What Health Benefits Does Cinnamon Have On The Body?

The history of cinnamon usage dates back to ancient civilizations, as noted by the website, InDepthInfo. The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in the embalming ritual. During the Middle Ages, cinnamon was a commodity in the spice trade. Ancient and medieval health practitioners recognized its healing properties, which are attributed to the essential oils found in the bark of the cinnamon tree.

Reduces Inflammation

Cinnamon is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. One of the main three essential oils in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This oil blocks the release of arachidonic acid, which comes from omega-6 fatty acids. Excess amounts of arachidonic acid can lead to inflammation, according to Dr. D. Gotlieb, rheumatologist and internal medicine specialist. Flavor your morning bowl of cereal with a teaspoon of cinnamon each day to reduce the pain and stiffness caused by inflammation associated with arthritis.

Natural Expectorant

Cinnamon has antitussive and expectorant properties, which make it a choice as a natural cough treatment. Mix two or three drops of cinnamon oil in a glass of warm water. Sweeten the drink with honey. This remedy, found on the website Botanical Online, may help soothe your cough, loosen mucus and reduce inflammation associated with bronchitis.

Increases Insulin Sensitivity

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service found that cinnamon made fat cells more responsive to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates sugar metabolism and controls blood sugar levels. Chemist Richard A. Anderson and colleagues at the Beltsville Maryland Human Nutrition Research Center conducted laboratory research that isolated and identified the compounds in cinnamon that make cells more insulin sensitive.

Aids With Digestion

The essential oils in cinnamon stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juices to promote digestion. In its powdered form, cinnamon stimulates the production of gastric acid, which breaks down ingested proteins. Drinking an infusion made with water and a cinnamon stick is a natural remedy for flatulence.

Reduces Disease Risk

A team of researchers led by Tim N. Ziegenfuss recruited 22 individuals in the northern Ohio area to test the effects of a cinnamon extract in reducing the risk for developing coronary artery disease and diabetes. The participants were considered at risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. For a 12-week period, a randomized group received a daily supplement of a water-soluble cinnamon extract, while the remaining subjects were given a placebo. Blood analysis, heart rate, blood pressure monitoring and food diaries were collected and reviewed. Ziegenfuss and his colleagues acknowledged the sampling of subjects was small. However, the results showed that adding cinnamon to a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise has a positive influence on decreasing fasting blood sugar levels and body fat. These findings were reported in the online December 28, 2006 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition."