Cinnamon

• While it’s true that there’s no cure for Type 2 diabetes, cinnamon can be an effective tool in managing the disease.
• Even if you do not suffer from diabetes, you may want to include cinnamon in your diet for many of the same reasons as those who do.
• Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial, and even antiviral properties.
• Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are two neurological conditions that, for the moment, are incurable. An enormous part of treating these diseases is therefore in symptom management, and this can be boosted with the addition of cinnamon to a regular regime.
• Cinnamon has been shown to help neurons and improve motor function in those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” explains Farley. These contributions can help sufferers of these two diseases continue their regular routines with far less impediment.
• Evidence suggests that cinnamon may have anti-carcinogenic effects as well, although the research thus far is limited to animal studies.
• These experiments demonstrate that cinnamon extract slows the growth of cancer cells and induces cancerous cell death.
• Consumption of cinnamon can reduce both systemic and specific inflammation. The former is particularly important in the Western world, according to Parekh.
• Systemic inflammation is a prominent problem that has led to the rise in chronic disease. By adding cinnamon to a regular diet, this systemic inflammation can be reduced significantly.

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Warning:

Not all cinnamons were created equal, so be careful what you buy.

“Nearly all the cinnamon in the grocery stores and health food stores is a cousin of true cinnamon,” explains Christina Major, a MS Holistic Nutritionist and Herbalist and the Health Recovery Expert of Crystal Holistic Health.

“Cinnamomum cassia, or Chinese cinnamon, has a very similar flavor and color, but it does not have the same health benefits,” she explains. “Only Cinnamomum verum provides the health benefits, and this is an expensive spice that is often illicitly substituted with Cinnamomum cassia.”

When you are perusing the supermarket shelves, you’ll likely see Cinnamomum cassia sold as Chinese or Cassia cinnamon, whereas Cinnamomum verum will be sold as Ceylon cinnamon. According to our experts, you should opt for the latter.