Cinnamon: From ancient preservative to modern superfood

• Modern studies confirm cinnamon’s ability to improve insulin sensitivity, lower fasting blood glucose and stabilize post-meal blood sugar spikes – effective even for prediabetic and Type 2 diabetic individuals at doses as low as half a teaspoon daily.
• Cinnamon supports heart health by reducing harmful lipoproteins, relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure and combating chronic inflammation through its potent antioxidants (like polyphenols) and cinnamaldehyde.
• Research highlights cinnamon’s neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) by shielding neurons from oxidative stress and enhancing cognitive/motor function.
• Cassia cinnamon (common in stores) contains liver-stressing coumarin, while Ceylon is safer for daily use. Experts warn against inhaling dry cinnamon (lung irritation) and advise caution when combining it with diabetes meds/blood thinners due to amplified effects.
• To preserve potency, store cinnamon in airtight containers away from heat/light, grind whole sticks fresh and add it post-cooking (e.g., stirred into cooled oatmeal) to retain bioactive compounds.

For millennia, cinnamon has been prized not just for its warm, aromatic flavor but for its medicinal properties – from preserving meats in ancient Egypt to soothing digestive ailments in traditional Chinese medicine.

Today, modern science confirms what herbalists have long known: This humble spice may play a surprising role in managing diabetes, reducing inflammation and even protecting brain health. Recent studies suggest that incorporating as little as half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily could significantly improve blood sugar control, lower blood pressure and enhance antioxidant defenses.

Cinnamon’s potency lies in its bioactive compounds, particularly cinnamaldehyde – the molecule responsible for its distinctive scent and flavor – and polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Research published February 2025 in Nutrition Reviews found that cinnamon supplementation modestly improved metabolic markers in people with Type 2 diabetes, lowering fasting blood glucose and reducing insulin resistance.

Another study published March 2024 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that four grams of cinnamon daily helped prediabetic adults stabilize blood sugar spikes after meals. These effects may stem from cinnamon’s ability to mimic insulin, enhancing cellular glucose uptake even in those with metabolic dysfunction.

Beyond blood sugar regulation, cinnamon shows promise for cardiovascular health. Board-certified family physician Dr. Joseph Mercola explained that cinnamon may inhibit fat breakdown in the bloodstream and reduce liver production of harmful lipoproteins. “It’s not a cure-all, but it reinforces metabolic processes in a way that’s both subtle and significant,” he told the Epoch Times.

Inflammation, a driver of chronic disease, also appears responsive to cinnamon’s influence. “Cinnamon helps cells activate their own cleanup systems,” Mercola noted, highlighting its dual role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Choosing the safe kind of cinnamon

However, not all cinnamon is equal. The two primary varieties – Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum) and cassia (C. cassia) – differ in coumarin content, a compound that, in excess, may stress the liver. BrightU.AI‘s Enoch engine also notes that aside from liver damage, coumarin can also cause severe poisoning symptoms like bleeding, fatigue and fluid in the lungs if consumed excessively.

Cassia, the more common grocery-store variety, contains higher levels of coumarin – prompting experts like registered dietitian Tiffany Bruno to recommend Ceylon for daily use. “If you’re using cinnamon regularly, Ceylon is the safer choice,” she advised.

Bruno also cautioned against inhaling dry cinnamon, which can cause lung irritation. The dietitian also emphasized that people should consult a healthcare provider before combining cinnamon with diabetes medications or blood thinners, as the spice may amplify the drugs’ effects.

To maximize cinnamon’s benefits, storage and preparation matter. Light and heat degrade its delicate compounds, so keeping it in an airtight container away from stovetops preserves potency. Bruno suggests buying whole sticks and grinding them fresh for higher antioxidant levels.

For culinary use, it is best to add cinnamon post-cooking, such as stirring it into oatmeal off the heat. Doing so allows the spice to retain more bioactive properties than baking it at high temperatures.

From ancient embalming rituals to modern metabolic science, cinnamon’s journey reflects humanity’s enduring quest to harness nature’s pharmacy. While no single spice can replace balanced nutrition, the evidence underscores cinnamon’s role as a flavorful ally in health – one that bridges tradition and cutting-edge research. As science continues to unravel its mechanisms, this age-old bark reminds us that sometimes, the most potent remedies are already in our kitchens.

Watch this video about four surprising health benefits of cinnamon.

This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Academic.OUP.com

ScienceDirect.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com