Cinnamon and honey have been used to provide flavor and sweetness to many foods, including breads, pastries, tea, coffee, yogurt, granola and cereals. These two ingredients may also provide some health benefits as well. Research has shown that cinnamon and honey can help prevent and sometimes treat a number of conditions, ranging from high blood glucose to the common cold. A remedy for what ails you may be in your kitchen rather than your medicine cabinet.
Cinnamon's Health Benefits
Cinnamon, a spice, has been used in both the culinary world and herbal medicine for thousands of years. According to a 2010 article in "Critical Reviews in Food and Nutrition," which reviewed all current evidence regarding cinnamon and health, "evidence suggests that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, cardiovascular, cholesterol-lowering, and immunomodulatory effects."
Cinnamon and Diabetes
Research shows that cinnamon may benefit people with type 2 diabetes. According to a December 2003 article in the "American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Care," "intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes." Study participants saw an average reduction in fasting glucose of 18 to 29 percent; triglycerides dropped an average of 23 to 30 percent; LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, dropped 7 to 27 percent; and total cholesterol was reduced by an average 12 to 26 percent. The researchers' findings suggest that adding cinnamon to your diet if you are diabetic can reduce the risk of complications from diabetes and heart disease. Other studies have shown similar results in type 2 diabetics who consume cinnamon. Researchers believe cinnamon may mimic the action of insulin in the body and may help your cells metabolize glucose more efficiently.
Honey's Health Benefits
Research has shown that honey provides health benefits as well. According to a 2008 review article in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," which looked at all the current relevant sources on honey, "Honey has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic and antitumor effects."
Honey, which contains vitamins, minerals and polyphenols, has another surprising potential health benefit. Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine conducted a study in 2007 and discovered that "honey was more effective than over-the-counter cough syrup for calming coughs and improving sleep in children who had colds." For an at-home cough or sore throat remedy, simply dissolve 1 to 2 tsp. of honey in a cup of hot water to help break up mucus if you're struck with a cold or the flu.
Due to the fact that honey acts like an antibacterial, it has also been used to treat burns and various types of infected wounds. Honey is also being studied as a remedy for common allergies.
Since honey is a concentrated source of carbohydrates, it is a preferred energy source among athletes. And because honey has antimicrobial properties, it never spoils and can be stored indefinitely without risk of food-borne illness.
Considerations
Never give honey to an infant under the age of 1 as it can cause infant botulism, a food poisoning that is rare but very serious. However, children and adults over the age of 1 can consume honey with no risk.
References
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Honey for Nutrition and Health: A Review; Stefan Bogdanov, Ph.D., et al.; 2008
- PubMed.gov: Cinnamon and Health
- "Diabetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People with Type 2 Diabetes; Alam Khan, et al.; December 2003
- "Chicago Sun Times"; Jury's Still Out on Honey's Benefits, But Buzz Grows; Kim Mulford; April 4, 2011
Member Comments