Spices that Are Good for Your Health: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is obtained by drying bark from the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon is delicious paired with apples, simmered in hot drinks or used in cooking. Before you start adding this delicious spice to your mulled wine this Christmas, you should know that cinnamon has many health benefits. Here are some of the ailments cinnamon can help with.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 1: athlete's foot and ringworm
Cinnamon's anti-fungal properties can help cure fungal infections such as athlete's foot or ringworm. If you suffer from one of these common infections, diluted cinnamon oil rubbed on the affected area may help, provided the infection has not become irritated.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 2: thrush
Cinnamon is an anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal that kills candida, the yeast that causes thrush. Studies have shown that cinnamon used in food preservation has the ability to slow the apparition of dangerous bacteria in certain foods for up to 60 days.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 3: immune system
Cinnamon, especially when combined with honey, makes a good immune system booster as it can fight bacterial and viral infections and protect against various illnesses.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 4: heart disease
Cinnamon's anti-clotting properties stop blood platelets from sticking together, lowering levels of cholesterol in the blood and so making cinnamon spice a good remedy in heart disease prevention.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 5: diabetes
Consuming cinnamon could help control blood sugar levels. the spice is thought to slow down the rise of blood sugar that normally happens after eating food.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 6: boosts brain activity
The sweet smell of cinnamon alone can stimulate the brain. The scent of cinnamon can improve an individual's memory as well as visual-motor speed. If there are students in your household, perhaps investing in a few cinnamon-scented products wouldn't be a bad idea. It would be interesting also to find out if cinnamon-scented candles and perfumes could be used in the prevention of the mental symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 7: colon cancer
Cinnamon contains fiber and calcium which, when combined can help the body get rid of bile salt and prevent damage to colon cells, therefore cinnamon can be used as a preventive measure against colon cancer.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 8: irritable bowel syndrome
The dietary fiber present in cinnamon can relieve IBS sufferers from constipation and diarrhea. This spice can also be used as a relief for stomach discomforts such as flatulence.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 9: colds and flu
Cinnamon has a warming effect on the body and therefore this spice can be used as a relief against a cold or flu, provided the person taking it doesn't already have a high temperature.

Cinnamon health benefit no. 10: arthritis
Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory that can relieve joint pain associated with arthritis.

Cinnamon can be found in the form of rolls (called quills) or powder. As this delicious spice is also thought to help the immune system fight infections and many believe it can prolong longevity, cinnamon really has earned its place in all comfort foods and drinks. There are, however some side-effects associated with taking high doses of cinnamon so it is always best to check with a physician before using cinnamon as a cure for any of the above ailments.