11 Amazing Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used in natural home remedies for centuries. It has been used to help control diabetes, kill viruses and infections, and even eliminate cramps. Thanks to modern science, researchers continue to uncover new uses for this amazing spice.

Instead of using your cinnamon for spicing up your coffee or for baking purposes, find out how cinnamon can help your health. Here are 11 amazing health benefits of cinnamon.

Prevent the Cold or Flu

Researchers discovered that consuming cinnamon on a daily basis may help prevent the cold, flu, and other viruses. To ensure you get a good dose of cinnamon each day, sprinkle some cinnamon on pancakes, smoothies, or in your tea. Give your children cinnamon to keep entire family free of the cold or flu this winter.

Treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Symptoms

Another benefit of cinnamon is that it may be able to help treat the symptoms related to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Both of these diseases are neurological conditions that do not have a cure, but certain steps can be taken to help deal with the symptoms.

Studies have found that consuming cinnamon can help improve motor function and increase the health of neurons, which may lessen the severity or slow the progression of these two diseases.

Boost Your Memory

There is evidence that cinnamon may be able to boost your memory. While there have not been any scientific studies involving humans, researchers have examined the memory-boosting benefits of cinnamon in mice. They provided the mice with differing amounts of cinnamon and found that the mice that were provided larger doses did better with object recognition tests.

Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Cinnamon can help to relive the symptoms of menstrual cramps. A study from 2015 examined the benefits of cinnamon on 80 female volunteers. Half of the women were given cinnamon and half were given placebos. The women that consumed cinnamon reported that they experienced less severe cramps, less menstrual bleeding, and also less nausea.

Lower Your Bad Cholesterol

Getting a daily dose of cinnamon may help lower your bad cholesterol. This can also be beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. Studies have found that consuming cinnamon can increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

There is also evidence to suggest that consuming cinnamon regularly can help your body deal with high-fat meals, by slowing the increase of blood sugar levels.

Kill Bacteria and Fungus

Cinnamon has strong antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It can kill fungus and bacteria, which makes it useful for preventing food spoilage. Before refrigeration was developed, ancient civilizations would use cinnamon to help keep food fresh.

While the antifungal and antibacterial properties are useful for keeping food fresh, these same properties are beneficial to your health. These benefits can help treat lung problems, the common cold, and kill other viruses. Consuming cinnamon can help clear mucus and improve circulation.

There is even evidence that these antifungal and antibacterial properties may be able to help prevent the HIV virus from entering other cells within the body.

Control Diabetes

As mentioned, cinnamon can help lower bad cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for people that have type 2 diabetes; though, there is conflicting information and results from studies as to the full benefits of cinnamon for dealing with type 2 diabetes. Despite this conflicting information, cinnamon contains no health risks, it is affordable, and available on grocery store shelves. Simply put, you have nothing to lose by including cinnamon in your diet.

Prevent Colon Cancer

Another health benefit of cinnamon is that it may be able to help prevent colon cancer. In another study performed on mice, researchers discovered that the compound responsible for giving cinnamon its scent and color, cinnamaldehyde, could help protect the body from carcinogens responsible for causing colon cancer.

Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A common thread among many of these benefits is the ability of cinnamon to improve the digestive system. This can help to reduce the symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome. Cinnamon can kill harmful gut bacteria and promote the ability of gastric juices to function properly. If you experience stomach cramps or an upset stomach, try drinking a cup of cinnamon tea every few hours until the symptoms pass.

Osteoporosis Prevention

Cinnamon contains manganese, which is needed to promote healthy bones. People that have a manganese deficiency are more likely to end up developing osteoporosis. According to various anecdotal evidence, the inclusion of manganese may also help people deal with arthritis pain; though, this has not been verified through scientific research.

Kill Odors

Along with all the actual health benefits of consuming cinnamon, it is also used regularly in a variety of natural remedies, including odor neutralizing. Not only does cinnamon contain a naturally pleasant odor, the antibacterial properties of the spice can help kill bacteria that is responsible for bad smells.

Use cinnamon leaf oil, along with water and a diffuser to instantly neutralize odors in a room. You could also dilute some cinnamon leaf oil in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down your counter tops, garbage cans, toilets, and even the inside of your vehicle, to easily remove annoying smells.

Now you have more reasons to keep cinnamon stocked in your cupboards. While a few of the reasons provided are based on research that was performed on mice, there is strong evidence to support that humans could experience these same benefits. Also, keep in mind that these are just a sampling of the health benefits to using cinnamon.

Cinnamon is truly a super spice. It can be used to remove odors, improve your digestion, boost your immune system, provide you with an energy boost, and prevent the common cold or flu from wreaking havoc on your home.

Make sure that you keep a jar of cinnamon handy. You may also want to purchase fresh cinnamon sticks and grate the cinnamon as needed. With fresh cinnamon in your kitchen, you have a powerful ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits.