Cinnamon: Side effects, benefits, properties, virtues and instructions for use

It is very good that you know that such a simple ingredient, which you always have at home, is very good for your health, is not it? This is the case of cinnamon.

The spice extracted from the innermost part of the cinnamon trunk is commonly used to bring a sweet flavor to meals, but not only the cinnamon flavor stands out: we now know that it brings many benefits to our health.

Properties of cinnamon

Combats free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging and weakening of hair.

It is a source of minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium.

It has anti-inflammatory properties and acts in the process of skin inflammation.

It has carminative properties (fights gases in the intestine), anti-ulcers and stomach. Its essential oils dissolve foods better, and stimulate salivation and gastric juices. It also helps fight belching, difficult digestion and acidity, as well as stimulate appetite.

Combats harmful bacteria and fungi. It is also very effective against candidiasis and ulcers.

It has a thermogenic effect, which promotes the increase in body temperature, which facilitates the combustion of fats.

It helps fight the symptoms of the cold.

It is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and also regulate the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

Activates the metabolism, which facilitates the burning of calories.

The consumption of cinnamon

The main difference between cinnamon stick and powder, is that the first has more flavor and aroma. In nutritional terms, they are quite similar.

The recommended daily intake of cinnamon is one teaspoon a day. Cinnamon powder can be added to sweets and desserts, and can be used to prepare tea. Although it is beneficial for health, cinnamon should not be consumed in excess.

What is cinnamon and what does it do?

Cinnamon (cinnamomum zeylacium or verum) is a spice used to flavor many typical dishes of many countries, but generally, people are unaware of its medicinal properties, which the cinnamon tree offers us in the form of bark. Cinnamon is a plant native to Sri Lanka also known as Ceylon. The name is due to the fact that, where it grows massively, it is on the island of Ceylon, an island located in the area of ​​Sri Lanka where there are large numbers of trees that can reach between 10 and 20 meters high, and hence, the enormous quantities extracted from cinnamon.

Cinnamon has been used for over 4000 years in Ayurvedic medicine (India) and traditional Chinese medicine. Once the medicinal properties of this plant were discovered, it was exported to Europe for commercial purposes. Although in the middle ages the price of cinnamon was quite high, nowadays we can find processed cinnamon at a good price to flavor meals and desserts, as well as to flavor certain typical dishes such as rice with milk, which enhance its flavor. It should be noted that cinnamon is also used to make certain cosmetics and toothpastes.

Medicinal properties of cinnamon

Digestive problems - Gases - Swelling

• One of the most important uses of cinnamon is to fight against gastroenteritis and digestive problems in general.
• Fights against irritable colon (colitis).
• It acts as an intestinal anti-inflammatory due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stops gas and flatulence.
• It is highly recommended in people with abdominal distension or frequent colic.
• Eliminates intestinal parasites and detoxifies the body from any pollutant.
• Combats diarrhea and prevents constipation.
• Fights against Helicobacter pylori and Candida albicans (Associate with Garlic and Echinacea).
• In case of indigestion or food poisoning, cinnamon protects the stomach and regulates the digestive system.
• Stomach protector.
• Avoids nausea and vomiting.
• Indicated for people with Crohn's and Lyme disease.
• Cinnamon opens the appetite and therefore can be helpful in people with anorexia.
• It is known that cinnamon helps fight diabetes (high blood sugar levels).
• Reduces bad cholesterol (restores cholesterol levels).

Diseases - Cancer prevention - Antiviral

• Cinnamon plays a very important role in the immune system; stimulating and reinforcing the immune system, thus avoiding certain diseases (Associate with Royal Jelly and Echinacea).
• Used as a natural anti-inflammatory (internal / external).
• Powerful antioxidant food that prevents certain diseases (Associate with Goji).
• Cinnamon fights bacteria in the body and strengthens the defenses.
• Indicated in people prone to viral infections.
• Prevents lung, colon, breast and stomach cancer.
• Eliminates parasites and keeps the intestines clean.
• Fights against bronchitis and pneumonia.
• If it is associated with Garlic and Echinacea, cinnamon is perfect and highly recommended to fight against bronchopulmonary infections.
• Although not scientifically proven (lack of studies), cinnamon could play an important role in reducing tumors.
• Cinnamon helps fight outbreaks of malaria, fever, typhoid and amebiasis.
• Cinnamon essential oil is considered a very powerful antiseptic capable of eliminating viruses.
• Fights the fungi.
• Its high antioxidant composition prevents aging and is capable of slowing the growth of warts.
• Cinnamon fights infections of the urinary tract and the genitals (urethritis, vaginitis or cystitis...).
• Prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system and improves circulation.
• Cinnamon prevents blood clots from forming and prevents blockage of arteries.
• Cinnamon essential oil is a good ally for people with rheumatic pain, arthritis or arthritis (recommended for masseurs).
• Fights dental diseases such as pyorrhea.

Aphrodisiac - Energy - Force

• Extra input of energy and vitality that helps combat convalescent states and asthenia.
• Indicated for people with depression (Associate with Rhodiola).
• Powerful aphrodisiac that, together with Maca or Tribulus, its effect is very powerful.
• Cinnamon improves memory and concentration.
• Helps to overcome stress after a long workday (Associate with Royal Jelly ).
• Increases concentration and even the imagination.
• Improves the mood and increases the desire to start new projects.
• Helps with impotence problems and increase sexual desire.

Benefits of cinnamon

Reduces cholesterol and triglycerides

Cinnamon is commonly known for its use in cooking giving flavor to different dishes. However, it also has great medicinal properties, due to its great benefits in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Therefore, it helps prevent heart problems.

• Cinnamon prevents the increase in carbohydrates consumed to be transformed into fatty acids deposited in adipose tissue and, consequently, decreases the possibility of suffering arteriosclerosis.
• By means of this same system it is possible to reduce the creation of triglycerides by increasing the synthesis of lipoprotein VLDL, triglycerides of lipoproteins that are transported from the liver by the rest of our body.
• Cinnamon contains B vitamins, essential oils, magnesium, vitamin A, zinc, iodine and flavonoids. All these nutrients and elements act by preventing the oxidation of fatty acids in the body, thus preventing the formation of plaques in the arteries.
• It also contributes to blood circulation, since it has antiplatelet, antithrombotic and antisclerotic properties.

The benefits of cinnamon to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides help prevent or reduce cases of cardiovascular disease and thus provide a better quality of life.

Infections

The preliminary results of several studies indicate that cinnamon has fungicidal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Cinnamon is effective against vaginal candidiasis, oral candidiasis, stomach ulcers and lice.

Facilitates the cycle of menstruation

Cinnamon is also useful for women's health, since it helps relieve menstrual discomfort.

Breastfeeding

It can also help in the secretion of breast milk .

Reduces the pain of arthritis

Many of us eat fried, processed and fatty foods that cause inflammation of the tissues and internal organs, this inflammation causes in one organ one of the most dangerous diseases: heart problems.

Anti-inflammatory diets are tools to reduce heart attacks and other heart diseases. This is mentioned in some natural medicine books: "A growing consensus among cardiologists clearly establishes abnormal inflammation in arterial walls as the original cause of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease". Cinnamon could be a potential ally to decrease inflammation.

Heart disease

Cinnamon strengthens the cardiovascular system and protects the body from disorders related to the heart.

Including a little cinnamon in food helps those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

In addition, the combination of calcium and fiber present in cinnamon can prevent the use of bile, which increases damage to cells, thus preventing colon cancer.

Helps treat diabetes type 2

Cinnamon can really help people with type 2 diabetes in the control blood sugar levels, reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood).

A study conducted by researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2003, showed that 60 people in Pakistan who had type 2 diabetes and after eating one gram of cinnamon a day for 40 days, had a significant decrease in their levels blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Cavities

Cinnamon has traditionally been used to treat tooth pain and act against bad breath. You can chew small pieces of cinnamon or gargle with cinnamon water, which serves as a good inhibitor of bad breath.

Cinnamon can also help cure the flu.

Aromatic benefits of cinnamon powder

The smell of cinnamon powder is used in aromatherapy, because it is said that it can help enhance relaxation and reduce stress.

Restorative for the brain

Cinnamon increases brain activity and therefore acts as a good restorative. It helps in the elimination of the loss of nervous tension.

In addition, studies have shown that smelling cinnamon can improve cognitive memory function, the operation of certain tasks, alertness and concentration.

Anticoagulant actions

A compound found in cinnamon, called cinnamaldehyde, has been researched extensively to unravel its effects on blood platelets. Platelets are components of the blood that are grouped under emergency circumstances (such as physical injury). It is a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, there may be an inadequate flow of blood and the group together. Cinnamaldehyde prevents this from happening.

Digestive tonic

Cinnamon should be added to most recipes. Apart from flavoring food, it helps in digestion. It is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence.

It is very useful in the elimination of gases in the stomach and intestines. It also eliminates acidity and morning sickness. It acts as a digestive tonic.

Natural food preservative

When added to foods, it prevents the proliferation and growth of bacteria, making it a natural preservative.

Reduces urinary tract infections

People who eat cinnamon are less likely to develop urinary tract infections. Cinnamon is a natural diuretic that helps in the secretion and elimination of urine.

Respiratory problems

Cinnamon is a very useful home remedy for the common or severe cold. When a person has a bad respiratory state should take a spoonful of honey with cinnamon powder, for 3 days. This process will cure chronic cough and other symptoms.

Headache and migraine

Headaches due to cold wind exposure are easily cured by applying a thin layer of powdered cinnamon mixed with water on the forehead.

Improves blood circulation

Cinnamon is a blood-reducing agent that also acts to increase circulation. This circulation of blood helps to eliminate pain.

Good blood circulation also ensures the supply of oxygen to the cells of the body, which leads to greater metabolic activity. However, you must be careful, since excessive consumption of cinnamon can increase blood pressure.

Cinnamon: Associate with:

You can associate cinnamon with royal jelly to bring vitality to your body. Stimulate the immune system and fight against chronic fatigue.

Associating cinnamon with maca will help keep your mind focused. Increase concentration, fight against stress and nervous fatigue.

If what you need is to fight against urinary tract infections, the flu or respiratory infections in general, to associate cinnamon with garlic and echinacea is the most advisable. It will help you increase your defenses and fight against digestive problems.

What are the side effects of cinnamon?

Although you should not suffer side effects if you use cinnamon at your recommended dose, here is what can happen if you use Ceylan cinnamon essential oil in high doses.

Cinnamon oil can be very toxic in high doses because it can burn skin and membranes; nostrils. The oil should be used with caution and never exceed the dose or treatment time.

Coumarin is one of the substances from which cinnamon oil can become highly toxic, although in small doses it is completely safe. Therefore, it is advisable to use cinnamon oil in moderation.

It is advisable to mix cinnamon oil with other types of softer oils (vegetable oil, washing or tangerine).

In high doses cinnamon essential oil can cause vomiting, nausea and headache.

The contraindications are the following: It is not advisable to use oil by pregnant women and above all, it can not be used by children, neither in powder nor in oil. It can be highly dangerous to your health.