Cinnamon Spice… and Everything Nice!!!

Tis the season for cinnamon spice… and everything nice about it!

While we often associate cinnamon with sugar and a tasty dusting over some of our favorite seasonal desserts – cinnamon is actually a super spice with a long list of surprising health perks! 

 

In fact, a recent study compared the health benefits of 20+ different spices and cinnamon was ranked number one.

 

Cinnamon contains high amounts of a compound called cinnamaldehyde. 

 

This compound is responsible for the unique, spicy scent of cinnamon (who doesn’t love a cinnamon scented candle this time of year??) and the multitude of natural perks to your health and your metabolism. 

 

Cinnamon is known to…

 

😊 Decrease bad cholesterol and lower blood pressure, also lowering your potential risk factors for heart disease.

 

😊 Provide a large amount of polyphenol antioxidants to fight free radicals in your body.

 

😊 Have significant anti-inflammatory properties that can help with chronic pain and lower your risk for certain diseases.

 

😊 Increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can help prevent diabetes.

 

😊 Lower your blood sugar by limiting the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream.

 

😊 Potentially fight some bacterial and fungal infections, including certain bacteria that can cause respiratory infections!

 

Studies suggest that you can reap the many benefits of cinnamon by adding as little as one half of a teaspoon of powder to your daily diet. 

 

I like to add cinnamon to my morning coffee! Do you like the flavor of cinnamon? Comment below with your favorite way to enjoy the spice.