Health Benefits of Cinnamon


Cinnamon has been used as a spice for many foods and drinks throughout the ages. Scientists studying the health benefits of cinnamon have found it helps your body fight off disease. Cinnamon offers nutritional benefits and preventative health advantages. Only a small amount of cinnamon is needed daily to realize the health benefits of this wonder spice.

Reduction of Cancer Cells

The United States Department of Agriculture conducted a study that found a small amount of daily cinnamon with breakfast reduces the number of cancer cells in leukemia and lymphoma patients. The cinnamon doesn't cure these cancers but it does help control their proliferation.

Diabetes

The Journal of American College of Nutrition did a study of obese and diabetic volunteers. The participants received liquid cinnamon extract daily for 12 weeks. Cinnamon extract reduces the risk factors for diabetes and improves cardiovascular health. Take 1 tsp. of cinnamon liquid extract daily to receive health benefits for diabetes prevention and improved cardiovascular health.

Brain Activity

Chewing a stick of cinnamon gum can increase your ability to perform tasks and improve short-term memory. A study at the Wheeling Jesuit University found that people who chewed cinnamon gum while working on specific tasks had increased brain activity and better cognitive functioning. Chew cinnamon gum while you're working to improve your ability to meet work goals and complete your tasks.

Fiber

Ground cinnamon contains 16 percent of the USDA recommended allowance of daily fiber. Simply add a tablespoon of ground cinnamon to a bowl of oatmeal or stir into a cup of coffee to increase your daily fiber intake.

Iron

Your body needs iron to build red blood cells and to function properly. A tablespoon of ground cinnamon offers 4 percent of the USDA recommended allowance of daily iron.

Calcium

Calcium promotes bone density. A tablespoon of ground cinnamon has 8 percent of the USDA recommended allowance of daily calcium.