Snapshots
Fragrant and flavourful, cinnamon is a lot more than just a beloved spice. Celebrated for its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and blood sugar regulating properties, cinnamon makes for a great source of supporting daily wellness, while also playing a major role in women’s health. A powerhouse of health benefits, cinnamon helps in easing menstrual discomfort and balances hormones, while also promoting heart health and boosting metabolism. With naturally healing compounds that offer holistic nourishment, incorporating cinnamon into your routine is a simple yet impactful step towards a vibrant and balanced living.
General health benefits of cinnamon
Beyond the culinary charm that cinnamon holds, it is also a treasure trove of various health benefits. Steeped in ancient traditions and increasingly validated by modern science, here’s why the humble spice deserves a spot in your diet-
1. Rich in antioxidants
One of the major benefits of consuming cinnamon is that it is loaded with powerful antioxidants like polyphenols. A cinnamon power benefit that helps fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals, cinnamon helps boost the natural defense mechanism of the body. Not only your daily shield against chronic diseases, but cinnamon also supports cellular health, slows down aging, and strengthens the immune system.
2. Naturally balances blood sugar
One of the most praised health benefits of cinnamon is its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. It mimics insulin and improves glucose uptake by cells, making it especially beneficial for those managing type 2 diabetes. Even if you are someone who is looking for natural ways to prevent sugar spikes and crashes after meals, cinnamon is your go to solution.
3. Promotes heart health
Cinnamon largely helps to contribute to cardiovascular wellness by reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, while improving HDL, which is the good cholesterol. With the benefits of cinnamon, that is its anti-inflammatory properties and blood pressure lowering effects, it makes for a great source to help support a strong and healthy heart.
4. Boosts brain function
Cinnamon has been shown to support brain health by enhancing cognitive processing and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. With the compounds that it consists of, particularly cinnamaldehyde, it is believed to inhibit the buildup of tau proteins in the brain that are associated with dementia.
5. Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Cinnamon contains the compound cinnamaldehyde which has potent antimicrobial effects. As a result, one of the health benefits of cinnamon is that it can help fight infections and inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Cinnamon and women’s health
Packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and hormone balancing properties, cinnamon can play a supportive role throughout the various stages of a woman's life. Here’s how the spice can work wonders for women’s health and wellbeing-
1. Eases menstrual discomfort
Among the primary cinnamon benefits for females is that it has shown to help with menstrual cramps. Due to its anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties, cinnamon helps in reducing the severity, durations and frequency of period pain, acting as a natural alternative to over-the-counter painkillers.
2. Helps regulate menstrual cycle
Especially for women suffering with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), cinnamon may help regulate irregular cycles by improving insulin sensitivity. Since insulin resistance is often linked to the hormonal imbalances in PCOS, the cinnamon benefits for females with regards to the blood sugar level can have a positive downstream effect on the reproductive hormones.
3. Supports fertility
While more research is still needed regarding this area, certain studies suggest that cinnamon may enhance fertility by improving ovarian function and regulating ovulation in women with PCOS. Its antioxidant effects also help reduce oxidative stress, which can impair reproductive function.
4. May help manage menopausal symptoms
As estrogen declines during menopause, women often experience hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings. Cinnamon’s hormone balancing and metabolism supporting effects help ease some of these transitions. It may also help improve circulation and support heart health, both which are key post-menopausal concerns.
Usage precautions
Although there are numerous benefits of cinnamon, it also comes with certain precautions, especially if consumed in large quantities or used improperly. Moderation is the key while incorporating cinnamon as a part of your diet.
Cassia cinnamon is the most common type of cinnamon that is consumed by most people. It contains high levels of coumarin and can often be toxic to the liver and kidneys when consumed in large amounts. It is recommended to consume Ceylon cinnamon, which is also known as the ‘true cinnamon’, and has much lower levels of coumarin and is safer for regular use.