The most interesting facts about cinnamon
Cinnamon (C. verum) is a spice that comes from the branches of the trees of the Cinnamomum family. It is derived from the Caribbean, South America and Southeast Asia, and in different places there are different names - Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) [ [ref. 2] ], its Chinese variety cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) [ [ref. 3] ,] Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureirii) and Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii).
As a spice, the cinnamon is available in powder or as a whole, like pieces of bark. People can also use the essential oil and cinnamon supplements.
There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) and Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). The two species have different nutritional composition. For example, cassia contains calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and some vitamins; Ceylon cinnamon is a source of beta-carotene, calcium, antioxidants and is extremely low in calories.
Some studies have suggested that the compounds in cinnamon have antioxidant [ [ref. 4] ], antimicrobial [ [ref. 5] ], anti-inflammatory [ [ref. 6] ] and antidiabetic properties [ [ref. 7] ], and that they may offer protection from cancer and cardiovascular disease, among other conditions. However, more evidence is needed to confirm the benefits of cinnamon.
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Scientists have found evidence of some possible health benefits that can be provided by cinnamon. These include:
- Antifungal action - a laboratory study from 2016 found that cinnamon oil is effective against a type of Candida that affects blood flow. This may be due to its antimicrobial properties. [ [ref. 8] ]
- Effects on blood sugar levels - animal studies have shown that the cinnamon type of cassia can reduce blood sugar levels. Whether it works like this in humans has not been established for sure.
- Prevention of Alzheimer's disease - some animal studies have suggested that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. [ [ref. 9] ]
- Prevention of multiple sclerosis - scientists have tested cinnamon for possible activity against multiple sclerosis (MS). People with this disease have lower levels of Tregs (regulatory T cells) compared to people without this condition. In studies in mice, cinnamon treatment prevented the loss of certain Tregs-specific proteins. [ [ref. 10] ]
