Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum family. When this bark is peeled off, it curls up when dry, forming cinnamon sticks. These cinnamon sticks can be chewed, used to make tea, or ground into powder to sprinkle on food, according to USA Today .
Another lesser-known benefit is cinnamon's ability to extend food shelf life thanks to its natural antioxidant properties.
Cinnamon can be chewed, brewed into tea, or ground into a powder to sprinkle on food.
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Health benefits of cinnamon
Besides enhancing the flavor of dishes, cinnamon also contains many nutrients beneficial to the body, such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and K.
These ingredients help provide energy, support digestion, maintain muscle mass, and improve overall health.
One of the notable benefits of cinnamon is its ability to help control blood sugar levels.
According to Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian in the US, cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can have a noticeable effect in stabilizing blood sugar, especially helpful for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
According to Palinski-Wade, cinnamon is also often used as a sugar substitute in dishes because of its natural sweetness, which adds flavor without increasing calorie count.
Furthermore, cinnamon is also a source of antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Jen Messer, a nutritionist in the US, further shared that cinnamon can help reduce inflammation, potentially limiting chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Additionally, cinnamon helps lower bad LDL cholesterol, reduces bloating and indigestion, and may contribute to protecting nerve cells and reducing the risk of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Cinnamon can be effective in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
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Notes on using cinnamon
However, while cinnamon is beneficial for health, overuse can have the opposite effect. Consuming too much cinnamon can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe.
There are currently no official limits on the amount of cinnamon to use, but according to Ms. Messer, most people can use about one teaspoon of cinnamon per day.
Research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture also confirms that using half a teaspoon daily is safe and does not cause side effects.
According to Ms. Messer, Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin, which can cause liver damage if used in high doses over a long period.
Therefore, controlling the dosage and choosing the right type of cinnamon is essential to maximize the health benefits this spice offers.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/que-tot-cho-suc-khoe-the-nao-185250716165406819.htm
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