Health Benefits of Cinnamon Spice

Cinnamon is one of the best known and loved spices in the world; it can be purchased at Makola Market for about a Cedi. In earlier times a few grams of cinnamon could bring a king's ransom on the open market. While the cost of this great spice is relatively cheap today, cinnamon remains one of the world's most valuable substances in terms of its impact on health and nutrition. It is a flavour that I enjoy added to a warm glass of Goat’s Milk sweetened with Honey at breakfast. In certain parts of India they brew the Tea Leaves in milk and add a teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder or a stick, Cloves & 3-4 cardamom pods. This type of Tea is called Chai.
Traditional uses of cinnamon
Many traditional cultures around the globe have been using cinnamon not just as an ingredient in their favourite dishes but as a medicine as well. In fact, cinnamon has been highly valued for its medicinal properties for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years.

New scientific evidence
Cinnamon has shown great promise in clinical studies as a possible treatment of type 2 diabetes. A recent study in the Diabetes Care journal has revealed that the ingestion of a mere half teaspoon of cinnamon every day significantly reduced the level of blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. In addition, the same study found that cinnamon was able to reduce triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in the same study participants.

Other health benefits thought to stem from cinnamon include:
• Improved digestion - Cinnamon and other related spices have long been used as a digestive aid, and those who suffer from stomach cramps, IBS, and other common stomach disorders often find that adding cinnamon to their favourite dish aids digestion.
• Toning of tissues - Considerable anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that cinnamon may have the ability to tone and constrict tissues in the body.
• Relief from congestion - Cinnamon and other spices have long been consumed to relieve congestion that comes from colds, allergies, and other common conditions.
• Muscle and joint pain relief- Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.
• Relief from menstrual cramping and other feminine discomfort - Cinnamon has long been used to treat the discomfort that accompanies menstruation, and many women report that a daily amount of cinnamon greatly reduces cramping, pain, and other common menstrual complaints.
• Thinning of the blood and better circulation - Like garlic, cinnamon is a blood thinning agent. Though not as powerful as garlic, cinnamon also acts to increase circulation.
• Relief from arthritis pain - Recent studies have suggested that cinnamon may contain anti-inflammatory compounds which may be useful in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
• Prevention of urinary tract infections - Many who eat cinnamon on a regular basis report a lower incidence of urinary tract infections.
• Prevention of tooth decay and gum disease - There is much anecdotal evidence that cinnamon may be helpful in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Killing harmful bacteria - Cinnamon has been shown to be a powerful antimicrobial agent, one that has the ability to kill germs as E. coli and other harmful bacteria.
• The essential oil of cinnamon also has antimicrobial properties (PMID 16104824).


Teacher Baffour Sources: Personal & Web