How To know healthy benefits of Sri Lankan Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a widely used condiment that adds flavour to food. Its aroma soothes the senses, and its spicy-sweet flavour can be quite addictive. Cinnamon is used in large quantities in Europe and Mexico, and the high demand for cinnamon speaks for its health benefits.

1.Sri Lankan cinnamon

Scientifically known as Cinnamomum Verum, true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon is a small tree that's found in Sri Lanka, and it belongs to the laurel family. Its mild scent lingers at top restaurants in Colombo, and its rather unique and delectable flavour garnishes the dishes offered by places like Rare Bar + Kitchen. The spice is acquired from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, and it is light brown in colour. Though initially found in Sri Lanka, cinnamon is now grown in the West Indies and South America. Cinnamon is used for flavouring a variety of dishes, beverages and confectioneries. Cinnamon essential oil is also widely popular, which is used in skincare products, perfumes, drugs and liquor.

2.History

Cinnamon was once a popular ingredient in ancient Egypt, and to the natives, its value surpassed that of gold. It was used for funeral rituals, and similarly, it was used in religious practices in Europe. Cinnamon was the most commercially fruitful spice for Dutch East India Company.

3.Medicinal properties

According to various studies conducted on the benefits of cinnamon, it has properties – the main property is cinnamaldehyde – that's greatly beneficial to human metabolism.

4.It's infused with antioxidants

The human body requires antioxidants to protect itself from free radicals, and cinnamon has loads of antioxidants. Its antioxidants are so potent that cinnamon is used as a natural food preservative.

5.Anti-inflammatory properties

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that protect your body from infections, and they repair damaged tissues.

6.Regulates blood sugar levels

According to scientific research, cinnamon brings down the blood sugar level. While consuming cinnamon isn't a cure for diabetes, it can regulate a person's blood sugar level. However, its effect on the blood sugar level is yet to be proven.

7.It may prevent Alzheimer's disease

Cinnamon has a property named CEppt that may help with Alzheimer's disease. Various studies show that it can prevent symptoms from developing.

8.Protection against HIV

Scientists have found that cinnamon has a property that may prevent HIV. This doesn't mean that consuming cinnamon is going to treat or prevent HIV; however, cinnamon has a property that's anti-HIV. While it is not a fully-fledged solution for the disease, it may be in future.

9.It lowers the negative effect of high-fat meals

Adding a pinch of cinnamon powder can hinder the negative effect of high-fat meals. Cinnamon increases the antioxidant activity of the body and decreases the insulin response.

10.Treating chronic wounds

It can kill bacteria that infect the wounds and in turn make the wounds heal faster. In fact, there are capsules that contain the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon.

11.Mitigating the risk heart attacks

While there's no definite proof that it lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is believed that consuming cinnamon on a regular basis averts the risk of heart attacks.

12.Preventing cancer

A study done on mice has proven that the properties of cinnamon fight cancer. The study noticed that the mice that were given cinnamon had reduced levels of oxidative stress.

13.Other health benefits

Many people believe that cinnamon helps with digestive issues, loss of appetite and diabetes. It is the main ingredient used in the traditional treatment of bronchitis as well. However, there's no solid scientific proof to support any of these claims.