Why Cinnamon Is the No. 1 Spice in the World

Cinnamon is a powerful spice that has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. It is still used daily in many cultures because of the widespread cinnamon benefits, not to mention its distinctly sweet, warming taste and ease of use in recipes.

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.

Cinnamon is actually made from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum (or Cinnamomum zeylanicum) tree. 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.

Health Benefits

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Protects Heart Health

Studies show that one of the top cinnamon health benefits is its ability to improve heart health. In fact, it has been shown to reduce several of the most common risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels and high blood pressure to keep your heart healthy and strong.

It has also been found to reduce high blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease or a stroke.

Research shows that it is a helpful blood coagulant and can stop excess bleeding by helping the body to form blood clots. Cinnamon also increases circulation and improves tissue repair, which may be especially helpful for regenerating heart tissue in order to help fight heart attacks, heart disease and stroke.

4. Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Cinnamon is well-known for its anti-diabetic effects, which is why it’s considered one of the best foods for diabetics. Research indicates that it can lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which helps transport sugar from the bloodstream to the tissues to keep blood sugar levels balanced.

Studies suggest that cinnamon for diabetes can help block the activity of several digestive enzymes to slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream after a high-carb meal. For this reason, researchers believe that people with type 2 diabetes may experience significant positive effects on blood sugar markers by supplementing with cinnamon extract.

5. Preserves Brain Function

Because it is rich in antioxidants, research shows that this spice may boost brain function and can help defend against the development of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Although human studies are lacking, in vitro studies show that cinnamon helps block the buildup of a specific protein in the brain to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also been shown to protect neurons against oxidative stress to reduce the risk of inflammation and cell damage in animal models, which can help preserve brain function and prevent cognitive decline.

6. May Help Lower Cancer Risk

Because of its antioxidant abilities, cinnamon may protect against DNA damage, cell mutation and cancerous tumor growth. Studies have revealed that the health benefits of cinnamon come from a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which can inhibit tumor growth and protect DNA against damage while also killing off cancer cells.

This is especially true in the colon. Studies show that it can improve the health of the colon, which could reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Cinnamon is now being investigated as a natural cancer-fighting food because of its strong antioxidant abilities and may be a useful supplement for those at a higher risk of cancer.

7. Fights Infections and Viruses

There are many potential benefits of cinnamon when it comes to defending the body from illness. It contains natural antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties, and its essential oils contain powerful immune-boosting compounds as well.

For this reason, it is used in many cultures to naturally help fight harmful infections and viruses. Cinnamon oil, in particular, can also protect against bacterial infections, which can cause conditions like the common cold, strep throat and pneumonia.

8. Optimizes Oral Hygiene

Research shows that cinnamon benefits oral hygiene and could protect against certain strains of bacteria that cause bad breath, tooth decay, cavities and mouth infections. The essential oils from cinnamon possess potent antibacterial properties and can be used to naturally combat bacteria in the mouth, acting as a natural mouthwash.

Similar to peppermint, one of the health benefits of cinnamon is that it can also be used as a natural flavoring agent in chewing gums due to its refreshing taste. Because it removes oral bacteria, the spice has the ability to fight bad breath without adding any chemicals to the body.

Because of this, it has also been traditionally used as tooth powder and a natural remedy for toothaches, dental problems and mouth sores.

9. Prevents Candida

Research suggests that the powerful antifungal properties in cinnamon could be effective in treating and preventing candida overgrowth in the digestive tract. It has been shown to lower amounts of dangerous candida albicans, which is the yeast that causes candida overgrowth and can cause a host of digestive and autoimmune issues.

Another studied health benefit of cinnamon is that it helps control blood sugar levels. A diet high in refined carbs can increase the amount of sugar in the digestive tract and may be associated with an increased risk of candida.

10. Benefits Skin Health

The potential cinnamon benefits for skin are rooted in its antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, which can help protect skin from irritation, rashes, allergic reactions and infection. One study indicates that applying cinnamon essential oil directly to the skin can be helpful in reducing inflammation, swelling, pain and redness.

One of the benefits of cinnamon and honey, another antimicrobial ingredient, is that using both together can boost skin health even more and may be beneficial for acne, rosacea and skin allergies. You can use add either raw honey or Manuka honey for additional skin relief.

11. Reduces Allergy Symptoms

Those with allergies may find relief thanks to the multitude of beneficial compounds packed into this spice. In fact, it may help combat common allergy symptoms because it’s been shown to reduce inflammation and fight histamine reactions in many animal models.

12. Sweetens Up Recipes Without Sugar

Because of its naturally sweet taste, adding cinnamon to foods and recipes can help you cut down on the amount of sugar you normally use, effectively lowering the glycemic load of your meal. It already has anti-diabetic effects that slow sugar absorption and may help curb cravings by stabilizing blood sugar, but using the spice for its naturally sweet taste is yet another added benefit that can boost blood sugar control. It’s a great sweetener for people with insulin sensitivity.

It contains no added sugar and minimal calories yet is high in many nutrients, making it an extremely healthy addition to many meals.

Try using cinnamon in coffee, tea, baked goods, yogurt, on fruit or in oatmeal instead of adding extra sugar. This can help you reduce your sugar intake and cut down on extra calories to aid in weight loss and fight candida, diabetes and low energy.

READ RELATED: Five 2022 Deaths That Were Significant

13. Acts as a Natural Preservative

One of the lesser-known cinnamon powder benefits is that it can be used to preserve food. Because it has antibacterial abilities and acts as an antioxidant, research highlights that it can be used as a preservative in many foods without the need for chemicals or artificial ingredients.

A recent study reported that when pectin from fruit was coated with cinnamon leaf extract, it yielded high antioxidant and antibacterial activities and stayed fresh for longer. It also possesses anti-tyrosinase activities, which can be useful in stopping the discoloration of fruits and vegetables as they oxidize and begin to rot.

Types

The cinnamon tree is grown around the world, and approximately 250 species of the spice have been identified so far.

However, there are two main types of cinnamon spice used today: Ceylon cinnamon, which is sometimes labeled as true or real cinnamon, and cassia cinnamon, which is more widely available and commonly used.

Ceylon and cassia actually come from two different, but related, trees. Ceylon comes from trees grown in areas like Sri Lanka and Thailand that are rarer — therefore Ceylon is more expensive and harder to find in stores.

Conversely, cinnamon of the cassia variety (also called Saigon or Chinese cinnamon) comes from trees grown in China and is less expensive and more widely available.

To date, cassia has been studied more extensively than Ceylon, but researchers think that Ceylon may actually have more health benefits than cassia.

Ceylon also contains less of a compound called coumarin than cassia, which can be potentially damaging to the liver when consumed in high amounts. For this reason, Ceylon is the better option for producing cinnamon extracts that contain highly concentrated doses of the spice.

As far as taste goes, Ceylon is said to have a lighter and more citrusy taste than cassia, which is considered deeper and spicier. For the most part, however, the two can be used interchangeably in recipes.

They each have a notable spicy taste and fragrance due to the presence of cinnamaldehyde. Both types also contain plenty of health benefits, but Ceylon cinnamon powder is actually considered to be more potent.

In addition to these two common types of cinnamon, some of the other varieties available include:

• Indonesian cinnamon
• Vietnamese cinnamon
• Indian cinnamon
• Malabar cinnamon

Nutrition Facts

A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way, and its antioxidant properties are what makes it especially beneficial to include in your diet. As little as half a teaspoon daily can have positive effects on blood sugar levels, digestion, immunity and more.

However, stronger doses are also extremely beneficial for improving heart disease risk and cutting your risk of diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Cinnamon also supplies a wide variety of important nutrients and is especially rich in fiber and manganese, along with several other vitamins and minerals.

A one-tablespoon serving of ground cinnamon (about 7.8 grams) contains approximately:

• Calories: 19.3
• Total Carbohydrates: 6.3 g
  • Fiber: 4.1 g
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
• Total Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.03 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 0.8 mg (0.03% DV*)
• Manganese: 1.4 mg (61% DV)
• Calcium: 78 mg (6% DV)
• Iron: 0.6 mg (3% DV)
• Vitamin K: 2.4 mcg (2% DV)

*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

In addition to the nutrients listed above, this common spice also contains a small amount of vitamin E, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper.

How to Use

Researchers have concluded that cinnamon health benefits can be obtained in the form of its pure bark, essential oils, in ground spice form (which is bark powder) or in extract form when its special phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidants have been isolated. These compounds make it one of the most beneficial spices on Earth, giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, immunity-boosting, and potential cancer-fighting and heart disease-protecting abilities.

You can find cassia cinnamon in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. However, look for organic Ceylon cinnamon powder and cinnamon essential oil in health food stores or ethnic markets to really get the most benefits from cinnamon.

Check the label to determine which type you’re buying, and keep in mind that if it doesn’t list the type, it’s most likely the cassia variety, which is less expensive and more commonly used.

You can also purchase cinnamon sticks and grate fresh cinnamon yourself using a small grater. Additionally, you can try using whole sticks (also referred to as quills) to infuse liquids like mulled wine and give them a distinct flavor.

You can also infuse the spice into hot water to take advantage of the many benefits of cinnamon tea.

To determine which type of stick you’re purchasing, look at the texture. Ceylon generally has a thinner, more brittle cinnamon bark than cassia.

Ground cinnamon also works well for sweetening dishes like oatmeal, yogurt or baked goods. It can add a bit of depth and warmth to savory dishes as well, so give it a try in your next bowl of soup or stew.

Besides using it fresh or ground in your favorite recipes, there are many other cinnamon uses and supplements available. For example, cinnamon pills, cinnamon essential oil or capsules are all also available as well for a quick and concentrated dose of the spice.

Recipes

There are plenty of delicious ways to squeeze a hearty dose of cinnamon into your diet. Here are a few simple recipes to get you started:

Can You Have Too Much?

When used in moderation, cinnamon is generally safe and can be consumed with minimal risk of side effects.

However, research shows that high amounts of the spice — cassia cinnamon in particular — can cause several adverse symptoms. This is due to the presence of a compound called coumarin, which has been shown to damage the liver in large amounts.

While Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts, cassia cinnamon is much higher in coumarin. Excess consumption of the coumarin found in cassia cinnamon has also been linked to other health problems, including an increased risk of cancer development.

Because of its anti-diabetic properties, cinnamon may also contribute to low blood sugar levels, especially if you take blood sugar-lowering medications already. Cinnamon consumption has also been associated with breathing problems and mouth sores in some people.

This spice is not known to cause negative reactions or allergies, especially when used in small amounts the way that it most commonly is. At times, when taking extract supplements or using cinnamon essential oil, it’s possible to take too much, which can interfere with other medicines and medical conditions.

Cinnamon can become unsafe if you take too many cinnamon supplements, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, have liver disease, or recently had surgery. Always make sure you read the recommended dose of cinnamon extracts and other herbal extracts, and don’t consume more than is recommended without speaking with your doctor first in order to avoid complications.

Additionally, if you’re using cinnamon essential oil, you might also want to test a small patch of your skin to first check for irritation and allergic reactions before using larger amounts to prevent negative side effects or allergic reactions.

Additionally, many people often wonder: Is cinnamon bad for dogs? While cinnamon is non-toxic to your furry friends, it’s best to stick to Ceylon cinnamon to minimize coumarin consumption and keep intake in moderation to prevent negative side effects.

Conclusion

• Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of cinnamon tree that is packed with nutrients, including fiber, manganese and calcium.
• Adding it to your routine can come with a long list of benefits, including better blood sugar control, improved oral hygiene, enhanced heart health and reduced inflammation among others.
• There are many varieties available, but it’s primarily found in two main types: cassia and Ceylon. Ceylon is thought to be more potent and contain more extensive health benefits, while cassia is cheaper to produce and more widely available.
• High doses of this spice may cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, mouth sores, low blood sugar and liver problems. Therefore, it’s best to keep intake in moderation and pair with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to maximize the potential health benefits.