It may be an acquired taste, but we think we could easily get used to a teaspoonful of cinnamon in our porridge, cereal, soups and drinks given just how many health benefits it boasts. Here are just six reasons to add a sprinkling of the spice to your daily diet.
It is a powerful anti-bacterial
Cinnamon is known for its anti-bacterial properties which, for centuries now, people have sworn by when it comes to treating flu and the common cold. It’s also great for your oral health, as it helps to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay.
It can alleviate IBS symptoms
Not just a tasty topping for your coffee, cinnamon has strong medicinal properties – among them its ability to alleviate the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. As well as being a natural disinfectant, cinnamon is a great source of fibre which is essential for regulating digestion and bowel movements.
It’s packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for cleansing and protecting your system, and the good news for cinnamon-lovers is that it’s loaded with these important polyphenols. In fact, a previous study found that cinnamon is even more potent and powerful than garlic, ‘nature’s antibiotic’.
It is a great anti-inflammatory
Great news, because we need anti-inflammatories to fend off harmful infections and repair damaged tissue.
It has been proven to lower cholesterol
A previous and highly-publicised study from Pakistan found that cinnamon can successfully lower ‘bad’ cholesterol, and it can even benefit those living with diabetes.
It can even control your blood sugar level
One previous US study got a lot of people talking about cinnamon’s health benefits; particularly its ability to control dangerously high blood sugar levels. In this study, a group of obese people were given a cinnamon extract twice a day for 12 weeks as part of an experiment – the result? After 12 weeks, lower blood sugar levels were reported across the board.
