Various Benefits of Cinnamon for Health and Side Effects

Various Benefits of Cinnamon for Health and Side Effects

Not only as a cooking spice, coffee aroma enhancer, and cake fragrance, the benefits of cinnamon for health are also numerous. To get its health benefits, cinnamon should be consumed wisely, so that side effects can be avoided.

Cinnamon, which is commonly used for cooking, is made from the bark extract of the cinnamon tree. This one spice has been used all over the world as medicine. The benefits of cinnamon for health are fairly diverse, although further research is needed regarding its properties.

Various Benefits of Cinnamon for Health

At first, this herbaceous plant was investigated for its benefits to protect the skin from mosquito bites through the use of mosquito cream. However, it turns out that cinnamon can also be used to help overcome several health problems, such as:

Control blood sugar levels

Several studies have revealed a relationship between lowering sugar levels and consuming cinnamon. One of them found that cinnamon may lower blood sugar levels by up to 24 percent and cholesterol levels by up to 18 percent.

Another study revealed that cinnamon consumed 2 grams per day for 12 consecutive weeks may be able to control blood sugar and lower blood pressure in diabetic patients. But unfortunately, other studies have not found the same results.

Lowers the risk of heart disease

A study shows that consumption of foods rich in spices, such as cinnamon and turmeric, can reduce the negative effects of fatty foods, so it is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Fights bacteria and fungi that cause infection

The active substance Cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon is believed to be able to help fight various types of infections. Cinnamon oil, for example, has been shown to be effective in treating respiratory infections caused by fungi. The antimicrobial effect of cinnamon can also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath.

Protects the body from free radicals

Cinnamon is high in antioxidants, such as polyphenols. The high antioxidant content in cinnamon can protect the body from free radicals, antioxidants are also believed to be beneficial for Alzheimer's disease. In addition to the high antioxidant content, other ingredients found in cinnamon are also reported to be able to inhibit the buildup of proteins in the brain, which is one of the main causes of Alzheimer's.

Prevent cancer risk

A study suggests that cinnamon contains compounds that can prevent the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the formation of blood flow in tumors.

Although it is believed to have many benefits, cinnamon still needs further research to prove the truth of the properties contained in it.

The Right Way To Eat Cinnamon

You may be able to get various health benefits of cinnamon, but there are things that need to be considered when consuming it. Although there is currently no exact measurement, it's a good idea to consider the following recommended doses:
  • For Cassia cinnamon, it is recommended to only use 0.5 – 4 grams or the equivalent of one teaspoon per day.
  • For Ceyon type cinnamon, it is recommended to use 5 grams or the equivalent of 2.5 teaspoons per day.
  • The difference in dosage is due to the difference in the amount of content contained in Cassia cinnamon with Ceyon types. For example, the coumarin content in Cassia is higher than Ceyon cinnamon, so it needs a smaller dose to be safe for consumption.
If you consume excessive amounts of coumarin, you have the potential to experience health problems, including:
  • Irritation or sores on the mouth and lips.
  • Blood sugar that is too low.
  • Respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma.
  • Worsening liver function disorders.
The benefits of cinnamon for health are quite a lot. However, it would be nice if consumed wisely in sufficient quantities as needed, to avoid side effects. Because it still requires further research regarding the benefits and side effects of cinnamon, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first before using it.