Like many spices, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) presents loads of potential well being advantages. It comprises highly effective plant compounds generally known as polyphenols. “Polyphenols act as antioxidants,” says Stacey Simon, RDN, the proprietor of Stacey Simon Nutrition, a digital diet counseling observe in New York Metropolis. “Antioxidants assist to scale back power irritation and may additionally play a job in lowering the danger of power illness, together with coronary heart illness.”
A past study found that cinnamon has increased antioxidant properties than different frequent spices utilized in desserts, together with mint, ginger, and licorice.
What’s extra, cinnamon might decrease hypertension and high blood sugar in folks with kind 2 diabetes, in accordance with a review of studies conducted mostly in animals. Analysis in people would shed extra mild on the connection.
It’s essential to notice that, because the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states, research accomplished in folks don’t clearly assist utilizing cinnamon for any well being situation, “so I wouldn’t advocate taking cinnamon dietary supplements or drugs until directed by your physician,” Simon says. For those who’re on a medicine for an present well being situation, having this dialog along with your healthcare staff is essential to keep away from potential drug interactions.
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It’s a lot safer (and tastier!) to include cinnamon into your meals and snacks. “A nutritious diet filled with a wide range of herbs and spices does have advantages for our well being and well-being, so together with cinnamon in your meal preparation is a pleasant method to enhance the doable dietary advantages,” Simon says.
Every of the next wholesome recipes lists cinnamon as considered one of its elements.