On November 19, nutritionist Mikhail Ginzburg told Moscow 24 that pectin and aromatic spices help increase the benefits of jam. Ginzburg noted that cinnamon and cloves enhance the taste of the product and endow it with healing properties.
Cinnamon is one of the most popular and versatile spices in the world, widely used in cooking and enriching both sweet and savory recipes. It plays an important role in various cultures throughout history, including traditional medicine. It has been used in Europe since the Middle Ages as a spice and remedy.
Nutritionist Natalia Pavlyuk noted that cinnamon helps prevent diabetes and maintain glucose levels, Izvestia reported. She also said, “There are also certain antioxidants and dietary fibers in cinnamon, from which we gain benefits for carbohydrate metabolism.”
There is evidence that cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels and has a positive effect on diabetes, improving insulin sensitivity and aiding in blood sugar management, as stated by Münchner Merkur. Cinnamon has a significant influence on blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes and can be used preventively in the treatment of diabetes.
Dr. Alarcón says, “Cinnamon can help you reduce your blood glucose,” according to El Universo. Consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon dissolved in water every day for six months can improve polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance.
The Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston analyzed 51 diabetics over a period of 12 weeks, with participants receiving either cinnamon supplements three times daily or placebo pills, as reported by Focus Online. The dietary supplements contained 300 mg of cinnamon extract and 200 mg of Cinnamomum burmannii powder. In total, the 500 mg of supplements corresponded to less than 1 teaspoon. The result surprised the researchers: Cinnamon lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes, stabilized blood sugar levels, and improved the body’s response to carbohydrates, which is very helpful for diabetes patients.
Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory effects due to its essential oils and antioxidants, making it ideal for reducing inflammation, especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to Focus Online. Research has highlighted the power of cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid in cinnamon, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Cinnamon has shown potential as an anticancer agent and possesses anticancer properties. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, combating free radicals and reducing inflammation, which are key factors in preventing chronic diseases.
Cinnamon promotes appetite and intestinal activity, stimulating saliva secretion and glandular activity, which are beneficial for gastrointestinal health. Cinnamon activates the digestive system and helps manage bloating, gas, and discomforts like indigestion, which has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems. It is often used as a home remedy for digestive problems such as bloating.
Cinnamon contributes to weight loss by speeding up metabolism, which enhances calorie-burning capacity and has become an ally in weight control. To lose weight with cinnamon, it should be combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Cinnamon can reduce stress and anxiety levels, and it also increases energy levels, according to Izvestia. Nutritionist Anna Belousova said that drinks containing cinnamon can help in the fight against stress, irritability, and apathy, provided that the spice is brewed correctly.
Despite its many benefits, there are possible side effects to consider. While Ceylon cinnamon offers many potential health benefits, the intake of cinnamon in these doses should be discussed with a doctor. Like many other foods, cinnamon can be overdosed, and excessive consumption could result in an adverse impact on health. Daily cinnamon consumption should be limited to 1-2 teaspoons, and Dr. Dansinger warned that “Cinnamon may be toxic in large amounts, for example, if you consume up to three teaspoons daily,” Münchner Merkur reported.
Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, a substance that in large amounts can be toxic to the liver, and its higher concentration of coumarin raises health concerns, according to Münchner Merkur. Compared with Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can harm the liver, and even small amounts of these cinnamon varieties, if consumed regularly, can damage the liver.
Excessive consumption of cinnamon can lead to liver damage, mouth sores, and low blood sugar, and this is especially true for children and people with liver diseases, Münchner Merkur warned. Possible symptoms of coumarin poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
The German Diabetes Society advises against taking cinnamon preparations as dietary supplements due to potential health risks. Long-term use of Cassia cinnamon in the form of capsules or tablets can lead to liver disorders.
Ceylon cinnamon is ideal because it contains less coumarin and is more suitable for regular consumption, making it better suited for people who use a lot of cinnamon, according to the BfR.
Cinnamon is harvested from the branches of the Cinnamomum verum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka and known in Ayurveda as an herb with great health potential. When dried, the bark curls up to form the characteristic cinnamon sticks. When these cinnamon sticks are ground, cinnamon powder is produced.
Cinnamon plays and has played an important role in Ayurveda healing practices, according to Münchner Merkur. People have been finding ways to use cinnamon for thousands of years; it appears in Chinese writing from 4000 B.C., and it plays and has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine.
Cinnamon is a spice that many people love and is used year-round in baking, coffee, and curries, enhancing flavors in a variety of dishes, including desserts and savory preparations. Cinnamon is a popular spice that is very beneficial for health, adding flavor and standing out with many health benefits.
