Ancient Chinese medicine has long relied on this spice as a warming and cleansing agent to treat the heart, lung, and bladder. (Chinese medicine uses Guizhi, made from the twigs of the cinnamon tree as opposed to the familiar cassia spice made from the inner bark.) To help us sort myth from fact, we’ve enlisted the help of several health experts to give us their two cents on one of our favorite spices.

Top 5 Benefits Of Cinnamon:

1.Lowers Blood Pressure

Since many compounds that help with insulin and blood sugar levels also lower blood pressure, cinnamon has benefits here too. In a study with rats, regular consumption lowered systolic blood pressure in hypertensive rats fed a high-sucrose diet, almost down to the (normal) level of the non-sucrose consuming rats.

2.Anti-microbial

Cinnamon bark oil is an especially effective antibacterial agent and has long been to disinfect and preserve. It has even been shown effective against E. coli. Cinnamon has been proven to fight fungal, bacterial, and viral elements in foods, thus preventing spoilage. It’s no surprise that in the Middle Ages, when food spoilage was far more frequent due to lack of refrigeration, many recipes, both sweet and savory, were flavored with the spice.

3.Treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are two neurological conditions that, for the moment, are incurable. An enormous part of treating these diseases is therefore in symptom management, and this can be boosted with the addition of cinnamon to a regular regime.“Cinnamon has been shown to help neurons and improve motor function in those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. These contributions can help sufferers of these two diseases continue their regular routines with far less impediment.

4.Help treat Type 2 diabetes

The key is in increasing insulin sensitivity in the body, a sensitivity that, while present at birth for those without type 1 diabetes, slowly decreases as we age and consume more sugar. As a result, sugar floats around in the blood, causing diabetes and other health problems. “Cinnamon, which is completely non-toxic, repairs the receptors so they are once again responsive to insulin.“In time, sugar levels normalize due to an increase in insulin sensitivity.”Add to this the fact that cinnamon has a naturally sweet taste that is devoid of sugar, making it a great addition to foods like plain yogurt as a dessert or snack, and you’ll soon see why we suggest it as a staple for the pantries of those with Type 2 diabetes.

5.It Helps You To Lose Weight

Cinnamon originates from the bark of a tree, and is either used in its bark form for infusions or ground up into powder. This makes it a high fiber food, which may be surprising, but it does offer up to 16% of your total daily recommended amount of fiber in just one tablespoon. A diet high in fiber helps to boost your metabolism, cleanse your digestive tract and inevitably results in weight loss.

Ways to Use Cinnamon:

Here are some of my favorite ways to use it.

• For Colds and Flu – Take up to a 1/2 teaspoon in a cup of tea with lemon juice and honey, or add it to elderberry syrup.
• For Weight Loss –  recommend cinnamon to soothe late night sugar cravings and boost metabolism.
• In a Tincture – Add cinnamon to a homemade tincture to increase absorption of the herbs and improve flavor.
• Skin Soother – Mix some ground cinnamon with honey and apply to insect bites.
• Digestive Remedy – I take a 1/2 teaspoon in water, tea, or capsule form after a meal out where I’ve consumed foods that I normally wouldn’t eat.

Cinnamon is a flavorful spice, perfect for sweet and savory dishes and packed with abundant benefits for your health.