17/10/2024
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
"Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants that protect our bodies from harmful free radicals," says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, cookbook author and founder of Once Upon a Pumpkin. "These antioxidants help fight inflammation, reduce stress caused by oxidation and support our defense against chronic diseases and illness."
Michalczyk also points out how cinnamon can help to regulate blood sugar levels. A 2021 review published in Food & Function suggests that cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps to control a person's glucose levels. "By slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates and enhancing insulin signaling, cinnamon can help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes," she says.
On the other hand, because some versions of cassia cinnamon have a high amount of coumarin, consumers should be careful. Overconsumption of coumarin has been linked to liver damage, and thus cassia should only be consumed in small quantities. The tolerable daily intake of coumarin is around 0.05 milligrams per pound of body weight, so keeping cassia consumption to under a teaspoon a day is safest.
Is one type of cinnamon healthier than the other? Given that Ceylon cinnamon contains little to no coumarin, it would be considered the healthiest type of cinnamon to have if you plan to consume it regularly compared to cassia. Research shows that cinnamon may be beneficial for people with diabetes by helping to increase insulin sensitivity for steadier blood sugar levels, but it should still be consumed with caution. If you are considering adding cinnamon to your routine to help manage your blood sugar, be sure to talk to a doctor about safe quantities.
-All contents copied from eatingwell.com-
Learn the similarities and differences between types of cinnamon, which type is highest in coumarin, the health benefits of cinnamon and more.