Eat Me: Five reasons to add cinnamon to your list of spices

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of Cinnamomum tree species.

Across the world, it is best known as a condiment. Asides its culinary uses, it is also used in medicine and beauty products.

Here are five reasons for you to consider adding it to your list of spices.

High in antioxidants

Protective antioxidants reduce free radical damage and slow down the ageing process.

Cinnamon contains a few specific types of antioxidants, including polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids.

These compounds work to fight oxidative stress in the body and aid in the prevention of chronic disease.

Has anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is one of the body’s mechanisms of fighting infections and repairing damaged tissue.

However, it becomes a cause for concern when the body is fighting its own tissues. This is where cinnamon is important, as studies have found that it is effective in reducing inflammation.

Helps fight bacterial and fungal infections

Cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active components of cinnamon, helps fight various kinds of infection.

Cinnamon oil can also be used to treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi and inhibit the growth of certain bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella.

Potential to lower blood sugar level

Research claims that cinnamon can help block the activity of several digestive enzymes to slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream after a high-carb meal

The American Diabetes Association, although sceptical about cinnamon reducing blood glucose level of type 2 diabetes patients, acknowledges that there’s hope that the spice could provide a promising supplement for people with the disease.

Aids oral hygiene

Cinnamon may be able to protect certain strains of bacteria causing bad breath or tooth decay.

Its essential oils can act as a natural mouthwash as they possess potentially strong antibacterial properties and can be used to naturally combat bacteria in the mouth.

Additional beauty tip

Adding ground cinnamon or cinnamon oil into lip beauty routine can cause the lips to be plumper or fuller.

Before applying your regular lip balm, do the following:

1. Mix ground cinnamon or cinnamon oil in a bowl with vaseline, beeswax or olive oil.
2. Massage the paste generously on lips.
3. Leave the paste on for 5 to ten minutes.
4. Wipe off the mixture.
5. Apply regular lip balm.

Be sure to test your body’s tolerance of cinnamon by consulting a trusted specialist.