Reasons to Eat More Cinnamon

The fragrant and delicious smell of cinnamon elicits memories of childhood and holiday cookie baking. But for reasons other than its connection with childhood or holiday baking, cinnamon has made recent news. Cinnamon is being touted as a super spice. It appears that cinnamon has a powerful effect on health. Learn why it makes health sense to add more cinnamon to your diet--particularly if you have type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon Lowers Glucose and Cholesterol Levels

Recent research proves that cinnamon can benefit people with type 2 diabetes. A study published in Diabetic Care magazine reveals that as little as one-half teaspoon of cinnamon per day lowers fasting glucose levels as much as 29 percent, lowers triglyceride levels by as much as 30 percent, lowers LDL levels by as much as 27 percent, and lowers total cholesterol levels by as much as 26 percent. Even as little as one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon daily proves beneficial for health.

Cinnamon Inhibits Bacterial and Fungi Growth

But not only does cinnamon affect glucose and cholesterol levels, but it also appears that cinnamon's essential oils are antibacterial--able to thwart bacterial and fungi growth. As little as a few drops of cinnamon oil may inhibit bacterial growth for several months. Because of this, cinnamon proves valuable as a means of preventing food spoilage and as a natural and healthful preservative.

Cinnamon Stimulates Cognition and Memory

And not only does cinnamon prove able to inhibit bacterial growth, but cinnamon also proves able to enhance cognition and boost brain function and memory--simply by smelling the spice. Imagine the potential of cinnamon. It can stimulate memory, enhance cognition, and prevent cognitive decline!

Cinnamon is Easy to Add to Your Diet

Adding more cinnamon to your diet isn't all that challenging. You can sprinkle cinnamon on hot beverages, add cinnamon to smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, cut apples, or you can always top your toast with a dash of cinnamon and a sweetener. Mexican bean dishes, Middle Eastern lamb dishes, and Indian curries are often enhanced by the addition of cinnamon.

As a super spice, cinnamon appears to have many health benefits. It lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels, lowers blood glucose levels, inhibits bacterial growth and benefits cognition and memory. Once you come to appreciate the health benefits of cinnamon, you'll be even more eager to consume this delicious spice on a regular basis.

Source:
Khan, A, et al. Diabetes Care 26:3215-3218, 2003
http://care.diabetesjournals.org