Abuse of high-fat foods is considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease because fatty foods can lead to weight gain, diabetes and other harmful health conditions. However, new studies show that it may be possible to reduce some of this risk by adding cinnamon to the diet.
Scientists found that rats who ate 12 weeks of high-fat food with cinnamon added less body weight and abdominal fat and had healthier fat, sugar, and insulin levels in the blood than rats given the same fat meal without cinnamon.
Co-author of the study Dr. Vijaya Juturu and her colleagues at OmniActive Health Technologies Inc. recently presented their findings at the American Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology / Peripheral Vascular Disease, organized by the American Heart Association in Minneapolis .
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common name for ailments affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke and heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in both men and women in Estonia, killing over 8,000 people every year.
Diet and nutrition play an important role in SVH. An unhealthy diet – such as excessive consumption of high fat foods – can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels and other health conditions that cause bad cardiovascular health.
According to the Juru, the study showed that cinnamon (a flavoring derived from the Cinnamomum family of trees in the Latin language ) contains polypenol having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can therefore reduce the risk factors for SVH due to poor diet.
Cinnamon has many good qualities
Cinnamon is considered to be one of the most powerful spices and has been used by mankind for thousands of years to treat it. Even today, the use of cinnamon to improve health in many cultures is honored by its many health benefits, not to mention the sweet and warm taste.
In addition to the above, there are several other good qualities that cinnamon has for the health of the body:
Protects heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure
Special cinnamon compounds help lower total cholesterol levels, with only lower cholesterol levels, while maintaining good cholesterol levels. Cinnamon also lowers blood pressure, which is one of the most important causes of heart disease and stroke. Studies also show that cinnamon contributes to blood clotting and thereby accelerates bleeding. Also, cinnamon also accelerates blood circulation and promotes the healing of damaged tissues, including heart tissues, which need renewal to successfully combat heart disease.
Fighting with diabetes
Cinnamon is also known for its anti-diabetic effect. It helps to lower blood sugar levels and increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a vital hormone to keep your blood sugar level in balance. Studies have shown that cinnamon blocks certain enzymes called alanines, which contribute to glucose absorption in the blood. Therefore, after consuming high-sugar foods, cinnamon consumption reduces blood glucose levels, which is particularly critical for those with diabetes.
Suppresses cognitive decline and protects brain function
Studies show that one of the antioxidant properties of cinnamon also contributes to the brain’s ability to protect itself against neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Cinnamon activates proteins in the body that protect brain cells from mutations and damage. This in turn reduces the harmful effects of oxidative stress and stops cell death and self-destruction.
Can help reduce the risk of cancer
Because of its antioxidant properties, cinnamon helps protect the body against DNA damage, cell mutations, and cancerous tissue growth. The cinnamon-containing compound called cinnamaldehyde inhibits the growth of cancer cells and protects DNA from damage while promoting the process of self-destruction of cancer cells.
Combats infection and viruses
Cinnamon is a natural substance that has strong antimicrobial, fungal and antiviral activity. The immune enhancing effect is hidden in the cinnamon essential oils. Cinnamon is used in many cultures as a natural substance that helps fight harmful infections and viruses. Cinnamon has even a powerful immune system boosting effect, with some studies showing that its use helps reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Protects teeth health and refreshes breath
Studies have discovered that the extracts of cinnamon protect the mouth of a microbial living bacterium that causes bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth decay. Cinnamon essential oils have shown much better results in terms of dental health than other natural plant extracts. Like peppermint, cinnamon can be used successfully as a chewing gum flavor because of its natural mouth refreshing effect. Because cinnamon has an anti-bacterial effect in the mouth, no additional chemicals are needed. Cinnamon is therefore also used, for example, in the treatment of dental pains, dental diseases and oral ulcers.
Improves skin health
Cinnamon has an antibiotic and antimicrobial effect that protects the skin against irritation, rash, allergic reactions and infections. Applying cinnamon essential oils directly onto the skin can help reduce inflammation, swelling, pain and redness.
Helps fight allergies
Studies have shown that allergies often find relief from cinnamon consumption. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, cinnamon is successful in fighting the symptoms of conventional allergy.
Suitable for use as a sweetener without addition of sugar
Thanks to its natural sweet taste, the use of cinnamon reduces the consumption of sugar in foods. The big advantage of cinnamon in sugar is that it does not contain sugar and calories. Try cinnamon for example for tea, coffee yogurt and fruit flavoring. It helps to reduce the amount of sugar you need, add calories and lose weight.
Used as a preservative in natural foods
One of the few good qualities of cinnamon is that it can be used to store food. Studies have shown that when the fruit pulp covered with cinnamon leaf extract, it stays fresh longer.
To date, nearly 250 different types of cinnamon have been discovered. Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon are the two best known of them. Both have good health features mentioned above, but if you should choose between two, take Ceylon cinnamon because its healthy qualities are considered a little stronger.
