Cinnamon is a common ingredient in many kitchens. It looks like a tiny piece of bark that has a woody aroma and has a pungent taste. Cinnamon is known for its culinary benefits and is a favourite among food lovers. From creating a string savoury base for your Biryani’s to spicing up your desserts, Cinnamon is indispensable to great cooking. Cinnamon Sticks also offer numerous advantages to our body. From aiding in digestion to treating infections, the list is endless! In this article, we shall learn about some of the key health benefits of Cinnamon (dalchini benefits) in detail.
What Is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is nothing but the upper bark of the Cinnamomum tree species. It is an aromatic agent with a spicy taste and is used as a condiment in many cuisines. The history of Cinnamon dates back to 2800 B.C. in ancient Chinese culture. It is also commonly used as a flavouring agent in many snacks, cereals and even coffee. The use of Cinnamon bark for its medical values has been in existence since many centuries as a popular home remedy.
Types Of Cinnamon:
Although there are more than hundred types of Cinnamon, only four types varieties are considered suitable for commercial sale. Listed below are their commonly known names:
- Ceylon Cinnamon.
- Indonesian Cinnamon.
- Vietnamese Cinnamon.
- Cassia Cinnamon.
Is Cinnamon Good For Health?
Cinnamon spice offers a plethora of health benefits to our body. It is also considered to be one of the most beneficial ingredients in the world of spices and condiments. Cinnamon is often used to lower the blood sugar levels, along with preventing heart diseases. This spice is also wonderful in keeping away common infections such as cold and cough!
Cinnamon Nutrition Facts:
Here is the breakup of the nutritional value of 100 gms of Cinnamon:
- Total Calories: 247
- Total Fat: 1.2 gm
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Potassium: 431 mg
- Carbohydrates: 81 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 53 gm
- Sugar: 2.2 gm
- Vitamin B6: 10 %
- Calcium: 100 %
- Iron: 46 %
- Magnesium: 15 %
How Much Cinnamon Should I Take Daily?
Although Cinnamon is a healthy spice, one must pay heed to the serving limit. Expert recommends a safe Cinnamon dosage of up to 2 gms of Cassia Cinnamon and 5 gms of Ceylon Cinnamon per day. Taking in large amounts of Cinnamon can lead to many health complications.
Evidence-Based Health Benefits Of Cinnamon:
Cinnamon, which has been used for ages in the kitchen for cooking and its taste, is more than just an ingredient. Read this article to know the amazing benefits of cinnamon for skin, hair and health.
1. Aids In Weight Loss:
Eating food with a slight pinch of cinnamon powder can help you to lose weight. Cinnamon reduces the desire to eat something, so you will eat less and thus will have a hold over your calorie intake. This eventually leads to weight loss. This spice manages blood sugar levels and improves circulation and thins the blood, which results in fewer sugar cravings. Cinnamon breakdown of carbohydrates, improve the digestion and assimilation of food within the body. You can add a small amount of cinnamon powder to your meal or can sprinkle it on your salad or other foods. Or you can even sip cinnamon tea with honey every morning before breakfast.
2. Freshens Your Breath:
Cinnamon is one natural solution for most of us who suffer from bad breath. Its fresh and fragrant aroma is used to fight bad breath. Whenever you need to refresh your mouth you can chew a small piece of cinnamon bark. Or you can gargle with slightly warm water, that has been boiled with cinnamon. This is one of the main advantages of Cinnamon to your body.
3. Prevent Cancer:
It has been found that the cinnamon extract works as a powerful agent against lymphomas and leukaemia. It acts by blocking the route of certain elements that are important for the restoration of the cell and it slowly reduces the further multiplication of cancerous cells. The cinnamon extract stops the growth of affected cells by keeping the sugar levels under control. This is one of the best Cinnamon medicinal uses.
4. Promotes Better Digestion:
The benefits of Cinnamon tea to the stomach are numerous. Cinnamon is packed with fibre, manganese and calcium. The fibre and calcium get combined with bile salts and help them to move outside the body. The fibre present in cinnamon helps to ease constipation and diarrhoea. Its essential oil improves digestion and helps to control the action of gastric juices on food. And their anti-inflammatory property helps to cut the inflammation originated due to indigestion, ill-tempered Bowel Syndrome and ulcers.
See More: Cinnamon Powder Uses
5. Relieves Arthritic Pain:
Cinnamon is a compound found in cinnamon, with very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides natural heating up a mechanism that gives relief to hurting joints. Cinnamon reduces cytokines linked to arthritic pain and helps to heal the fractured bones. Its warming effect improves circulation and helps people to get relief from arthritic symptoms. Crush cinnamon into a smooth paste with a little amount of water and apply it on the painful joints. Place a soft muslin cloth on the top of the paste to keep it wet for a longer time. This home remedy is very useful to reduce pains linked to arthritis.
6. Keep Diabetes Under Check:
According to a study, cinnamon is a highly efficient solution for diabetes patients. Intake of cinnamon up to 6 grams per day can reduce LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, serum glucose, and total cholesterol. The addition of cinnamon in the diet of the diabetes people may decrease risks related to diabetes diseases. The cinnamon extract can lower the fasting blood sugar levels in patients. The spice has the capability of improving one’s lipid levels and glucose levels. It also trims down the total serum glucose and the total cholesterol by stimulating the enzyme systems that control carbohydrate metabolism.
Cinnamon tea is one easy way to beat diabetes. To make this tea, just boil a few sticks of cinnamon in water for around 15-20 minutes, until the water turns brown in colour. Filter the hot liquid and drink. To add some more flavour you can also add a few leaves of peppermint or basil while boiling and to add sweetness mix a spoon of honey. Keep drinking this tea every morning and evening.
7. Reduces Cholesterol:
In a research study performed on a group of diabetic patients over 40 days have proved that consuming one-quarter of teaspoon cinnamon each day can reduce the cholesterol levels, triglycerides concentrations and LDL cholesterol levels without affecting the HDL cholesterol. Apart from improving glucose levels, it reduces LDL cholesterol also known as the harmful cholesterol. By reducing LDL cholesterol it lowers the possibility of cardiovascular disease.
8. Fights Cold and Cough:
cinnamon is a great home remedy against cold and cough. They are well known for their body warming and antibiotic properties. It helps to provide relief from the congestion that most of us have experienced when we get caught by cold and cough. It is also beneficial for a sore throat.
Here are some home remedies to cure cough and cold. Boil two cups of water and add a tiny crushed piece of ginger with few leaves of Tulsi and crushed black pepper. Cover the vessel and let it boil at low heat for about ten minutes then add honey and strain the liquid and drink it warm. This solution will soothe a sore throat and will also clean up the jammed nasal passage. Cinnamon is used all over East Asia and Europe as a warming herb which helps them in keeping their body warm during cold weather.
9. Prevents Tooth Decay:
Among the many health benefits of Dalchini, prevention of tooth decay is worth a mention. The reason is very simple; cinnamon is good for the teeth and gum. Cinnamon is even a common ingredient in lots of chewing gums and mouth-fresheners. It has antibacterial properties that protect the tooth for decaying and gums from damage and also helps to prevent gingivitis. For toothache and gingivitis, chew up a tiny piece of cinnamon and you will get some quick relief.
See More: Cinnamon Oil Benefits
10. Lowers Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease:
Researchers have discovered that cinnamon can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The extract found from the barks of cinnamon called CEppt. It prevents tau aggregation. Tau is a form of protein that is responsible for passing on the impulses of the brain. CEppt have properties that look after the brain from the Alzheimer’s and can also help in slowing down the development of the disease. When the extract of cinnamon is given on a daily basis to an Alzheimer’s patients, it improves their stamina and longevity. Try to have a teaspoon of freshly powdered cinnamon mixed with a little amount of honey on an empty stomach; this will help to protect you from this disease.
11. Alleviates Stomach Problems:
If you are suffering from stomach disorders, Cinnamon can be an effective home remedy. This spice is known to reduce problems like cramping, bloating and gas. It also neutralizes the acid levels in your stomach which lead to these symptoms. You can take around 1tbsp of Cinnamon powder with some lukewarm water for instant results. This is one of the best Dalchini benefits to the body.
12. Menstrual Aid:
Cinnamon has been used by women for centuries to reduce the pain. Whether it is due to heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, or due to childbirth or miscarriage, it gives relief from every pain. It also helps in regulating your period cycle, along with preventing the symptoms of PMS.
13. Boosts Blood Circulation:
Cinnamon water benefits in naturally warming of the body, which increases circulation and blood flow all over the body. This helps to ease the pain in the troubled areas and also supply oxygen to the blood cells. This, in turn, can keep your heart healthy along with relaxing your blood vessels. Cinnamon is also recommended for sportspersons to recover from injuries and muscle inflammation.
14. Food Preservative:
Since cinnamon repels pests and kills bacteria, it acts as a food preservative. This is the reason why cinnamon is widely used in hot Asian countries like Sri Lanka and India. It is a local solution to conserve food without a refrigerator. Adding a pinch of Cinnamon in a dish can prevent that dish from getting rotten. Sprinkle a little cinnamon powder to recipes you want to preserve for a little longer in your fridge. Due to this beneficial effect of cinnamon, its oil is used as a preservative by many food production companies.
15. Complexion Enhancer:
Cinnamon’s are very effective in enhancing the complexion. It’s anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antioxidant qualities are helpful in curing acne and removing skin blemishes. Add a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon in 3 tablespoons of honey and apply it to the skin. Leave this mixture sits for a half n hour to an hour then wash it with warm water. Apply this mixture once in every second day and after a few weeks, you will get a spotless even complexion.
See More: Cinnamon Tea Benefits
16. Helps Beat Acne:
The essential oil of cinnamon has strong anti-microbial property. You can use cinnamon as an ingredient to make a pack help you get rid of acne. Here is one easy way to use cinnamon to treat acne. Crush a small piece of cinnamon then add a little bit of honey and mix them to make a paste. Apply this on the pimple. You can leave it on for a few hours or for overnight for extra benefit. Clean off the paste using warm water. This cinnamon and honey paste is an effective solution for pimples.
See More: Cinnamon Face Masks
17. Cinnamon Benefits For Fungal Infections:
Cinnamon’s have an antimicrobial property that makes it useful to treat ringworm, Candida, foot infections, and so on. They are capable of fighting against fungal and bacterial infections. You can use cinnamon tea for internal infections or you can use its essential oils externally. But be careful when using externally as cinnamon can cause irritation in sensitive areas. To treat foot infections one can dilute a few drops of cinnamon oil in coconut oil and apply it.
18. Cinnamon Benefits For Hair:
Cinnamon’s are not only good for skin but they also work great on hairs. You can use cinnamon in a hair mask to get strong, shiny and soft hairs. Mix cinnamon powder with egg in a small bowl then add honey and extra virgin olive oil and blend them together. Apply this hair pack and leave it for 15 minutes, and wash thoroughly with shampoo. Adding a small amount of cinnamon powder and honey into your daily conditioner can create a huge difference to your hair.
19. Boosts Brain Power:
Our memory and sense of smell are attached closely. Maybe this why when we smell cinnamon stick, our mood becomes better and the brain gets boosted. A simple whiff of cinnamon can improve alertness, memory and mood. It was observed that just by smelling cinnamon our cognitive function and memory gets boosted. Keep a cinnamon stick with you and take a whiff whenever you feel low. This will help you to stay focused at work. Or, you can even add a few cinnamon sticks or pinches of cinnamon powder to your morning tea or coffee or cereal to keep yourself focused and alert throughout the day. Some can also use cinnamon essential oil to have the same stimulating effect on memory.
20. Neutralises Odour:
Pure cinnamon sticks and Leaf oil smells great. We can use them as an effective odour neutralizer to kill bacteria that produce bad odours. Just add 2-5 drops of Cinnamon leaf oil in water and use it as a spray and within minutes the bad odours will get neutralized. This is much better than chemical sprays as they are natural and can be made easily at home.
See More: Cinnamon For Weight Loss
21. Mood Enhancer:
Cinnamon’s are recognized as an aphrodisiac and has the ability to improve mood. It has been found that human beings get drawn to the scent of cinnamon, and it can put them in a refreshing and romantic mood! Maybe that is why cinnamon flavoured aromatic candles are found in most shops.
22. Soften and Soothe Dry Skin:
Cinnamon powder benefits our skin in a number of ways. Cinnamon is used in various exfoliating products in both extract and powder form. Their anti-oxidant components are known to be very effective in removing dead skin and provide a soothing effect on the skin. A homemade scrub can be used for such an application. Just mix cinnamon powder with almond oil, honey or olive oil. It also makes a very good foot scrub.
23. Cinnamon Benefits For E-Coli Fighter:
E-coli is the bacteria found in the environment, intestines of living beings and foods. This bacterium causes various life-threatening diseases. A research by American scientists has proved cinnamon to be the best e-coil fighter. It is said, just make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon oil, and spray your cutting boards with it after cutting meats. It can also stop bacteria formation in apple, pear and melon juices and various broths.
24. Insect Repellent:
Cinnamon oil is also used in various mosquito repellents. Its anti-microbial properties help to ward off bed bugs, lice, black ants and cockroaches. It also kills the mosquito larvae. You can use Cinnamon oil in your diffuser to keep your house away from insects and unwanted pests. It can also refresh your house.
25. Cures Depression:
There is some kind of gut bacteria which leads us to depression. Cinnamon is helpful in curing this depression. Again, its anti-microbial properties help by killing that bacteria and acting as a natural anti-depressant. It is also very effective in curing winter blues and mood swings.This is why Cinnamon is highly recommended for those who deal with psychological issues.
26. Fights Against HIV Virus:
The most incurable virus is HIV and using cinnamon powder as a remedy will help to fight against HIV infections. Cinnamon has been extracted from cassia varieties which help to fight against HIV and some laboratory studies had proved this. Cinnamon used in cancer treatment will stop the splits of cancer cells, thus giving the relief from the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For the starters, cinnamon has been shown to enhance motivation and performance.
See More: How To Make Cinnamon Oil
27. Cures Impotence:
It is a man’s inability to keep its erection intact during sex. It causes many problems in marital life. A mixture of cinnamon with ginger and honey warms up the blood. It triggers proper blood circulation in the whole body. It affects the blood circulation in the penis too, which thus helps in maintaining the erection.
28. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
In ancient days, parents began to use cinnamon as a supplementary treatment for their children with ADHD or ADHD like symptoms. It is also implemented in aromatherapy. Cinnamon benefits for hair: the cinnamon with a honey mask will help to stimulate the scalp and improves the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles. It gives nourished hair growth. It can be used as traditional medicine and aromatherapy for centuries.
29. Delays Risks Of Parkinson’s Disease:
It is a neurological condition that is incurable at present. Thus it is generally treated by symptom management. This is boosted by additional intake of cinnamon in daily food. Cinnamon helps the neurons and also improves motor functions in people suffering from Parkinson’s. Using cinnamon reverses the cellular, biochemical and anatomic changes in the brain.
30. Prevents Heart Disease:
Cinnamon’s has been used to reduce the risk of heart disease, the world’s common cause of premature death. It reduces the total cholesterol level and drastically reduces the risks of heart disease. Many people get affected by this chronicle disease and eating cinnamon will prevent the people from that. Cinnamon has numerous benefits for multiple diseases and it can be used as a better efficient medicine for all kind of chronicle illness. Cinnamon benefits controlling diabetes and brainpower improvement acts as an anti-agent for fungal infections and also helps to reduce your weight frequently without any heavy exercise.
31. Helpful In Massage Therapy:
Cinnamon is a well-known warming agent and will help to body relaxation. Combined with a carrier oil, it can be widely used for muscle pain relaxation. Using a few drops of cinnamon oil while bathing will help you get relieved from stress and tired. It also helps to cure muscle pain. Health benefits of cinnamon favour both arthritis and cholesterol, and may be used as an anti-ageing for skin infections. It will give pleasant mind relaxation and free from indigestion.
See More: How To Use Cinnamon For Diabetes
32. Cinnamon Benefits To Insect Repellent:
Cinnamon leaf oil has the property of anti-microbial qualities, and it can be used for treating the head lice, black ants control, and roaches control. It’s well-known defence equipment against mosquitoes. In some studies, it was found that cinnamon will help in not only killing the mosquitoes larvae but also acts as a bug repellent.
33. Culinary Benefits:
Cinnamon can be used to get its health benefit in some dishes. Consider many curries and savoury Moroccan dishes that include cinnamon. The beauty of using Ceylon Cinnamon in sweet recipes is that the aroma, especially when used in baked goods will be very sophisticated like a fine perfume, but to smell or taste would not think much of it. The magic of Ceylon Cinnamon is hidden within. Cassia Cinnamon, in contrast, overpowers everything.
34. Reduces Bladder Infections:
Urinary infections (UTI) can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, the bladder, kidneys; as the urethra will affect both children’s and adults. Some causes of UTI are diabetes, menopause, birth control devices, kidney stones, pregnancy, and bowel incontinence. The better home remedy for UTI is to take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and a teaspoon of honey with a cup of lukewarm water. It will definitely destroy the germs in the bladder. Taking 1 to 4 grams of cinnamon bark and 2 grams of cinnamon oil is the recommended dosage for UTI.
35. Improves Longevity:
Cinnamon powder made with the tea when taken regularly will arrest ravages of old age. Take a four spoon of honey with cinnamon powder and boil to make a tea. Taking it four times a day will help you to keep your skin fresh and soft, arresting an old age. It will increase your lifespan to even 100 more years.
36. Protects From Liver Disease:
The human liver normally contains some fat, but when more than 10% of your liver weight is fat, you have the serious health complications that include inflammation and liver failure. Cinnamon is an excellent medicine for the liver damage it helps to prevent the fatty liver excessively. Luckily, cinnamon is the best medicine for all above-mentioned diseases.
Cinnamon Side Effects:
Cinnamon can be life-threating when taken in large amounts. Although it is packed with many health benefits, there are dangerous side effects of consuming it in excess:
- Damages Liver.
- Causes Oral Sores.
- May Lower Blood Sugar.
- Breathlessness.
- Can Interact With Certain Medications.
Read More: Cinnamon Disadvantages
Now that you have understood the numerous health benefits of Cinnamon, it’s time to start including it in your diet! Cinnamon is a delicious spice which can enhance the flavour of even the simplest dishes. Besides eating it as a whole stick, you can also consume it in the form of tea or seasoning to enjoy its incredibly good taste. Although eating too much of Cinnamon can give you side effects, it definitely is a must-eat food in your daily diet!
