Health benefits of cinnamon (dalchini)

Cinnamon or dalchini is a staple addition to curries, pulav and biryani,

but did you ever think that that tiny little bark could protect you from a
host of illnesses right from cancer to cough and cold? Well, it sure can.
Here are the top ten health benefits of cinnamon:
Helps keep diabetes under check: According to a study published in
the Diabetes Care Journal , cinnamon was a highly effective remedy against
[1]

diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. The study stated that the spice has the
ability to improve one’s glucose levels and lipid levels by activating his/her
insulin receptors. It also reduces the total serum glucose, triglycerides and the
total cholesterol of a person since it stimulates the enzyme systems that
regulate one’s carbohydrate metabolism. Cinnamon also has amazing
vasodialatory properties that help beat the risk of cardiovascular disease – a
common condition seen in diabetics. (Read: Home remedies for diabetes)
Tip: Cinnamon tea is one of the most beneficial methods to beat diabetes. To
make the tea, boil cinnamon in water for 15 minutes. The water will turn brown
in colour, strain the liquid and drink. To add flavor you could add a few leaves
of tulsi while boiling and add a spoon of honey for sweetness. Keep sipping on
this tea throughout the day.
Can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s: A study conducted at the Tel Aviv
University found that the extract of cinnamon, when administered on a daily
[2]

basis to patients with Alzheimer’s improved their longevity and bettered the
locomotor defects they experience once afflicted with the disease. Cinnamon
extract also known as CEppt, inhibits tau aggregation (tau is a type of protein
that aggregates around that part of the nerves that is responsible for
transmitting impulses of the brain) and filament formation (a process that is
thought to be due to the accumulation of tau protein) which in turn protects the
brain from the onset of Alzheimer’s and can also help in slowing down the
progression of the disease. (Read: Alzheimer’s disease – it’s more common
than you think)
Tip: To help protect you from disease, have a teaspoon of freshly ground
cinnamon with a little bit of honey. Have this every day on an empty stomach.
If you find this mixture too pungent, try having it as tea.
Helps protect you from cancer: In a study done by the USDA (United States
Agricultural Department), it was found that cinnamon extract was a potent
weapon against leukaemia and lymphomas. The study found that the extract
worked by blocking the path of certain components that were important for the
regeneration of the cell, inhabited the further multiplication of cancerous cells,
and slowly reduced their spread. It also found that the higher the amount of
extract the better the results. Remarkably, the extract only inhibited the growth
of unhealthy cells and left the healthy cells untouched unlike conventional
therapies like chemotherapy, etc. (Read: Can herbal remedies beat cancer?)
Tip: Add cinnamon to your daily diet either by sprinkling it on your food or with
honey.
Relieves arthritic pain: Cinnamon is packed with a compound known as
cinnamomum, which has very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
properties that make it a great home remedy for arthritic pain. Its natural
heating mechanism provides added relief to aching joints.
Tip: Grind cinnamon into a fine paste with water and apply on the aching
joints. You can place a soft muslin cloth on the paste to keep the paste wet for
longer.
Helps in digestion: Cinnamon is packed with mineral manganese, fibre,
essential oils and calcium. The calcium and fibre combine with bile salts and
help in their transport outside the body. The essential oils, help regulate the
action of gastric juices on food, improves digestion, assimilation and its anti
inflammatory properties helps reduce the inflammation caused due to
indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcers. Moreover the fibre content
helps to relieve constipation and diarrhoea. (Read: 10 Home remedies for
constipation)
Tip: To relieve a stomach upset have cinnamon tea infused with mint leaves
about two to three times a day.
Helps with weight loss: Cinnamon has great digestive properties, it helps
with weight loss by regulating the breakdown of carbohydrates and the
production and use of insulin by the body. It also helps improve the digestion
and assimilation of food within the body, helping one lose weight.
(Read: Herbs for weight loss)
Tip: Drink cinnamon tea with a teaspoon of honey every day, half an hour
before breakfast. Alternatively you could add cinnamon powder to your meal
by sprinkling it on your salad, coffee or other foods.
Helps beat acne: Cinnamon is a common spice and flavouring agent but the
essential oil it contains also has strong anti-microbial properties. The water
activity of honey is very low and this means that it does not contain a lot of
moisture which can promote the growth of microorganisms. Considering that
pimples often arise from an infection within the pores of the skin, combining
cinnamon with honey is an effective remedy. (Read: Herbal remedies to get rid
of pimples)
Tip: Crush a little cinnamon, and add a bit of honey to make it into a paste.
Now apply it on the pimple and leave for a few minutes. You can leave it on
overnight also for added benefit. Wash off the paste with warm water and
watch that pimple vanish.
Helps cure a cold and cough: Known for its antibiotic and body warming
properties, cinnamon is a formidable remedy against a cold and cough. It not
only helps to relieve the congestion commonly experienced with a cold, it is
also great for a sore throat when combined with ginger, tulsi and honey.
Tip: Boil a small crushed piece of ginger, a few leaves of tulsi leaves, crushed
black pepper in two cups of water. Cover the vessel with a lid and let the
mixture boil at a low heat. When the solution has simmered for about ten
minutes, strain the liquid, add a teaspoon of honey and drink. It should be
warm. This solution will not only soothe an irritated throat, it will also clear up
the blocked nasal passage and sinuses.
Beats heart disease and atherosclerosis: Packed with fibre and calcium,
cinnamon is great for the heart. Since the fibre and calcium and help transport
bile salts outside the body, the body produces more bile salts for other bodily
functions by breaking down cholesterol. This directly translates to lower
cholesterol levels which protect the heart from blockages and the arteries from
atherosclerosis.
Tip: Have a teaspoon of cinnamon powder everyday on an empty stomach.
You can add honey or drink it with warm water.
Fights tooth decay: Cinnamon oil is known for its antibacterial properties. It
is essentially good for the teeth and gums. Cinnamon not only beats tooth
decay but also helps prevent gingivitis and bad breath.
Tip: If you are suffering from bad breath, gargle with cinnamon infused water
(cinnamon boiled in water). For toothache and gingivitis, chew on a small
piece of cinnamon, to get some relief.