Health Reasons to Use Cinnamon

Health Reasons to Use Cinnamon
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Cinnamon helps with a wide range of common health issues. This strongly scented spice is inexpensive and easy to purchase in most food stores. Cinnamon oil is found at most health food stores. It originates in the bark and leaves of a cinnamon tree. Always consult with a doctor before adding cinnamon to the diet or using it as a naturopathic remedy at home.

Replace Salt with Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a healthy replacement for salt. Americans typically eat 4,000 to 5,000 mg of salt daily, well over the recommended maximum salt intake of 2,400 mg, notes the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Using cinnamon to season foods like chicken, fruit, stews and a wide variety of other foods will help eliminate salt in the diet to lower risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Cinnamon to Reduce Blood Sugar Level

Adding cinnamon to the diet will often help with control of diabetes, especially diabetes type 2. Cinnamon is composed of different compounds such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. It works to enervate insulin receptors to help glucose move into the cells, which then lowers glucose levels in the blood, notes Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D. in the Harvard Health Letter. Ground cinnamon added to oatmeal, stew or soup will help control blood sugar level.

End Nausea & Prevent Vomiting and Cramps

The odor of cinnamon oil is known to end nausea and has a preventive effect on vomiting, notes Natural Home Remedies. Cinnamon oil placed on a washcloth that is placed over the neck will waft over the facial area to eliminate nausea. Cinnamon also works to eliminate cramps and overall menstrual discomfort.

Ease Arthritis Pain

Cinnamon works to eradicate arthritis pain, notes Natural Home Remedies. Inflamed joints benefit from the analgesic action of cinnamon when it is applied topically in a mix with oil. Using cinnamon topically will make it easier to participate in activities of daily living that have been curtailed due to joint pain.

Use Cinnamon Instead of Sugar

Reduce use of sugar by using cinnamon to help improve your health. Lowering sugar intake is crucial to maintaining an acceptable weight level. Adding cinnamon to recipes will add taste so that the sugar level can be lowered by up to 25 percent, notes the Brigham and Women's Hospital.

References

Article reviewed by MER Last updated on: Oct 11, 2010

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