Buzz
Cinnamon (scientifically known as Cinnamomum velum or C. cassia) has long been regarded as a "superfood" in many cultures, and scientific studies have shown that its active oil components, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, offer various health benefits. Although numerous medical studies have explored the potential health benefits of cinnamon, researchers have yet to conclusively determine whether cinnamon truly helps combat diseases. However, it has been shown to have therapeutic effects for conditions like digestive disorders and mild infections or colds.
Steps
Using Cinnamon to Treat Colds or Flu
Select Ceylon Cinnamon. There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum) and cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia). Ceylon cinnamon, often referred to as "true cinnamon," is harder to find in regular supermarkets compared to cassia. However, it is the preferred choice due to its lower coumarin content.
- Regular consumption of coumarin can lead to liver issues. It may also interact with diabetes medications, so consulting a doctor is recommended to ensure safe cinnamon usage.
Select the best type of cinnamon. You can choose from cinnamon powder, sticks, supplements, or extracts. It's important to consider your intended use before making a purchase. If you plan to incorporate cinnamon into your daily diet, you'll need a different type than if you're using it for medicinal purposes. Feel free to experiment with various cinnamon sticks or powders in your meals and drinks to add variety.
- Use cinnamon powder for seasoning dishes.
- Add cinnamon sticks to your rice pot for a flavorful twist.
- If advised by your doctor to use cinnamon for managing blood sugar levels, opt for cinnamon extracts from health food stores, as they have had coumarin removed completely.
Drink warm water with a teaspoon of cinnamon to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Cinnamon possesses excellent antibacterial properties, boosting your immune system to fight off colds and flu. It can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Mixing a teaspoon of cinnamon into warm water creates a soothing drink that, while not curing a cold, can provide comfort and help you feel better.
Drink a cup of hot cinnamon water to ease a runny nose. This beverage can help reduce cold and flu symptoms, particularly by drying up nasal congestion. Combining hot cinnamon water with ginger can enhance its effectiveness.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your soup. Similar to hot drinks, adding cinnamon to your soup can enhance its flavor and help reduce fatigue.
- Thanks to its antibacterial properties, cinnamon is often used as a natural food preservative.
Use Cinnamon to Support Digestive Health
Use Ceylon cinnamon to support your digestive system. Opt for Ceylon cinnamon if you're looking to add cinnamon to your diet for digestive health. The form of cinnamon you choose doesn't matter much, but for seasoning, cinnamon powder is the best choice as you can easily measure it with a teaspoon.
- Cinnamon sticks are great for making drinks, but they can be difficult to measure.
Use cinnamon to season carbohydrate-rich meals. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to meals high in carbohydrates can help reduce the impact of carbs on blood sugar levels. After eating, blood sugar rises as the stomach empties. Adding cinnamon to your meal slows this process, preventing a spike in blood sugar. Scientific studies have shown that a small amount of cinnamon in desserts can delay stomach emptying.
- Excessive cinnamon consumption can be harmful, so limit your intake to 1 teaspoon per day, about 4-5 grams.
- If you have diabetes, consult your doctor about the effects of cinnamon on blood sugar. Do not use cinnamon as a substitute for insulin.
Use cinnamon to support digestion. In addition to seasoning your food with cinnamon, you can consume a small amount of cinnamon after meals to aid digestion. If you suffer from heartburn or indigestion, cinnamon can be helpful as it stimulates the digestive system. The oils in cinnamon help break down food, promoting digestion.
- Try drinking cinnamon tea (1 teaspoon of cinnamon in hot water) after meals.
- Alternatively, add half a teaspoon of cinnamon to your coffee after eating.
Use cinnamon to improve colon function. Cinnamon is rich in calcium and fiber. The combination of these two nutrients benefits colon health. High bile salt levels can damage colon cells and increase the risk of colon cancer. Both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help eliminate them from the body, reducing the risk of colon cancer.
- Fiber also helps those with irritable bowel syndrome and alleviates constipation or diarrhea.
Add fiber to your healthy diet to lower cholesterol. The significant impact of cinnamon on lowering cholesterol has not yet been proven. Theoretically, because cinnamon can influence fat and sugar processing, it may help lower cholesterol. While it is still under study, you can still consume up to 2-3 grams of cinnamon per day, along with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
- While cinnamon pairs well with baked goods, adding it to high-fat foods won't help lower cholesterol.
Understand the Potential Hidden Risks
Consult with a doctor before using. Sometimes using cinnamon as a remedy may not be ideal for you. It’s important to talk to your doctor for advice. Be sure to ask if cinnamon could have any negative interactions with any medications, including both prescribed and herbal remedies, that you're currently taking.
- Some evidence suggests that cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes. However, you should never use cinnamon as a replacement for insulin.
Be mindful of the right cinnamon dosage and frequency. Cinnamon is a remedy with unproven effectiveness and there are no specific guidelines on how much is beneficial for health. The usual recommended dose is from ½ teaspoon to up to 6 teaspoons per day. However, if unsure, it’s best to be cautious and consume cinnamon in moderation. High doses of cinnamon can be toxic, so do not exceed 1 teaspoon (6g) per day.
- Always consult your doctor before using cinnamon regularly to safeguard your health.
Understand who should avoid using cinnamon as a remedy. There is no guarantee that regular cinnamon consumption as a health supplement is safe. In some cases, you should avoid frequent use of cinnamon. Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should not use cinnamon as a health supplement.
Don’t consume excessive cinnamon while taking blood-thinning medications. The reason is that cinnamon contains a small amount of coumarin, which can make your blood too thin. The coumarin content in cassia cinnamon is higher than in Ceylon cinnamon. Overconsumption of cinnamon could also lead to liver issues.
Properly store and keep cinnamon fresh. Store cinnamon in a tightly sealed glass jar and keep it in a dry, dark place. Ground cinnamon can stay fresh for up to 6 months, while cinnamon sticks can last up to 1 year. You can extend the shelf life of cinnamon by storing it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
- Smell the cinnamon to check its freshness. It should have a sweet aroma, indicating that it is fresh cinnamon.
- Choose organically grown cinnamon to ensure it hasn’t been irradiated. Irradiated cinnamon may lose vitamin C and carotenoid levels.
Advice
- Ceylon cinnamon is commonly known as true cinnamon and is primarily grown in Sri Lanka, the Seychelles, Madagascar, and southern India. Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon, originates from southern China and is also cultivated in India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. There are approximately 250 recognized types of cinnamon. The cinnamon sold to consumers may be a blend of several types, but generally, the higher the price, the better the quality of cinnamon.
Warnings
- If you are undergoing surgery, you should stop using cinnamon as a remedy at least one week prior to avoid complications due to blood thinning. Using it as a small spice is safe, but it’s best to consult with your doctor for more details.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using cinnamon as a remedy.
- High consumption of Cassia cinnamon can be toxic due to its high coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon is usually processed to remove coumarin.
What You Need
- Fresh, high-quality cinnamon
