Before you add just any bottle of cinnamon to your shopping cart, read this article. The health benefits of Ceylon cinnamon and the science behind it are remarkable. I make sure I add it to my tea, coffee, smoothies and matcha latte daily.

Ceylon cinnamon’s health benefits are worth their weight in gold, quite literally. It is said that at one time, Ceylon cinnamon was so prized that it was considered to be more valuable than gold and was even used as currency. The use of this ancient superfood dates back to 2000 BC when Egyptians saw the spice as a gift from the gods due to its extraordinary healing abilities.

While there are many varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is considered to be the “true” cinnamon. Originating from the inner bark of the evergreen trees in Sri Lanka, the composition of Ceylon cinnamon is of much higher quality than cassia cinnamon, which is the most widely used and commonly available form of cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon also contains high levels of coumarin which can be damaging to the liver. While all varieties of cinnamon have similar health benefits, Ceylon’s super potent healing compounds and virtually non existent levels of coumarin, make it the ideal choice when it comes to supplementing with cinnamon. 

Consider adding Ceylon cinnamon to your daily regimen for the following health benefits.   

Antioxidants 

Researchers have found that cinnamon, when compared to the 26 most popular herbs and spices in the world, ranks number one in terms of its antioxidant levels. In fact, Anthony William, The Medical Medium says that it has the highest antioxidant strength of ALL food sources and is several hundred times more potent than any fruit or vegetable. Its antioxidant properties are so powerful, that it can be used as a natural food preservative.

Digestion

The oil from cinnamon helps with the circulation of food particles as well as stimulating gastric juices and saliva to assist with nutrient absorption and digestion. Cinnamon is very helpful in controlling IBS symptoms. It relieves constipation and reduces pain and bloating, while at the same time, its tannins help to decrease diarrhea. It is also helpful with gas and indigestion.

Anti-Microbial 

Cinnamon contains potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties that kill  drug resistant bacteria and other microorganisms such as staph, botulism, aflatoxin mold, H. pylori, E. coli, candida and cold and flu germs.  In fact, it’s one of the most powerful antiseptics known. According to the International Journal of Food Microbiology, cinnamon essential oil in small amounts of .025%, reduces E.coli in only 2 hours, from 10,000,000 to 30,000 count.

Anti-Inflammatory and Menstrual Cramp Remedy

Cinnamon’s antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that are very effective in reducing inflammation and the pain associated with it. So much so that it can be very beneficial in relieving menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are caused by inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins, which stimulate uterine contractions. Cinnamon is believed to work by both relaxing the cramping uterine muscles and blocking the production of prostaglandins. Cinnamon has a long history of use for menstrual cramps in Traditional Chinese Medicine. From a TCM perspective, cramps are caused by cold and stagnation and cinnamon is a warming and moving herb. 

Blood Sugar and Diabetes

Cinnamon supports normal blood sugar levels and can be used as an alternative treatment for diabetes. It stimulates insulin like activity and also reduces insulin resistance, which helps glucose metabolize in the liver. In fact, one study shows that Ceylon cinnamon brought insulin levels in diabetic rats to close to normal levels. To use cinnamon as an insulin stabilizer, a dosage of at least 120 mg per day is recommended.

Brain Function

Cinnamon has some serious brain power capabilities. Research shows that you can boost your brain function by just smelling cinnamon. The spice is capable of enhancing cognitive processing, focus, memory and visual-motor speed. Studies show it may also be helpful in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers.

Blood Pressure and Circulation

Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde which helps improve blood flow and circulation, especially in the extremities. It also contains a powerful antioxidant called cinnamic acid, which can relieve high blood pressure.

Try adding this delicious cocoa smoothie for gut health and constipation to your morning routine as an easy way to increase your Ceylon cinnamon intake.

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA.  WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST