20 Benefits of Cinnamon Spice

Cinnamon is a sweet spice used in food. Cinnamon is made from the bark of various types of cinnamon trees. The taste of cinnamon is sweet and spicy. Cinnamon has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Along with grandmother’s remedies for sore throats, stomach aches, insulin resistance, and more, cinnamon has proven properties in both Western, Eastern, and folk medicine.

The cinnamon spice we have come to love has a variety of health benefits that have been studied. The benefits of cinnamon are varied. In this article, we will review its benefits and how it is medically beneficial to our health. This is also based on scientific findings.

Cinnamon spice is extracted from the inner bark of a cinnamon tree. The nutritional values of cinnamon are indicative of its nutritive properties. It has a sweet taste with a subtle spiciness. There are several types of cinnamon, including Ceylon cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon (also known as Cassia), and Saigon or Indonesian cinnamon. 

20 Benefits of Cinnamon

  1. Cinnamon is used to help fight off cancer cells in a holistic way
  2. This spice helps lower blood sugar levels and is beneficial against diabetics
  3. Cinnamon has antibacterial capabilities, i.e., it has antibacterial qualities
  4. It has been found to help treat viruses such as the flu and its accompanying symptoms, such as a sore throat
  5. Cinnamon helps reduce the spread of cancer
  6. It helps improve the body’s ability to fight off diseases by strengthening the immune system
  7. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory abilities
  8. Cinnamon has been found to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
  9. It helps maintain hormonal balance and also helps with women’s fertility issues
  10. Aids as a treatment for bad breath, especially cinnamon oil
  11. It has been found to help reduce “bad cholesterol”
  12. Cinnamon helps reduce menstrual cramps
  13. It supports healthy gums and a good oral microbiome
  14. It helps fight bad bacteria and viral infections
  15. Cinnamon can relieve rheumatic pain in the body, especially joint pain
  16. Cinnamon increases feelings of satiety and therefore helps in weight loss
  17. It helps reduce headaches
  18. It improves mental Abilities
  19. Cinnamon helps boost memory
  20. It helps treat stomach problems, including gastric inflammation

It is recommended to consume cinnamon in moderate doses, and it is recommended to use the healthier Ceylon cinnamon, even then, in moderation.  In this way, we can maintain liver health. The coumarin found in cinnamon can be toxic to the liver.  Due to this, experts recommend the consumption of Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon contains a lower concentration of coumarin.

Scientific Findings on the Benefits of Cinnamon

Here is a variety of studies and links to articles about the benefits of cinnamon for human health:

 Jayaprakasha GK, Rao LJ. Chemistry, biogenesis, and biological activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011; 51:547–62 

 Abraham K, Wöhrlin F, Lindtner O, Heinemeyer G, Lampen A. Toxicology and risk assessment of coumarin: Focus on human data. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010; 54:228–39

Jin J, Sklar GE, Min Sen Oh V, Chuen Li S. Factors affecting therapeutic compliance: A review from the patient’s perspective. The Clinical Risk Management. 2008; 4:269–86

Howard ME, White ND. Potential benefits of cinnamon in type 2 diabetes. Am Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2012; 7:23–6

 Rafehi H, Ververis K, Karagiannis TC. Controversies surrounding the clinical potential of cinnamon for the management of diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2012; 14:493

 Mancini-Filho J, Van-Koiij A, Mancini DA, Cozzolino FF, Torres RP. Antioxidant activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Breyne) extracts. Boll Chim Farm. 1998; 137:443–7 

 Muthuswamy S, Rupasinghe HP, Stratton GW. Antimicrobial effect of cinnamon bark extract on Escherichia coli O157: H7, Listeria innocua, and fresh-cut apple slices. Journal of Food Saf. 2008; 28:534–49

 Hili P, Evans CS, Veness RG. Antimicrobial action of essential oils: The effect of dimethylsulphoxide on the activity of cinnamon oil. Lett Appl Microbiol. 1997; 24:269–75