Blood Sugar Balance
Cinnamon decreases the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal. It can lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 10-29%. Cinnamon also improves sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which is needed to keep blood sugar levels balanced. Those with diabetes are more at risk for developing heart disease, so keeping blood sugar under control is crucial for health. Choosing appropriate foods are the best way to do this.
Anti-Microbial Activity
Cinnamaldehyde has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce infections and help fight tooth decay and bad breath.
Heart Health
Cinnamon decreases heart disease risk factors, including total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
Antioxidant Power
It’s loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which specifically supports heart health.
Neurodegenerative Disease Benefits
Cinnamon has been shown to lead to various improvements for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease in animal studies.
Cinnamon’s Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese tradition values cinnamon for its warming qualities, and it’s said to invigorate the circulation and energize the body. Cinnamon, in combination with ginger, is often used to ward off colds.
Cinnamon’s Versatile Uses
Cinnamon is a tasty addition to homemade bars, fresh apple juicer drinks, and warm drinks. Here are two more delicious way to incorporate cinnamon...
Apple Cinnamon Maca Energy Bar
4 bars
1-2 tablespoons gelatinized maca powder
½ cup walnuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated to increase digestibility)
½ cup almonds (preferably soaked and dehydrated to increase digestibility)
1 cup dates
1 cup dried apples
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
About 1-2 teaspoons water, as needed
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until the mixture is finely chopped. If the mixture sticks together it’s ready to form into bars.
2. If the mixture is crumbly, it needs more blending or a little moisture. If it’s very dry, turn the food processor on and add one teaspoon of water through the opening in the top. Continue adding water as needed until the mixture sticks together. Somewhere between 1 teaspoon and 2 tablespoons is usually enough.
3. When the mixture is ready, press it onto wax or parchment paper and form into bars.
4. Wrap each bar individually and store in the freezer until needed.
The delicious recipe comes from mommypotamus!
Detox Drink
1 serving
1 glass water (12-16 oz.)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 dash cayenne pepper
Stevia
Blend until smooth.
In Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
References:
Pasupuleti Visweswara Rao & Siew Hua Gan. Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 642942.
Khan A et al. Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003 Dec; 26(12):3215-3218.
Allen R et al. Cinnamon Use in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ann Fam Med. 2013 Sep-Oct;11(5):452-9.
Kirkham S et al. The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2009 Dec; 11(12):1100-13.