The Health Benefits Of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is all around at Tri Lanka in Sri Lanka, from the sweet scent that lingers from the wood that adorns their villas and suites, to the bark freshly cut from the tree that makes its mark in their aromatic curries and fragrant dahl. For centuries, cinnamon has been used in Ayurvedic practices to harmonise the doshas and is particularly good for balancing Vata and pacifying Kapha.

More recently, the spice has been widely acknowledged for its health benefits, helping to improve everything from heart health to brain function. Here are five reasons why cinnamon is great for your health.

1. Cinnamon is a great source of antioxidants

Cinnamon is jam-packed full of antioxidants – substances that protect us from free radicals (essentially, the things that cause nasty diseases). Foods high in antioxidants are associated with a whole range of health benefits, including improved heart health, better immune systems and lower risk of infection. More antioxidants = happier bodies.

2. Cinnamon can lower cholesterol

We’re constantly warned of the dangers of high cholesterol, but with different types of cholesterol in different foods, it can be confusing to know what we’re ‘allowed’ to eat. Cinnamon helps to raise the levels of HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) in our bodies, which in turn helps remove LDL, aka ‘bad’ cholesterol. Lower LDL means improved heart health, and likely a lower risk of heart disease.

3. Cinnamon can help to treat type 2 diabetes

Cinnamon has been suggested as helpful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as it has the ability to reduce blood pressure and have a positive effect on blood markers for those suffering from the condition. Its sweet, vibrant flavour also means it can be used as a natural sweetener in many dishes, reducing daily sugar intake.

4. Cinnamon has natural antibiotic, anti-viral & anti-fungal properties

As cinnamon is a natural antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent, it can be used to fight a whole range of day-to-day nasties. Next time you feel a common cold coming on, hold off on the Lemsip and reach for a bottle of cinnamon oil to rub onto your pressure points, instead.

5. Cinnamon can be used to improve brain function

Studies have shown that one of the benefits of cinnamon’s antioxidant properties is that it can help defend the brain against neurological disorders, it's particularly helpful in improving motor function for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.