Cinnamon: Benefits, Properties, use and side effect

With its bewitching scent, it is surely one of the most famous spices in the world, whether in cooking or traditional medicine, including Ayurvedic: cinnamon. It has been known since antiquity for its beneficial effects on the body, mainly the effect of its bark.It is included in ancient Chinese writings, Sanskrit and Egyptian, as well as in the Old Testament, mainly for its medicinal and spiritual properties, more than its flavor. Also called insulin of the poor, we lend him miraculous properties, others more reasonable, but in the end: what about?Let's discover together what are the properties of cinnamon on health.

What variety of cinnamon are we talking about?

As we explain in our article on how to lose weight with cinnamon, there are two varieties, which come from the bark of two tree species very close, but different:

• Cinnamomum verum, called cinnamon from Ceylon, also called real cinnamon,
• Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum cassia, called cinnamon from Indonesia or China, also called false cinnamon.

Let's be clear: to enjoy the virtues of cinnamon, the variety does not matter, they have the same effect. That said, for long-term use, we still recommend Ceylon Cinnamon .Indeed, their health benefits are the same, with one exception that makes all the difference: coumarin. It is indeed the concentration of coumarin that differs in both species.Ceylon cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum) hardly contains it, but the bark of Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) is rich in it.Except that coumarin is potentially toxic to the liver because it has hepatotoxic properties. So for long-term consumption, prefer Ceylon cinnamon.

What is the composition of cinnamon?

Nutritional composition for 100g of cinnamon:

Energy: 266 kcal (13% Recommended Daily Allowance)

Protein: 3.96 g (8% of RDA)

Carbohydrates: 36.6 g (14% of the RDA)

Fat: 1.88 g (3% of the RDA)

• Saturated fatty acid: 0.507 g
• Monounsaturated fat: 0.369 g
• Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega 3, 6 and 9): 0.228g

Fibers: 43.5 g (174% of the RDA)

Minerals:

• Magnesium: 60 mg (16% of RDA)
• Phosphorus: 63 mg (9% of RDA)
• Potassium: 454 mg (23% of RDA)
• Calcium: 1080 mg (135% of the RDA)
• Manganese: 17.5 mg (875% of the RDA)
• Iron: 18.2 mg (130% of the RDA)
• Copper: 0.339 mg (34% of the RDA)
• Zinc: 1.89 mg (19% of RDA)
• Selenium: 3.1 μg (6% of RDA)

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): 134 μg (17% of RDA)
• Vitamin E (tocopherol): 1.16 mg (10% of RDA)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 11.9 mg (15% of RDA)
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 0.0413 mg (4% of RDA)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.074 mg (5% of RDA)
• Vitamin B3 (PP Niacin): 1.32 mg (8% of RDA)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 0.358 mg (6% of RDA)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.189 mg (14% of RDA)
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid): 38 μg (19% of RDA)

Cinnamon is remarkable for its dietary fiber content and its antioxidant action. It is indeed one of the most antioxidant foods, ranking fourth among the most antioxidant foods, particularly because of its content of Proanthocyanidines and Cinnamaldehyde. These antioxidants protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, and help prevent age-related diseases.For information, the TAC index for 2 g cinnamon, which measures the antioxidant action, is 5 351 μmol, which is remarkable.

What are the benefits of cinnamon?

Cinnamon has mainly antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is mainly used to stimulate the immune system, relieve digestion problems and naturally treat type 2 diabetes.

Action on the immune system

Cinnamon is ideal for treating all the ills of winter: colds, coughs, flu and other viruses. Indeed, because of its antioxidant properties, its high content of minerals and vitamins, it strengthens the immune system, has antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

How to make a cure?

Boil the equivalent of a cup of water, once boiling, stop the heat and put a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to infuse for 5 minutes covered. For an even more effective remedy, add a dash of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder , and sweeten with a little honey.

Action on the digestive system

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-virus, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties. It is therefore a food that can prevent, and even treat infections and inflammation of the intestinal flora. In addition, it stimulates gastric secretions.Thus, cinnamon is ideal for calming heartburn, fight against digestive problems and intestinal ailments (ballooning, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, gastric reflux, etc.).

How to make a cure?

Boil the equivalent of a cup of water, once boiling, stop the heat and put a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to infuse for 5 minutes covered. Sugar with a little honey and drink after each meal. 

Action against diabetes and cholesterol

It is certainly one of the most common uses of cinnamon, its effect on blood sugar and the rate of "bad" cholesterol, used in Chinese and Indian medicine as part of the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Anti-stress action

Cinnamon has relaxing virtues, and with its sweet flavor, it is said to be comforting. Thus, it is advisable to consume in case of stress and anxiety to help calm down.

How to make a cure?

Boil the equivalent of a cup of water, once boiling, stop the heat and put a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to infuse for 5 minutes covered. Sweeten with a little honey. 

Action on weight

Between its warming properties, its digestive properties, its effect on blood sugar, and its appetite suppressant action, cinnamon is one of the most used spices in a diet.

Action on degenerative diseases and on the brain

It is one of the most antioxidant foods available, which would give cinnamon a preventive effect on certain degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.It would be beneficial to the brain in general, it would increase the level of sodium benzoate in the brain, which can repair and even create neurons, stimulate brain activity, help eliminate nervous tension. All this makes cinnamon a stimulant of cognitive functions.

How to make a cure?

Put the cinnamon on the menu, make it a habit to eat it regularly in the food. 

Effect on headaches and migraine

It would be the warming virtues of cinnamon that would eliminate headaches and migraines due to exposure to cold.How to do ? Mix powdered cinnamon with water to form a paste, apply a thin layer to the forehead for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Action on cancer

Many studies are conducted on the effect of cinnamon on cancer, thanks to the antioxidant effect of the spice. A study published by researchers from the US Department of Agriculture in Maryland concludes that cinnamon reduces the proliferation of cancer cells from leukemia and lymphoma. It is not a cure, but clearly a beneficial food. 

Action against hair loss

Cinnamon is also used in cosmetics, especially to fight against hair struggle by strengthening the hair scale, reducing their fragility and therefore their fall. It also stimulates hair regrowth. Incidentally, cinnamon is used to blonden the hair. Indeed, it contains an enzyme, natural peroxidase, which helps to lighten hair naturally. Your hair will take on a lighter shade than your natural shade, regardless of your hair color. You will never go from brunette to blonde, but be sure to get an amazing result! In addition to all this, your hair will be nourished, shiny and radiant with beauty! 

Effect on the skin

With its antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon helps prevent and treat acne, reduce pores and have healthy, clean and smooth skin.

How to make a cure?

Prepare a mask with 3 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 of nutmeg powder . Apply warm water to the face to open the pores, apply the mask on the face and leave on for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and moisturize. To do once a week. 

Action on fatigue states

Cinnamon is a stimulant that helps fight against fatigue. Also, its action on blood sugar helps stabilize the blood sugar level, avoiding peaks of blood sugar, it helps to avoid the helms during the day.

How to make a cure?

Consume cinnamon in all its forms, but in the event of fatigue, chew a stick of cinnamon to keep you awake.

Action on bad breath and oral health

One of the traditional uses of cinnamon is to treat dental pain and act against bad breath. It is found in many toothpastes.With its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties, cinnamon helps fight against all the bad mouths: mouth ulcers, gingivitis, pains, etc.

How to make a cure?

In traditional use, cinnamon pieces are applied directly to the painful areas to calm the pain. Otherwise, a mixture of a teaspoon of cinnamon and a glass of water, can serve as a mouthwash and gargle against bad breath. 

Action on the desire to smoke

Among its benefits, cinnamon is recognized as comforting. It has a relaxing action, anti-stress and anxiety, significant effects for people who wish to quit smoking, which is almost all in a state of quite advanced irritability.In addition, the naturally sweet flavor of cinnamon calms the compulsive cravings that often accompany stopping smoking.

Aphrodisiac effects

There is nothing scientifically proven, but the aphrodisiac properties of cinnamon are well known. Indeed, it has warming virtues that are often associated with a rise in libido. Also, it would stimulate the secretion of hormones.

Effect on breastfeeding

Cinnamon is a galactogenic spice, that is to say, it stimulates the secretion of breast milk in nursing women.

Action against muscle pain

Cinnamon has relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, so you can relieve sore muscles by massaging the painful area with a cinnamon preparation.

How to make a cure?

Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of warm water. Use it as a massage oil.

Cinnamon and possible associations

Here are the beneficial associations for:

• Improve digestion: aloe vera , or turmeric , or star anise , ginger, mint.
• Stimulate the immune system: lapacho , or nigella , or black garlic , or maca , etc.
• Anti-fatigue stimulant: nettle leaves , or guarana , or baobab powder , etc.
• Bad breath and oral health: clove , or fennel , or cardamom , etc.
• Help against stress: vanilla , or valerian , etc.

How to consume cinnamon?

Although it is advisable to heat the cinnamon to enjoy its virtues, the important thing is to consume regularly, whatever the way: in cooking, infusion, with honey or in external application.

In the kitchen

Cinnamon is very used in cooking, whether in the salty or sweet cuisine. In the West, both in Europe and North America, it is used in sweet dishes, while in the Maghreb and the Orient, it is used in salty dishes. Remember that in the salt kitchen, it is best to add cinnamon powder at the end of cooking, because its sweet taste will "caramelize" and bring bitterness to the dish. If you use cinnamon sticks, you can use it anytime.

In infusion

My favorite use is the fastest and probably the most effective, especially if you want to combine cinnamon with other ingredients. Boil the equivalent of a cup of water, once boiling, stop the heat and put a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or between 3 and 5 g of sticks, to infuse for 5 minutes covered. You can add to this infusion the ingredients of your choice. It is possible to consume up to 3 cups a day.

In external application

Whether for the skin, hair, or massage, you can use the cinnamon externally, for this there are many ways to do, for example:

• Mix ground cinnamon with a little water until you obtain a cinnamon paste that you apply on the area to be treated, for example on wet hair for at least 5 hours, or on the skin for 15 minutes, before rinse thoroughly.
• Mix one tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 4 tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of argan oil. Apply on the skin or hair.
• For hair, you can add cinnamon powder to your conditioner before applying it.

Cinnamon associated with honey

It is one of the most beautiful associations, both in terms of taste and virtues for health.

As a substitute for sugar

Use cinnamon powder to sweeten your teas, infusions, coffees, white cheeses, yogurts, in short: all your sweet preparations. If you do not completely replace the sugar, adding cinnamon will at least reduce the amount of sugar. 

Cinnamon to breathe

This is a tip for people on the diet who suffers from sweet cravings. Indeed, it is enough to smell the cinnamon so that it has an appetite suppressant effect, in any case on the sweet desires.In a spice jar, put a vanilla pod, a little citrus zest (orange, grapefruit, etc.), and of course, cinnamon, ideally crushed. In case of craving, breathe the mixture for a good minute. 

In capsules or essential oils

There are capsules and cinnamon essential oil, if you want to enjoy the properties of cinnamon as well, refer to the instructions for use.

What are the side effects of cinnamon?

As already stated, if you opt for Chinese cinnamon, in high doses, it will be toxic to the liver, unlike the Ceylon cinnamon that we recommend.

As a precaution, cinnamon is not recommended for pregnant women who are breastfeeding, in young children and people with hypertension or with high blood pressure values.

In high doses, and in prolonged external use, cinnamon can be dermocaustic and can cause burns, it is also not recommended to use on parts of sensitive skin, such as lips.

Always overdose, cinnamon can cause nausea, headache and heart palpitations.

Cinnamon contains coumarin, a blood thinner, a cinnamon and another blood thinner, natural or medicated, is dangerous. Similarly, do not take cinnamon in parallel with a drug prescribed for cardiovascular disease, to stabilize diabetes, or against ulcers.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov : Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant
[2] https://www.healthline.com : 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Cinnamon
[3] https://draxe.com : Health Benefits of Cinnamon & Nutrition Facts