Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Health Benefits of Cinnamon



Health Benefits of Cinnamon


  • The essential oils of cinnamon bark contain cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol which are the primary source of health benefits. Cinnamaldehyde works as an anti-platelet agent which protects harmful blood platelet clotting which can otherwise cause inadequate blood flow. As such, cinnamon helps in alleviating the conditions of inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Cinnamon extracts are anti-microbial which means they are essential for combating the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi, particularly those responsible for Candida, or yeast infections.

  • Studies reveal that cinnamon has been beneficial on blood-sugar control as well. High-carbohydrate meals tend to increase blood sugar quickly since they are flushed out by the stomach rapidly. Cinnamon, when added as a seasoning on high-carbohydrate foods, slows down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, thereby reducing the rise in blood sugar.

  • By improving the ability of the cells to respond to insulin, cinnamon normalizes the blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes. Cinnamon contains compounds that stimulate insulin receptors and inhibits an enzyme which inactivates these insulin receptors, allowing the cells to utilize glucose more effectively.

  • Being a cognitive stimulant, the aroma and flavor of cinnamon helps in enhancing and improving working memory, visual-motor speed and virtual recognition memory. Chewing cinnamon-flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain.

  • Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium. All nutrients combine to collect bile salts and remove them from the body, which are responsible for damaging colon cells and increasing the risk of developing colon cancer.

  • Inflammation has been identified as the major cause of heart disease, especially of the internal tissues and organs. Following an anti-inflammatory diet helps in reducing the risk of heart diseases and strokes. Cinnamon is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that improves circulation and enhances oxygen supply to the cells, thereby providing protection against heart disease.

  • Cinnamon is very effective on both external and internal infections due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. As such, it is useful in destroying germs in the gall bladder and bacteria in staph infections, and fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

  • Since cinnamon aids in removing blood impurities, it is highly recommended for treating pimples and acne.

  • Apart from the flavoring that cinnamon adds to your food, it acts as a good digestive tonic. It is best effective for curing indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, acidity, morning sickness and flatulence.

  • Being diuretic in nature, cinnamon assists in secretion and discharge of urine. It is also believed to arouse sexual desire since it is aphrodisiac and helps in the secretion of breast milk.

  • Cinnamon is known to possess anti-clotting properties which help in remedying uterine bleeding. It inhibits a substance called thromboxane A2, responsible for causing blood clots, which reduces blood clotting and promotes a regular blood flow. As a result, uterine bleeding is reduced or stopped by stimulating the blood flow away from the uterus.

  • Cinnamon contains two chemicals, known as camphornin and cinnamonin, which have been proved to combat the growth of liver cancer and melanoma cells.


Cinnamon Nutrition Facts

Amount: 1 cup
Total Weight: 125 g

Nutrients
Amount
Basic Components

Protein
5 g
Water
13.3 g
Ash
4.5 g
Phytosterols
32 mg


Calories

Total Calories
308
Calories From Carbohydrate
287
Calories From Fat
13
Calories From Protein
9.1


Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates
101 g
Dietary Fiber
66 g
Sugar
2.7 g


Fats & Fatty Acids

Total Fat
1.5 g
Saturated Fat
431 mg
Monounsaturated Fat
307 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat
85 mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
14 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
55 mg


Vitamins

Vitamin A
368 IU
Vitamin C
4.7 mg
Vitamin E
2.9 mg
Vitamin K
39 mcg
Thiamin
27 mcg
Riboflavin
51 mcg
Niacin
1.7 mg
Vitamin B6
197 mcg
Folate
7.5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid
447 mcg
Choline
13.8 mg
Betaine
4.9 mg


Minerals

Calcium
1.3 g
Iron
10 mg
Magnesium
75 mg
Phosphorus
80 mg
Potassium
538 mg
Sodium
12 mg
Zinc
2.3 mg
Copper
423 mcg
Manganese
22 mg
Selenium
3.9 mcg

Dr.S.Senthil Karunakaran, M.D(Siddha)
AVIZTHAM SIDDHA HOSPITAL
No. 6, Mounasamy Mutt Street,
Ambattur O.T, Chennai – 53
Contact No - 9444403023

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