Not only is it known as the “nemesis of cancer,” this herb, classified as one of the Four Treasures of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also has excellent blood sugar balancing properties.
Cinnamon is a widely used spice in cooking and baking, derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, known for its distinctive aroma and sweet flavor.
This evergreen tree is found in the Himalayas and various other mountainous regions, as well as in forests throughout Southern China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Cinnamon or its components can positively influence cognitive function.
In addition to its unique flavor, cinnamon possesses several beneficial properties for humans. Research indicates that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It can also enhance the immune system.
A study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that cinnamon can inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells. Furthermore, cinnamaldehyde within cinnamon helps protect the colon from the harmful effects of free radicals, thus reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Some compounds derived from cinnamon are also extracted for cancer treatment formulations.
Blood Sugar Control: Cinnamon has been shown to increase glucose consumption in cells and contribute to blood sugar regulation, improving insulin sensitivity. In several studies, cinnamon has demonstrated its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, cinnamon has other effects such as:
Anti-aging: Cinnamon is renowned for its anti-aging properties due to its high antioxidant content, particularly tannins. These substances help the body combat free radicals that cause cellular aging, such as those from pollution.
Enhancing Brain Performance: Research from the Healthspan Center (UK) highlights cinnamon’s potential in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. This ingredient is believed to increase the production of sodium benzoate in the brain, a compound that directly impacts the hippocampus, the area crucial for memory and learning.
Warming the Body: In winter, cinnamon effectively helps us fend off the cold by quickly raising body temperature.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
The research team reviewed hundreds of studies stored in various online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. They then narrowed their analysis down to 40 of these studies.
Among these, 33 studies were conducted in vivo (i.e., testing real living organisms such as humans, rodents, or other animals). Five studies were performed in vitro (meaning outside living organisms, by analyzing cells or tissues post-mortem), and two clinical studies were conducted (involving medical patients).
The team extracted relevant data from all these studies, including: author, year of publication, compound or type of cinnamon used, study subjects and sample size, dosage of cinnamon or bioactive components utilized, gender and age of participants, duration, methods, and outcomes achieved.
They then assessed the quality and reliability of the studies based on design, sample size, recruitment criteria, and other methodological aspects.
Finally, the team analyzed and compared the results of the 40 selected articles. Overall, most studies suggest that cinnamon can positively impact both memory and cognitive function.
