Cinnamon is highly appreciated in gastronomy, but it also has medical and cosmetic uses.
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12 properties and benefits of cinnamon
This yellowish-brown spice comes from the bark of the cinnamon or cinnamon tree . The tree originates from Sri Lanka, but is now also grown in South America and other places such as Madagascar.
Cinnamon has been consumed worldwide for centuries, and it is a highly appreciated spice for culinary, medical and cosmetic purposes. Next, the properties and characteristics of cinnamon are going to be shown.
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1. It enhances the action of insulin
Cinnamon is capable of potentiating the activity of insulin . This is a very relevant property for diabetics, since cinnamon is capable of reducing blood glucose levels. Science attributes this property to cinnamaldehyde, and Ayurvedic medicine has long used cinnamon to treat diabetes.
2. Fight the cold
The essential acids in cinnamon also help fight colds . It is used as an ingredient in natural and elaborated medicinal preparations for the pharmaceutical industry, since it is an expectorant and improves cough and fever. It also helps fight infections caused by bacteria.
3. Promotes digestion
Cinnamon consumption can promote digestion . Although there are plants with many more recognized properties and benefits in this regard, cinnamon is also considered a good treatment for mild gastric or intestinal problems. It favors the regeneration of the mucous membranes and is antiemetic.
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4. Cures mouth infections
Cinnamon helps heal mouth sores and abrasions , whether from bites or any type of friction. The phytochemical compounds of cinnamon help to mitigate the wound thanks to its sedative properties of pain and its healing properties. The antibacterial capacity of cinnamon is one of its properties and health benefits.
5. Stimulates the muscle fibers of the uterus
This spice is used to improve insufficient uterine contractions . Cinnamon acts as a stimulant of the muscle fibers of the uterus, so it is also used to improve cases of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and dysmenorrhea (abdominal pain before menstruation).
6. It has aphrodisiac properties
This spice has also been used to increase desire . Aphrodisiacs can be drugs, hormones or natural substances such as cinnamon, so it is interesting to use the latter. There are other foods with natural aphrodisiac properties such as oysters, nutmeg or chocolate.
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7. Improve blood circulation
Cinnamon promotes good blood circulation , and its aphrodisiac properties are due in part to this fact. It is also anticoagulant, and proper blood circulation favors the oxygenation of cells, helping the overall functioning of the body.
8. Control cholesterol
The properties and benefits of this spice are also related to cholesterol control . In fact, not only is it capable of regulating this type of fat in the blood, but it also prevents the concentration of triglycerides from being too high.
9. Contains antioxidants
Essential oils also contain antioxidants . These phytochemicals help fight free radicals that oxidize the human body. They also help activate enzymes that carry out metabolic reactions in important organs such as the liver.
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10. It has anti-cancer properties
The components of cinnamon also make it help fight cancer . It has been shown that the essential oils it contains hinder the development of cancer cells, and its usefulness in combating metastasis is highlighted.
11. It has a very good aroma and flavor
Since time immemorial it has been used as a culinary spice . Its aroma and taste are due to its essential oils, and it is used to enrich many recipes. The food industry has also taken advantage of its properties to use it as an ingredient in its products.
12. Used in cosmetics
Cinnamon is used in perfumery for its delicate aroma of sweet wood , as well as in soaps and oral cleansers. In addition, it is also used as a component of products to treat skin ailments such as acne.
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Bibliographic references
- Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. DK Pub.
- Craker, L.E. y Simon, J.E. (1986). Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants. Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology. Food Products Press.
- Ravindran, P.N, Nirmal-Babu, K. y Shylaja, M (2003). Cinnamon and Cassia: The Genus Cinnamomum. Boca Ratón (FL), EUA: CRC Press.
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