5 Benefits of Cinnamon, Against Free Radicals to Heart Disease

KOMPAS.com – For thousands of years, cinnamon has been used as a traditional medicine throughout the world.

Benefits of cinnamon, one of which, is obtained from an active ingredient called cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamon believed to treat various health problems, ranging from overcoming obesity to lowering blood sugar levels.

Reporting from WebMD, cinnamon contains very little protein or fat. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains a number of other vitamins and nutrients.

Even in small amounts, the nutrients contained in cinnamon are quite complete.

The content in one teaspoon of cinnamon is calories, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, potassium, beta carotene, vitamin A, fat, and protein.

Also read: 5 Health Benefits of Saffron, One of the Most Expensive Spices in the World

Here are 5 the benefits of cinnamon according to science, quoted from Healthline, 5 July 2018.

1. Protects from free radicals

Cinnamon is a spice that is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, which can prevent free radical damage.

In a study comparing the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon outperformed even super foods like garlic and oregano.

2. Overcoming inflammation

Inflammation plays an important role in fighting infection and repairing tissue damage.
However, inflammation can also be a chronic problem and actually invades body tissues.

Studies show that cinnamon has strong anti-inflammatory properties so it can treat inflammatory problems.

3. Reducing the risk of heart disease

In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has been shown to have a positive effect on blood markers.

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In addition, cinnamon can also reduce bad cholesterol levels and keep good cholesterol stable.

With these benefits, cinnamon is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Increase insulin sensitivity

Cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance, a symptom of serious conditions such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon will lower blood sugar levels so that it has a positive effect on diabetics.

5. Provide a positive effect for neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of structure or function of brain cells.

Also read: 3,700 Years Ago, Ancient Mediterranean People Enjoyed Asian Spices

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are the most common types of neurodegenerative diseases.

Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to be able to inhibit the buildup of protein in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Meanwhile, studies in mice with Parkinson’s have shown that cinnamon helps protect neurons, normalizes neurotransmitter levels, and improves motor function.

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