Interested in trying our FREE 7-day healthy diet plan? A cinnamon twists taco bell calories household spice, cinnamon was once traded as currency.

The spice has a pleasant flavour and warm smell, making it popular in cooking, especially in sweet bakes and savoury curries. Derived from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree, the bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry, where it curls into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powdered form. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our delicious cinnamon recipes, from cinnamon buns to cinnamon tea. The distinctive smell and flavour of cinnamon derives from the essential oils contained in the bark, called cinnamaldehyde. These bacteria may help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, support digestive health and alleviate any digestive issues. Human trials are promising and suggest cinnamon may have a moderate effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

In Alzheimer’s, accumulation of protein fragments in the brain act by slowing how a person thinks and remembers. 1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children. In rare circumstances, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis. However, it is high in compounds called coumarins, which in large doses may cause toxicity. Ceylon, or ‘true’ cinnamon, has relatively low levels of coumarins and may be better tolerated. If consumed in large amounts, cinnamon may interact with prescribed medication, including those for diabetes, heart and liver disease. If you’re on prescription medication, have a relevant medical condition or have other related concerns, speak to your GP for further guidance.

Check out more of our cinnamon recipes. This article was updated on 22 November 2021 by Kerry Torrens. Association for Nutrition with a specialism in public health. Over the past 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food.

If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff.

Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. 13 Major Cinnamon Benefits Explain Why It’s the World’s No. Interestingly enough, researchers have found that the spice ranks No. 1 out of 26 of the most popular herbs and spices in the world in terms of its protective antioxidant levels. It also boasts a wide range of other health benefits, including antibacterial, antifungal and anti-diabetic properties.

This bark contains several special compounds that are responsible for its many health-promoting properties, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate. Why is it good for you, and how can you add it to your diet? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about this potent spice. As one of the oldest spices in the world, cinnamon has long been used for its healing properties as a staple in many forms of holistic and traditional medicine. Here are some of the top benefits of this spice.

High in Antioxidants Cinnamon is packed with a variety of protective antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and slow the aging process. In fact, researchers have identified at least 41 different protective compounds found within the spice to date. According to the ORAC scale, which is used to measure the concentration of antioxidants in different foods, cinnamon ranks No. 7 of all foods, herbs and spices. It has been shown to have greater antioxidant power than commonly consumed herbs like thyme, garlic and rosemary. Cinnamon health benefits are attributed to its content of a few specific types of antioxidants, including polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids. These compounds work to fight oxidative stress in the body and have been found to aid in the prevention of chronic disease.

The different antioxidants present in the spice help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and prevent oxidative stress. It also helps limit nitric oxide buildup in the blood and prevents fat peroxidation, both of which can increase the risk of brain disorders, cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions. Relieves Inflammation The antioxidants in cinnamon can help relieve inflammation, which may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline and more. Researchers have identified many different types of flavonoids in the spice, all of which are highly effective at fighting dangerous inflammation levels throughout the body. Because this powerful spice lowers swelling and prevents inflammation, it can also be beneficial in pain management. In fact, studies show that it helps reduce muscle soreness, decrease menstrual pain, lessen the severity of allergic reactions and relieve other age-related symptoms of pain as well.