Cinnamon is a staple in our pantries, but it offers much more than just a warm taste for your oatmeal or coffee. This ancient spice is actually a potent medicinal tool.
Here is why you should sprinkle it a little more often:
- Blood Sugar Regulation: One of its most famous benefits is its ability to lower blood sugar levels. It works by increasing insulin sensitivity, making it a great ally for metabolic health.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Fights Inflammation: It contains compounds that help the body fight infections and repair tissue damage by reducing chronic inflammation.
- Heart Health: Studies suggest cinnamon can cut the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides, while stable HDL ("good") cholesterol remains stable.
💡 Pro Tip: Cassia vs. Ceylon Most supermarket cinnamon is Cassia (which is fine in small amounts). However, for daily health supplementation, look for Ceylon Cinnamon ("True Cinnamon"). It is lower in coumarin, a compound that can be harmful to the liver in large doses.
Easy ways to add it to your diet:
- Sprinkle on apple slices or yogurt.
- Add a dash to your morning coffee grounds before brewing.
- Mix into protein shakes or smoothies.