Want to keep colds away this winter? When inhaled, cinnamon bark oil can kill fungi in the respiratory tract that cause infection. And, if you do catch that winter cold, try some raw honey and cinnamon in your tea to nip it in the bud. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants. One study even found that cinnamon is a more powerful antioxidant than the ‘superfoods’ garlic and basil!
This winter, cinnamon can protect your health in following four important ways-
Anti-diabetes: Several studies have shown that cinnamon can act to lower blood sugar. In one study, researchers found that only between one and six grams of cassia cinnamon (between one-half and three teaspoons) reduced blood sugar levels.
Heart health: Several studies have pointed to cinnamon’s ability to relax blood vessels, and to its potential in treating ischemic heart disease.
Neuro-protection: Not only does cinnamon protect against the inflammation that is associated with cognitive aging and impairment. Its antioxidant properties are thought to have an effect on the plaques and tangled neurons of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer: Numerous studies are exploring the power of cinnamon’s compounds to interrupt the formation of cancer cells. In one study, scientists found that cinnamon appears to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells.
There are so many ways to enjoy the taste of cinnamon! In tea, coffee, baking, casseroles… in fact, almost any food group can be enhanced by this stimulating flavor.
