Journal, noted that just a half teaspoon of cinnamon per day has positive effects of blood markers (or blood pressure), maintains HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, which means it protects against the development of both type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which may lead to heart disease. - Fat burner
Have you ever wondered where cinnamon gets its distinctive spicy smell and sweet flavor? It’s all thanks to a specific chemical compound, known as cinnamaldehyde. A 2017 study published by the journal Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental claims that cinnamaldehyde also increases metabolism, which in turn triggers significant fat burning benefits. - Anti-inflammatory
In addition to it’s fat burning capabilities, the trouve of antioxidants within each pinch of cinnamon is a anti-inflammation ally, that helps ward off infection, tissue damage, and helps reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
