Cinnamon an Amazing Spice
Breads, cookies, cakes and pies are flavored with one of the oldest known spices — cinnamon. Not only does this favorite spice add mouthwatering taste, cinnamon also adds a healthy kick to foods.
Cinnamon’s beneficial effects are far-reaching. One study shows that just smelling cinnamon or chewing cinnamon-flavored gum enhances brain processing and function, from memory to visual-motor speed to recognition to attention and focus.
Other research shows cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels and relieve arthritis pain.
Cinnamon also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s active against Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush, and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. Another study shows cinnamon makes cells more sensitive to insulin to help better regulate blood sugar levels.
In a study published in the medical journal Diabetes Care, people with Type 2 diabetes took cinnamon every day in varying amounts ranging from one-fourth teaspoon to 1 teaspoon. After 40 days, all the subjects had reduced their fasting blood glucose by 18 to 29 percent; triglycerides by 23 to 30 percent; LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27 percent; and total cholesterol by 12 to 26 percent.
In addition, cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, fiber, iron, calcium and other minerals. Pretty amazing for such a fantastic tasting spice, isn’t it?
As with any food or spice, the fresher the cinnamon the better. So your five-year old jar of cinnamon may not hold the same potency. Buy fresh, organic if possible, cinnamon sticks or the freshest ground cinnamon available.
So sprinkle cinnamon in your cocoa, coffee or tea, knowing cinnamon just may be the spice of life!
For another way to take control of your health, add patented GlucAffect® to your diet. It contains cinnamon in addition to many other powerful ingredients, such as LunaRich and Pycnogenol. GlucAffect has been clinically proven to help with blood sugar management and weight loss.