Cinnamon - Health Benefits and Nutrition

9/28/22, 11:24 AM Cinnamon: Health benefits and nutrition
What are the health benefits of

cinnamon?
Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D., Nutrition — By Yvette
Brazier on January 3, 2020
Benefits Nutrition Types Dietary tips Side effects
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of

trees of the Cinnamomum family. It is native to the
Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia.
People have used cinnamon since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where they
regarded it highly. In medieval times, doctors used it to treat conditions
such as coughing, arthritis, and sore throats.
It is now the second most popular spice, after black pepper, in the United
States and Europe.
As a spice, cinnamon is available in powder form or whole, as pieces of

bark. People can also use cinnamon essential oil and supplements.
There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon. The two have
different nutritional profiles.
Some studies have suggested that the compounds in cinnamon have

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties,
and that they might offer protection from cancer and cardiovascular
disease, among other conditions. However, more evidence is needed to
confirm cinnamon’s benefits.
This article will look at the alleged health benefits of different types of
cinnamon and how to include them in the diet.
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Benefits
Cinnamon may have antioxidant properties that benefit health.
Scientists have found evidence of some possible health benefits of

cinnamon. These include:
Improving fungal infections
Cinnamon oil may help treat  some types of fungal infections.
A 2016 laboratory study found that cinnamon oil was effective against a
type of Candida that affects the bloodstream. This may be due to its
antimicrobial properties.
If further research confirms these findings, cinnamon oil could play a role
in treating this type of infection.

Influencing blood sugar levels
Animal studies have shown that cassia cinnamon may reduce blood sugar
levels, according to a 2015 review .
The review also noted that after 60 people with type 2 diabetes
consumed up to 6 grams (g) of cinnamon per day for between 40 days
and 4 months, they had lower serum glucose, triglycerides, low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol.
However, according to the National Center for Complementary and

Integrative Health (NCCIH), a 2012 review  concluded that cinnamon
does not help lower levels of glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin A1c —
which are long-term measures of blood glucose control — in people with
type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Another small study  looked at the impact of cinnamon, calcium, and zinc
on blood pressure management in people with type 2 diabetes. The
results did not show that this treatment had any impact.
Which foods are good choices for people with diabetes? Find out here.
Preventing Alzheimer’s disease
Some animal studies have suggested that cinnamon may help prevent
Alzheimer’s disease.
According to researchers , an extract present in cinnamon bark, called

CEppt, contains properties that may prevent symptoms from developing.
Mice who received the extract experienced a decrease in features of

Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques, and improvements in their ability to
think and reason.
If further research confirms its effectiveness, this extract — but not

necessarily whole cinnamon — may be useful in developing therapies for
Alzheimer’s.
Protecting against HIV
In 2000, a study  of extracts of Indian medicinal plants found that

cinnamon may help protect against HIV. 
Scientists tested 69 extracts in a laboratory. Cinnamomum cassia, or

cinnamon bark, and Cardiospermum helicacabum, which is the cinnamon
shoot and fruit, were most effective in reducing HIV activity.
In a 2016 laboratory study , scientists found that an extract from

cinnamon showed anti-HIV activity.
This does not mean that foods containing cinnamon can treat or prevent
HIV, but cinnamon extracts could one day become a part of HIV therapy.
Preventing multiple sclerosis
Experts have tested cinnamon for activity against multiple sclerosis (MS).
In one study , researchers gave mice a mixture of cinnamon powder and

water and ran some tests. It appeared that cinnamon could have an anti-
inflammatory effect on the central nervous system, including parts of the
brain.
Studies have also suggested that cinnamon may protect regulatory T

cells, or “Tregs,” which regulate immune responses.
People with MS appear to have lower levels of Tregs than people without
the condition. In mouse studies , cinnamon treatment has prevented the
loss of certain proteins specific to Tregs.
Scientists have also found that cinnamon treatment restored myelin levels
in mice with MS. MS occurs when the myelin coating on nerve cells
becomes damaged.
The NCCIH  are supporting more research into how cinnamon may help
treat MS.
In this article, get some diet tips for people with MS.
Lowering the effects of high fat meals
In 2011, researchers concluded that diets rich in “antioxidant spices,”

including cinnamon, may help reduce the body’s negative response to
eating high fat meals. 
Six people consumed dishes containing 14 g of a spice blend. Blood tests

showed that antioxidant activity increased by 13%, insulin response fell by
21%, and triglycerides fell by 31%.
Treating and healing chronic wounds
Research from 2015 says that scientists have found a way to package
antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon into tiny
capsules that can both kill bacterial biofilms and actively promote healing.
In this way, peppermint and cinnamon could become part of a medicine

for treating infected wounds.
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system.

Cinnemaldehyde, for example, lowered blood pressure in an animal
study.
In a 2014 study , rats that received long-term treatment involving

cinnamon and aerobic training had better heart function than those that
did not.
Can some foods lower blood pressure? Find out here.
Preventing cancer
The authors of one article note that cinnamaldehydes may have antitumor
and anticancer properties.
In the study, scientists treated mice with cancer using an extract of

cinnamon and cardamom. Tests found lower levels of oxidative stress in
the melanoma cells of the mice that received the treatment.
How else does diet link up with cancer? Find out here.
Other benefits
Some people use cinnamon  supplements to treat digestive issues,


diabetes, loss of appetite, and other conditions. It also plays a role in
traditional medicine for treating bronchitis.
However, according to the NCCIH, “Studies done in people don’t support

using cinnamon for any health condition.”
Nutrition
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , a teaspoon of ground
cinnamon weighing 2.6 g contains:
energy: 6.42 calories

carbohydrates: 2.1 g
calcium: 26.1 milligrams (mg)
iron: 0.21 mg
magnesium: 1.56 mg
phosphorus: 1.66 mg
potassium: 11.2 mg
vitamin A: 0.39 micrograms
It also contains traces of vitamins B and K and the antioxidants choline,

beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and
zeaxanthin.
Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and may help prevent cancer,
type 2 diabetes, and many other conditions.
In food, people usually eat only a small amount of cinnamon. Therefore,

the nutrients it contains will not play a significant role in the diet.
Types
Cinnamon is the bark of a tree. People can put small pieces of bark in
stews, desserts, and other dishes, or they can use ground cinnamon, for
example, in cakes or on buns.
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum

verum) and cassia, or Chinese, cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum).
Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. Some people call it “true 
cinnamon.” Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, originates from southern
China. Cassia is cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon is very expensive, so most foods in the U.S. — including

sticky buns and breads — contain the cheaper cassia cinnamon.
Dietary tips
People can use cinnamon in sweet or savory dishes. Cinnamon’s
distinctive fragrance is a result of the cinnamaldehyde it contains.
To add cinnamon to the diet:
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over oatmeal to replace sugar.
Add cinnamon to cakes, cookies, breads, and applesauce.
Top a waffle with cinnamon and apple for a low sugar treat.
Get some more tips for using cinnamon powder here.
A person can also try these recipes:
Creamy butternut squash with cinnamon soup
Keralan chicken curry
Moroccan orange and cinnamon dessert salad
Side effects
In the short term, consuming moderate amounts of cinnamon as a spice
or as a supplement seems to be safe for most people.
However, cinnamon contains coumarin. This is a natural flavoring, but it

also plays a role in creating warfarin, the common blood-thinning drug.
Consuming too much coumarin can lead to liver damage and affect
coagulation. Therefore, people should speak to their doctor before
adding cinnamon or cassia to their diet if they:
take anticoagulants or other drugs
have diabetes
have a liver condition

Cassia cinnamon powder, a common ingredient in foods in the U.S.,
contains more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon powder.
A German study from 2010 found that coumarin content varies widely,
even in samples of cinnamon from the same tree. Cassia cinnamon was
particularly high in coumarin.
People should never use cinnamon in any form as a full replacement for
medical treatments for health conditions.
Cinnamon is available as a supplement, as well as a spice. Supplements

may have an impact on health and disease. However, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) do not regulate supplements, so there might be
concerns about quality, purity, and strength. People should always ask
their doctor before using supplements.
Can supplements provide energy? Find out here.
WATCH VIDEO
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9/28/22, 11:24 AM Cinnamon: Health benefits and nutrition

What are the health benefits of

Benefits Nutrition Types Dietary tips Side effects

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of

As a spice, cinnamon is available in powder form or whole, as pieces of

Some studies have suggested that the compounds in cinnamon have

Cinnamon may have antioxidant properties that benefit health.

Scientists have found evidence of some possible health benefits of

Improving fungal infections

Cinnamon oil may help treat  some types of fungal infections.

However, according to the National Center for Complementary and

Preventing Alzheimer’s disease

According to researchers , an extract present in cinnamon bark, called

Mice who received the extract experienced a decrease in features of

If further research confirms its effectiveness, this extract — but not

Protecting against HIV

In 2000, a study  of extracts of Indian medicinal plants found that

Scientists tested 69 extracts in a laboratory. Cinnamomum cassia, or

In a 2016 laboratory study , scientists found that an extract from

Preventing multiple sclerosis

In one study , researchers gave mice a mixture of cinnamon powder and

Studies have also suggested that cinnamon may protect regulatory T

Lowering the effects of high fat meals

In 2011, researchers concluded that diets rich in “antioxidant spices,”

Six people consumed dishes containing 14 g of a spice blend. Blood tests

Treating and healing chronic wounds

In this way, peppermint and cinnamon could become part of a medicine

Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system.

In a 2014 study , rats that received long-term treatment involving

Can some foods lower blood pressure? Find out here.

In the study, scientists treated mice with cancer using an extract of

Some people use cinnamon  supplements to treat digestive issues,

However, according to the NCCIH, “Studies done in people don’t support

energy: 6.42 calories

calcium: 26.1 milligrams (mg)

vitamin A: 0.39 micrograms

It also contains traces of vitamins B and K and the antioxidants choline,

In food, people usually eat only a small amount of cinnamon. Therefore,

There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum

Ceylon cinnamon is very expensive, so most foods in the U.S. — including

To add cinnamon to the diet:

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over oatmeal to replace sugar.

Add cinnamon to cakes, cookies, breads, and applesauce.

Get some more tips for using cinnamon powder here.

A person can also try these recipes:

Creamy butternut squash with cinnamon soup

Keralan chicken curry

Moroccan orange and cinnamon dessert salad

However, cinnamon contains coumarin. This is a natural flavoring, but it

take anticoagulants or other drugs

Cinnamon is available as a supplement, as well as a spice. Supplements

Can supplements provide energy? Find out here.

10 Evidence Based Health

 1:06  0:54  1:20

10 Evidence Based Health Broccoli 101: Nutritional 9 Health and Nutritio

Last medically reviewed on January 3, 2020

Nutrition / Diet Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

What are the benefits of ceylon

Cinnamon is a widely-used spice in cooking, but Ceylon cinnamon may

What are the health benefits of

Cardamom is a spice that many people use in cooking and medicine.

What's to know about cinnamon