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Cinnamon: Pantry Staple — And Medical Powerhouse?

  • August 25, 2017

Who doesn’t love the aroma of cinnamon? Whether it’s used as a scent for holidays or wafting from the oven as you bake a cinnamon-based dish, this age-old spice has a way of brightening your day. Now, CNN Health reports that scientists are taking a serious look at cinnamon’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties — research that’s beginning to show particular promise for people with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers added that, of the two versions of cinnamon, Ceylon might be the better choice when it comes to controlling your blood sugar.

That cinnamon has some significant health benefits would be no surprise to ancient civilizations, which used it as far back as 2800 B.C. for its culinary, medicinal and preservative powers. Rich in essential oil, cinnamon contains active components, which account for some of its many therapeutic benefits — and early Europeans treasured the spice so much that they paid 15 times more for it than silver.

In addition to the latest study, earlier research has proven that cinnamon is loaded with nutrients including high amounts of calcium, fiber and manganese. In medieval times, doctors used cinnamon to treat ailments such as coughs, sore throat and arthritis. Now we know that both regular cinnamon and cinnamon bark oil also can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, can alleviate inflammation, possibly enhance cognitive function and brain health — another area that today’s researchers are looking at — and even help keep cancer at bay.

While cinnamon is often associated with sugar-filled sweet treats, you can add it to healthy dishes too, like raw grass fed yogurt and kefir. Cinnamon works well added to savory dishes, too, including curry and vegetable side dishes and, of course, tea. For a quick anytime treat, try combining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with about 4 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds and a sliced banana or green apple.