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cinnamon the royal road of Egypt?… Scientific reasons that are good for the body

rich in antioxidants

Cinnamon is one of the medicinal herbs used in oriental medicine and has various health effects. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]

cinnamon It is rich in beneficial compounds, including antioxidants. Some studies also show that cinnamon can help control blood sugar, reduce heart disease, and reduce inflammation. cinnamon It is a spice that has been valued for its excellent medicinal properties for thousands of years.

Modern science reveals how cinnamon benefits your health. American health media ‘Healthline’ The health benefits of cinnamon have recently been introduced.

1. Cinnamon Ingredients

Cinnamon (桂皮) is the soft inner bark of the freshly grown branches of several broiler trees belonging to the genus Cinnamomum and dried. It can also be ground and eaten as a powder.

The historical record of cinnamon It dates back to ancient Egypt. Cinnamon was considered a rare and valuable medicinal product, as a gift to the kings of Egypt.

These days Cinnamon is relatively common and is available in supermarkets. There are 4 types of cinnamon that are used not only in medicine but also in food. named after the mountainous region Ceylon, Cassia, Vietnam, and Indonesian Cinnamon. The most commonly used cassia cinnamon.

Peel the inner bark of the tree trunk and dry it. It becomes a stick-shaped cinnamon called a ‘cinnamon stick’. cinnamon The distinctive smell and taste of cinnamon aldehyde (It is caused by a component called cinnamic aldehyde.

scientists Explain that this ingredient has multiple effects on health and metabolism.

2. Full of Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the human body from oxidative stress by removing free radicals produced in our body.

Our body needs some free radicals. At low concentrations, it acts as a chemical signaling substance. White blood cells use free radicals to eliminate foreign invaders. However, too many free radicals can cause damage to cells, tissues and DNA. Eventually, inflammation develops, the altered protein accumulates, and the likelihood of tumors increases.

cinnamon It is rich in powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols. one Studies have found that cinnamon supplements reduce inflammation, while at the same time can significantly increase antioxidant levels in the blood. cinnamon Its antioxidant effect is so strong that it can even be used as a natural food preservative.

3. Anti-inflammatory action

it is inflammation This is the body’s response to infection and is very important because it helps repair tissue damage. But If inflammation becomes chronic, it can be harmful to health and cause various diseases. Studies have shown that cinnamon has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Prevent heart disease

cinnamon Reduces the risk of heart disease. one Studies have shown that supplementing with at least 1.5 grams (g) or 3/4 teaspoon (teaspoon) of cinnamon per day can lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in people with metabolic disorders have.

More than 10 studies have shown that cinnamon can reduce triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. these two It is considered one of the main causes of heart disease. cinnamon It has been shown to lower blood pressure when taken continuously for at least 8 weeks.

Cinnamon also lowers cholesterol levels, which can cause vascular disease. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]

5. Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin is It is one of the main hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. In addition It is also essential for transporting blood sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. However, environmental and genetic reasons, such as lack of exercise, obesity, and excess calories, can cause insensitivity to insulin stimuli. ‘Insulin resistance’ increases.

When insulin resistance increases It increases the risk of diseases such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, cinnamon insulin It helps lower blood sugar levels by lowering resistance and increasing sensitivity.

6. Lower Blood Sugar Levels

cityIt’s Namon It is known for its blood sugar lowering properties. insulin As well as lowering resistance, it can lower blood sugar through a number of other mechanisms.

Firstlycinnamon reduces the amount of sugar that enters the bloodstream after a meal. cinnamon When eaten, it slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, reducing the amount of sugar that enters the bloodstream.

secondthe ingredients in cinnamon can mimic the effect of insulin. Countless Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve hemoglobin A1c, an indicator of long-term blood sugar control. cinnamon Consuming doses of 1 to 6 g 0.5 to 2 teaspoons per day has been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar levels.

7. Positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative disease is the gradual deterioration of nerve cell structure or function. is a disease Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease. of cinnamon Certain ingredients found appear to prevent the build-up of a protein called tau, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a 2014 study of rats with Parkinson’s disease, cinnamon helped protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels, and improve motor function. In this way, cinnamon Animal studies have shown it to cure Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, but human studies are still lacking.

8. Cancer Prevention

Studies have shown that cinnamon It has the potential to be used to prevent and treat cancer. in ovarian cancer A study in infected mice found that cinnamon could block the expression of certain proteins associated with cancer growth.

In a test tube experiment, cinnamon was It has also been proven to inhibit the growth and spread of ovarian cancer cells. animal Test-tube studies have shown that cinnamon may have cancer-fighting properties, but more studies in humans are needed.

9. Prevention of bacterial and fungal infections

cinnamon One of the main active ingredients, cinnamon aldehyde, can help with various types of infections. citytest tube Studies have shown that cinnamon oil can help kill certain fungi that cause respiratory infections.

In addition It also inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. totalThe antibacterial effect of blood can help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath. this evidence Most of them are limited to in vitro studies, so more studies in humans are needed.

Which type of cinnamon is best for your health? Cassia cinnamon is generally cheap and readily available. cardShia Cinnamon contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin. If you eat too much of this ingredient, you should be careful as it can stress the liver. ceylon cinnamon The level of coumarin is much lower than that of Cassia, but has the disadvantage of being expensive.