Four great health benefits of cinnamon, a truly global spice

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for millennia, obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum. Its use even dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who used cinnamon as a spice and a medicine. Its health benefits are numerous- here’s a few ways it could help you!

Relieves Pain

Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce pain in arthritis patients. It also helps to ease muscle pain, such as backache, menstrual cramps and headaches, and is a noted anti-inflammatory.

Improves Digestion

The essential oils found in cinnamon give it antibacterial properties which help fight off infections in the gut. This can improve digestion and prevent diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It can also help treat indigestion by stimulating your appetite so you are more likely to eat regular meals with smaller portions.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Cinnamon contains phytochemicals called coumarins that lower cholesterol levels by preventing the absorption of fats from food into your bloodstream. Coumarins also have antioxidant properties which protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals in your body's cells which can damage them over time leading to chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer.

Cardiovascular benefits

Cinnamon has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation (the sticking together of platelets that can lead to blood clots) and decrease blood pressure in animal studies. A human study published in 2021 found that it could help protect against metabolic disease, regulate blood sugar, and, as mentioned above, reduce many elevated key markers of poor heart health: triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL.

Cinnamon has some incredible, proven benefits that make it a no-brainer to start using more in your everyday meals and recipes.