With its enticing aroma and spicy-sweet flavor, one doesn't usually think of cinnamon as being medicinal; but the herb, which originated in tropical parts of Asia like Sri Lanka and India, has been used for its healing properties over centuries. There are many ways to use cinnamon--as an oil, a powder, or in its whole stick form. You can make cinnamon tea by breaking a cinnamon stick into several pieces and allowing them to steep in a cup with boiling water for 10 minutes. You can also combine 1 to 1.5 tsp. of cinnamon powder with hot water and stir.
Cholesterol
According to WomensHealthMag.com, studies show that adding cinnamon to your diet can help reduce "bad" cholesterol levels that can contribute to heart disease. A good way to add tea to your diet is by drinking 1 cup of cinnamon tea made with 1 cinnamon stick or 1 tsp. of cinnamon powder every day.
Blood Sugar
A study performed by the US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center revealed that cinnamon helps lower blood sugar, because it contains a water-soluble polyphenol compound called MHCP that helps improve the way the body uses insulin. This is particularly helpful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but according to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition", a 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon per day can help regulate blood sugar for individuals with diabetes. A good way to get this 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon is by drinking one cup of cinnamon tea per day.
Disease Prevention
Cinnamon contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which help boost the immune system and fight damaging free radicals. According to HealthDiaries.com, a U.S. Department of Agriculture study showed that reduced the growth rate of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. WomensHealthMag.com reports that polyphenols help improve the condition of the arteries and protect against cardiovascular disease. Get the disease-fighting power of polyphenols by drinking 1 to 3 cups of cinnamon tea per day.
Cognition, Alertness and Memory
Cinnamon's spicy-sweet scent is often used in perfumes, room fresheners and aromatherapy treatments for good reason--according to OrganicFacts.net, research at the Wheeling Jesuit University shows that cinnamon's aroma boosts brain activity, resulting in increased cognitive abilities, memory, motor-response speed and alertness. Try drinking a cup of cinnamon tea while working to improve focus and attention.
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