Cinnamon has 5 times as many antioxidants as ½ cup of bluberries or a cup of pomegranate juice.
Some of our best medicines are in our kitchen cabinet, not the bathroom cabinet. Recent, surprising studies show that some herbs and spices are antioxidant powerhouses -- and that cinnamon is the second highest. (Cloves are the first, but are harder to work into our daily diet).
Here is a list of the top ten antioxidant spices. All these substances have something wonderful in common. Their shared anti-inflammatory power is commonly described as helping arthritis sufferers and people with other types of pain. But the bigger picture of antioxidants’ anti-inflammatory power is their ability to reduce inflammation of the inner lining of the arteries and neutralize LDL (bad cholesterol)’s ability to deposit cholesterol, thus preventing atherosclerosis.
Cinnamon, like the others at the top of the list, has huge anti-inflammatory power. One teaspoon helps to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, and may help prevent type-2 diabetes. Studies even show that just ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholestero plus have beneficial effects on regulating blood sugar. This makes it beneficial for everyone, especially people with Type 2 diabetes.
In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. In another study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder every morning with breakfast had significant relief in arthritis and other joint pain. And yet another study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
Last in this long and exciting list, cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
(Dried herbs should be kept in closed containers in a cool dry place for up to six months. Garlic, incidentally, is said to have many health benefits, but is way down the list, with only 83 ORAC units per teaspoon.)
Comments
Great articles! It is wonderful something so delicious (that can be used on many things) .... has so many great health benefits! Another recent article on benefits is in June 2009, Can Family Physician: "Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes." (pdf version (full text) is free).
My daughter's Pediatrician told me the benefits of cinammon for high cholesterol years ago and you would think I would have tried it already! Thank you for the reminder, I will definitely start using it. :)
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!