Cinnamon [PRODUCT REMOVED]rich in vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin E - 15.5%, vitamin K - 26%, potassium - 17.2%, calcium - 100.2%, magnesium - 15%, iron - 46.2%, manganese - 873.3%, copper - 33.9%, zinc - 15.3%

Benefits of Cinnamon [PRODUCT REMOVED]

• Vitamin E possesses antioxidant properties, is necessary for the functioning of the gonads, heart muscle, is a universal stabilizer of cell membranes. With a deficiency of vitamin E, hemolysis of erythrocytes and neurological disorders are observed.
• Vitamin K regulates blood clotting. Lack of vitamin K leads to an increase in blood clotting time, a lowered content of prothrombin in the blood.
• Potassium is the main intracellular ion, which takes part in the regulation of water, acid and electrolyte balance, participates in the processes of nerve impulses, pressure regulation.
• Calcium is the main component of our bones, acts as a regulator of the nervous system, participates in muscle contraction. Calcium deficiency leads to demineralization of the spine, pelvic bones and lower extremities, increases the risk of osteoporosis.
• Magnesium participates in energy metabolism, synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, has a stabilizing effect on membranes, is necessary to maintain homeostasis of calcium, potassium and sodium. Lack of magnesium leads to hypomagnesemia, an increased risk of developing hypertension, heart disease.
• Iron is a part of proteins of various functions, including enzymes. Participates in the transport of electrons, oxygen, ensures the course of redox reactions and activation of peroxidation. Insufficient consumption leads to hypochromic anemia, myoglobin-deficient atony of skeletal muscles, increased fatigue, myocardiopathy, atrophic gastritis.
• Manganese participates in the formation of bone and connective tissue, is part of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, catecholamines; essential for the synthesis of cholesterol and nucleotides. Insufficient consumption is accompanied by a slowdown in growth, disorders in the reproductive system, increased fragility of bone tissue, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
• Copper is a part of enzymes with redox activity and involved in iron metabolism, stimulates the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. Participates in the processes of providing the tissues of the human body with oxygen. The deficiency is manifested by disorders in the formation of the cardiovascular system and skeleton, the development of connective tissue dysplasia.
• Zinc is a part of more than 300 enzymes, participates in the synthesis and decomposition of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids and in the regulation of the expression of a number of genes. Insufficient intake leads to anemia, secondary immunodeficiency, liver cirrhosis, sexual dysfunction, and fetal malformations. Recent studies have revealed the ability of high doses of zinc to disrupt the absorption of copper and thereby contribute to the development of anemia.

A complete guide to the most useful products you can see in the appendix

As always, a sober analysis of information. We love to dig the question deeply and use only official sources to assess the composition, calorie content and merits of the product.

Let's figure out what the delights are justified and how to safely use the spice.

Are you stopping by to immediately find out the dosage and methods of use?

Press item # 3 - daily doses and effective recipes. Do not forget to study the selection rules - p. # 6 - how to distinguish real cinnamon from cassia.

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Cinnamon: chemical composition

Caloric content and useful substances significant in concentration in 1 tablespoon (+/- 8 grams) of ground spice:

• 19 calories
• 0 g fat, sugar, or protein
• 4 g fiber

Vitamins and Minerals:

• Manganese - 68% of the DV
• Calcium - 8%
• Iron - 4%
• Vitamin K - 3%

The modest picture of essential nutrients is complemented by rich list of polyphenols and flavonoids, led by eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. They have long been studied as antifungal and antibacterial biocompounds.

The beneficial properties of a true spice

How to distinguish and where to buy true cinnamon - in p. 6 at the end of the review.

Below we are talking only about real cinnamon. It is grown mainly on the Sri Lanka Peninsula. It is expensive and does not come in supermarket powder bags.

TOP 7 useful properties according to science

1) Lots of antioxidants that strengthen and rejuvenate the body.

The polyphenols and flavonoids found in the valuable bark help the body resist oxidative stress. According to an American study that tested 26 well-known spices for the amount and list of antioxidants, cinnamon is ahead of even garlic, oregano and cardamom. ()

Just 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is the same antioxidant as 100 grams of blueberries.

Powerful biocompounds protect blood vessels from atherosclerosis and strengthens the immune system. And most importantly, it restrains systemic senile inflammation, which is the cause of massive age-related ailments - from arthritis and cancer to stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

How can you relieve arthritis pain? A cup of coffee or tea with healing herbs and a massage with cinnamon oil.

2) Maintains normal blood flow.

In moderate daily doses, coumarin thins the blood. Where there are no blood clots, there will be no ischemic vascular catastrophes (heart attack, stroke). For a stable effect - at least ½ teaspoon daily. ()

3) A good adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes.

A classic 2003 study published in the journal Diabetes Care. A total of 60 diabetics, who were divided into 6 groups, of which 3 groups received cinnamon (1, 2 and 6 grams).

Conclusions for 60 days of the experiment: a decrease in blood glucose by 18-29%, regardless of the dose of the spice, as well as a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The study was repeated according to a similar scenario 10 years later in the United States. Glycated hemoglobin was also controlled, which remained almost unchanged. ()

Scientists' verdict: our spicy heroine is an appropriate assistant in the life of diabetics and not only them. The active biocompound methylhydroxychalcone (MGHP) accelerates the processing of sugar in the body by 20 times.

By using even the smallest amount of cinnamon, we make the work of insulin more efficient. Where insulin levels are low, there is a slowdown in aging, weight loss and relief in the progress of diabetes.

4) When losing weight, it reduces hyperinsulinism and harmonizes the lipid profile.

If we are losing weight, then it is better to do it without harm to health. Most obese people have disorders in carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, all the benefits of the spice in diabetes apply to them.

Proper nutrition can be accompanied by a drink with ginger and our heroine. We would not recommend relying on honey. Better to add a safe sweetener (stevia or erythritol). This will get you fewer calories and balance the sour lemon.

Slimming cinnamon ginger lemonade.

How to cook. Freshly ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon) and shavings of ginger root (raw piece of 1.5-2 cm three on a fine grater). Pour spices with hot water (150-200 ml) and let it brew for 5-10 minutes. Add lemon (1-2 slices) - the cocktail is ready to move you towards harmony.

Dosing regimen: 1 glass in the morning 20 minutes before meals. This is a justified slimming drink in addition to diet and exercise for practically healthy people.

5) Antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Cinnamon oil is a frequent contributor to chewing gum and toothpastes. The reason for this is its antibacterial properties without damaging the enamel and gums.

It is successfully used as a naturopathic remedy for the treatment of thrush and intestinal candidiasis.

The spice is able to defeat the fungi that annoy many people - Candida albicans. The already described beneficial property for diabetics enhances the anti-fungal effect of our heroine. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism and inhibits the surges of insulin in the blood. Under these conditions, candida colonies slow down reproduction. ()

6) Neuroprotective properties.

Biocompounds in the heroine's composition reduce the accumulation of tau protein in the brain tissue. It is a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. In Parkinson's disease (tremor paralysis), a healing spice harmonizes the level of neurotransmitters, which reduces tremors and inhibits the rate of neuronal death. ()

7) Ease of premenstrual syndrome in women.

Found the relationship of mood swings with a lack of manganese, calcium, chromium and copper in the bloodstream. All of these minerals are found in cinnamon sticks.

How much cinnamon can you consume per day

Doses in experimental regimens range from 1 to 5 grams per day.

The duration of treatment is from 3 to 6 weeks.

If we talk about a supportive regimen for losing weight, for diabetes or general recovery, then a simple solution would be reasonable - more frequent use of cinnamon in food and drink.

The daily dose is up to 2 grams.

• For example, enrich freshly brewed natural coffee with spice.
• Cinnamon tea with lemon: pour boiling water over ½ teaspoon of powder, add sweetener to taste.
• Tasty and healthy sprinkle with seasoning fruits and sour milk drinks.
• A generous pinch of spice will brighten up dishes of lentils, quinoa, beans and many oriental vegetarian dishes.

Nutritional recipes and uses

Cakes, bread, biscuits and pies - everywhere there is a place for the favorite of confectioners. It also goes well with other sweets - ice cream and fruits, especially cherries, apricots, apples, blueberries and oranges.

From vegetables, perfect harmony is formed with carrots, spinach and onions: they reveal the sweetness of the powder. It is easy to find fragrant spice in solid dishes - soups, sauces, pickles, meat stews.

Great sauce for fruit salads

A perfect sample is prepared in minutes.

• Combine olive oil (2 tablespoons) with honey (1-2 teaspoons). Add 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, beat and immediately pour over the dish.
• This sauce gives a new flavor to a simple salad of cabbage, carrots and apples. Very tasty if you let the slices stand in the refrigerator for a while (5 minutes).

Masala spice tea

In spicy mixtures, cinnamon is most often combined with cardamom, ginger and cloves. Check if you like this ensemble.

We have to accept: a true spice cannot be cheap. But even its worst grade is ahead of cassia in healing powers.

Do you like cinnamon too? Did you know all the beneficial properties? We hope you have no contraindications for its use. Share your favorite brightly scented recipes in the comments. We always have a place for something new in our collection.

Thank you for the article (13)

Currently, cinnamon is gaining more and more popularity as a spice and as an addition to almost any dish due to its specific tart aroma.

It is used in cooking, added to meat and soft drinks.

But few people know that cinnamon has a number of beneficial properties that help women and men cope with many serious diseases.

Cinnamon as a spice was known in ancient Egypt and China. The best quality is Ceylon Cinnamon, which is a thin layer of bark from a cinnamon tree.

Gradually, over time, it shrinks, curls up into thin and fragile tubes, acquiring a golden color and a tart, burning aroma.

Cinnamon contains a lot of carbohydrates and polyunsaturated organic acids. Due to the low content of proteins and fats, the calorie content per 100 grams of spices is approximately 250 kilocalories.

Among the vitamins, choline, vitamins E, PP and group B are presented in high concentrations. Cinnamon contains a lot of potassium and is involved in vital processes of the body. In addition, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium are also found in cinnamon.

Among the minerals in the spice are many iron, manganese and zinc.

The amount of manganese in 5 grams of cinnamon makes it possible to replace the waste rate of its consumption by 50%.

Cinnamon owes its healing properties to the components of the essential oil present in the spice. These include aldehyde, acetate and alcohol, which are abundant in the bark of the cinnamon tree.

The difference between ground cinnamon and cinnamon in tubes

It is generally accepted that ground cinnamon is a waste of general production, a counterfeit in the grocery market, and therefore has no healing properties.

In fact, cassia is ground cinnamon, and cinnamon in the tubes has different chemical compositions.

To make a cheaper milled version, not only the bark of the tree is used, but also the inside. And the preservation of cinnamon in tubes includes a special technological process, in which the bark is removed from the cinnamon tree in thin layers with special copper knives.

Therefore, if you check two types of cinnamon for starch, then the ground spice will quickly turn dark blue, and the tubes will remain colorless.

In addition, cassia contains coumarin, a substance dangerous to human health, so it is not recommended to abuse the spice.

Useful properties of cinnamon in medicine

The spice, which is specific in taste and aroma, has a number of medicinal properties that help to cope with serious disorders in human health.

• The use of cinnamon several times reduces the formation of malignant neoplasms, including bowel cancer.

This is due to the fact that the fibers that make up cinnamon with calcium combine with toxins and bile acids, removing them from the body.

• The spice allows you to restore the work of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing constipation or, conversely, diarrhea.

In addition, regular consumption of cinnamon in food is able to heal stomach ulcers and relieve inflammation of the mucous membrane, reduce acidity and eliminate pain in the epigastric region.

• An excellent anti-cold remedy due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

• According to the latest scientific research, cinnamon can lower blood sugar, therefore it is of particular value for patients with diabetes.

Due to polyphenolic compounds, cinnamon normalizes blood glucose levels and restores insulin secretion.

• Restores the work of the cardiovascular system and is a prophylaxis against myocardial infarction and stroke.

At the same time, cinnamon lowers blood cholesterol levels, preventing the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. Due to the potassium contained in the composition, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, the load on the heart muscle is reduced, which facilitates the work of the heart during stress.

• Cinnamon is an ideal remedy for increasing male potency.

With the regular use of honey with cinnamon, a man regains a stable erection, and problems with the genitourinary system disappear.

In addition, the spice helps prevent inflammation of the prostate gland.

• Cinnamon is able to speed up metabolism in the human body, therefore it is a good tool for losing weight.

Contraindications to use

Serious requirements for the prohibition of the use of cinnamon include:

• Pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.

Cinnamon is able to contract the uterus, toning it, and provoking miscarriage and premature birth.

• Bleeding.
• With exacerbation of chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines, cinnamon should be consumed in limited quantities, as it has an irritating effect.

Ground cinnamon contains a special substance - coumarin, which in high concentrations can cause migraines, nausea and affect metabolic processes in the liver.

Healing recipes with cinnamon

Nutritionists are sure that cinnamon can enhance the processes of burning fats and sugars in the body tenfold.

• With any diet, it is recommended to regularly consume kefir with the addition of cinnamon.

To prepare a burning cocktail: you should take a glass of kefir, stir half a spoonful of cinnamon in it,cut a small piece of ginger root into kefir and add a pinch of red hot pepper.

• Another popular weight loss recipe is honey cinnamon.

To do this, take a glass of boiling water, dissolve in it half a spoonful of ground cinnamon and one tablespoon of mountain honey.

This mixture allows you to remove excess fat layers first from the abdomen and sides, gradually moving to other parts of the body.

Doctors advise drinking any infusion with cinnamon on an empty stomach in the morning and evening, half a glass, as cinnamon gives a feeling of fullness.

• Drinking coffee with cinnamon energizes the body, increases efficiency and concentration.

However, it should be borne in mind that it is undesirable to add anything other than spices to coffee. This is due to the fact that cream, milk, sugar, and so on, dramatically reduce the healing effect of cinnamon. Therefore, for a charging cocktail, it is enough to add a pinch of powder to the coffee.

• Tea with cinnamon and lemon increases the immune system of a person, especially during an epidemic of SARS and flu.

In addition, brewed tea removes harmful toxins from the body and lowers blood cholesterol levels.

To prepare this infusion, take a couple of spoons of good strong tea leaves, pour boiling water over them and let it brew for an hour.

At this time, in a separate bowl, it is necessary to dissolve the sugar in hot water, heat it in a water bath and add a pinch of cinnamon and the zest of one lemon to the solution.

Remove from heat and let it brew for half an hour. After that, combine all components and strain.

• Cosmetologists are trying to add cinnamon to face masks for tightening the skin to make it more elastic and eliminate fine expression lines.

Microelements and vitamins enhance blood circulation in the capillaries, nourish the skin from the inside, respectively, improve the condition of the skin and give radiance and shine.

• For skin pigmentation, use a mask with bananas and cinnamon.

To do this, take three ripe fruits, knead to a mushy state, adding a little sour cream to them. Add half a spoonful of ground cinnamon and a spoonful of squeezed lemon juice to the resulting mixture. Having mixed well, the mask is applied in a thick layer to the surface of the face, held for half an hour and washed off with warm running water.

When added to cow's milk, cinnamon dramatically increases its absorption by the body. This is necessary for children with milk intolerance, as well as adults who lack the lactose enzyme.

Choosing and storing cinnamon at home

In most stores and grocery markets, you can find ground Chinese cinnamon - cassia.

Cassia is cheaper to receive, transport and very easy to counterfeit. Cinnamon sticks have a richer and more tart aroma, retains a greater amount of nutritious and valuable elements.

Cinnamon is divided into several varieties, depending on the presence of coumarin, a substance harmful to the human body:

• Ceylon cinnamon is considered the highest quality and most expensive to process.

It has a slightly burning and sweetish aftertaste to taste, the color of the stick is golden brown;

• Chinese cinnamon with a pronounced pungent aroma, in which there is more coumarin.
• Cinnamon, the most aromatic spice, is sometimes used in cooking.

Fresh cinnamon has a pungent aroma and a sweetish aftertaste; the sharper the smell, the fresher the imported spice.

Over time, the aroma of cinnamon fades, and the healing properties disappear. Therefore, experts do not recommend storing spice for future use.

For ground cinnamon, shelf life is six months, in a sealed package in a cool dry place.

Cinnamon sticks under the right storage conditions can retain medicinal properties for about a year.

To do this, they are hermetically sealed in glass jars and stored in a cool dark place.

Thus, cinnamon lovers boost their immunity, energize themselves and can be cured of many diseases without resorting to drugs. However, it should be borne in mind that in high concentrations, cinnamon can cause irreparable harm to human health.

Ground cinnamonrich in vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin E - 15.5%, vitamin K - 26%, potassium - 17.2%, calcium - 100.2%, magnesium - 15%, iron - 46.2%, manganese - 873.3%, copper - 33.9%, zinc - 15.3%

What is useful Cinnamon, ground

• Vitamin E possesses antioxidant properties, is necessary for the functioning of the gonads, heart muscle, is a universal stabilizer of cell membranes. With a deficiency of vitamin E, hemolysis of erythrocytes and neurological disorders are observed.
• Vitamin K regulates blood clotting. Lack of vitamin K leads to an increase in blood clotting time, a lowered content of prothrombin in the blood.
• Potassium is the main intracellular ion, which takes part in the regulation of water, acid and electrolyte balance, participates in the processes of nerve impulses, pressure regulation.
• Calcium is the main component of our bones, acts as a regulator of the nervous system, participates in muscle contraction. Calcium deficiency leads to demineralization of the spine, pelvic bones and lower extremities, increases the risk of osteoporosis.
• Magnesium participates in energy metabolism, synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, has a stabilizing effect on membranes, is necessary to maintain homeostasis of calcium, potassium and sodium. Lack of magnesium leads to hypomagnesemia, an increased risk of developing hypertension, heart disease.
• Iron is a part of proteins of various functions, including enzymes. Participates in the transport of electrons, oxygen, ensures the course of redox reactions and activation of peroxidation. Insufficient consumption leads to hypochromic anemia, myoglobin-deficient atony of skeletal muscles, increased fatigue, myocardiopathy, atrophic gastritis.
• Manganese participates in the formation of bone and connective tissue, is part of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, catecholamines; essential for the synthesis of cholesterol and nucleotides. Insufficient consumption is accompanied by a slowdown in growth, disorders in the reproductive system, increased fragility of bone tissue, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
• Copper is a part of enzymes with redox activity and involved in iron metabolism, stimulates the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. Participates in the processes of providing the tissues of the human body with oxygen. The deficiency is manifested by disorders in the formation of the cardiovascular system and skeleton, the development of connective tissue dysplasia.
• Zinc is a part of more than 300 enzymes, participates in the synthesis and decomposition of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids and in the regulation of the expression of a number of genes. Insufficient intake leads to anemia, secondary immunodeficiency, liver cirrhosis, sexual dysfunction, and fetal malformations. Recent studies have revealed the ability of high doses of zinc to disrupt the absorption of copper and thereby contribute to the development of anemia.

A complete guide to the most useful products you can see in the appendix

Cinnamon is the dried and powdered inner layers of the bark of the cinnamon tree. The outer coarse layer of any plant of this genus, according to the "classic", should not be used as a spice. But in practice, the lion's share of cinnamon sold in domestic stores is not real cinnamon, but cassia - a powder of the bark of a relative of cinnamon, called Cinnamomum aromaticum.

In other words, cinnamon differs from cassia in that all layers of the bark are used to make it, and besides, another plant. Their aroma is very similar, although cinnamon powder still smells stronger than cassia. Plus, the texture of cassia is rougher due to the fact that it contains an admixture of the upper layer of bark. But the less accurate manufacturing technology makes cassia a cheaper product, indistinguishable from real cinnamon for a layman.

Composition

The benefits of cinnamon are mainly due to the chemical composition of its essential oil, which gives it its characteristic warm aroma. Its concentration in the tissues of the cinnamon bark is more than 50%, and it itself is almost entirely formed by cinnamaldehyde - cinnamal. Aldehydes as a type of chemical compounds are ubiquitous in nature. Some of them are poisonous, and even very poisonous, like, for example, formaldehyde, and some are not. Non-toxic aldehydes only give the raw material a pleasant aroma.

In this sense, Cinnamal occupies an intermediate position between completely harmless and extremely dangerous aldehydes - that is, it is moderately toxic. In particular, it has an exciting effect on the central nervous system and a burning effect on the tissues with which it comes into contact. Such properties make it a good insecticide for agriculture and allow it to replace antibiotics in the treatment of fungal, bacterial, viral infections.

Agrarians especially value cinnamaldehyde for the absence of harm to the sprayed plants, soil and consumers of the crop treated by it. And the traditional medicine of the countries producing cinnamon powder - for the invariably effective use of the plant thanks to it for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. True, the presence of properties that are unsafe for health in cinnamaldehyde determines not only the benefits, but almost all the harm of cinnamon in case of an overdose. And besides cinnamal, cinnamon powder is also rich in other biologically active substances.

• Eugenol. Phenol with the same as that of cinnamaldehyde, partially toxic effect on microorganisms, including typical infectious agents in humans. No wonder eugenol is used as an antiseptic in dentistry. Clove contains more eugenol than cinnamon powder, which is why its extract is best known to us as clove oil.
• Tannins. Moreover, in a wide range. Tannins always have a moderate toxic effect, and there are no safe ones among them. Plants secrete them to protect their own tissues from pests, therefore their concentration in the bark of any of them is the highest. Cinnamon and cassia are bark powder, so the presence of a significant amount of tannins in their composition is not surprising. Tannins are similar in their action to antibiotics even more than cinnamaldehyde, since they have a much stronger anti-inflammatory effect. And their potential to destroy pathogens is higher.
• Minerals. Calcium, which is responsible for bone strength and good muscle tone, iron, which ensures the synthesis of red blood cells in the bone marrow, potassium, which increases vascular tone and increases the number of heart contractions. Cinnamon powder also contains magnesium, with its calming effect, and zinc, which is involved in the synthesis of a number of hormones and male sperm, as well as metabolic processes such as the breakdown of ethyl alcohol in the liver.
• Vitamins. About a third of the entire group B, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and retinol (vitamin A). But they are present in all plants of the Earth, as they serve as the basis of plant metabolism.

So, the medicinal properties of cinnamon are due to the high concentration in it of everything that is so appreciated by traditional medicine in the bark of many other plants. Namely, compounds with a toxic effect both on the human body and on the causative agents of its pathologies.

Therapeutic action

In practice, all of the above means that cinnamon powder can be used not only in cooking, but also for therapeutic purposes for the following pathologies.

• Kidney disease. And urinary tract infections, including cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). Cinnamon works here as a means of sanitation of tissues and internal membranes of organs, helps to eliminate inflammation, provoked not only by pathogens, but also by sand, stones, any substances that are excreted in excess from the blood. It also alleviates the problems caused by chronic urinary retention, as is the case in men with adenoma / prostatitis.
• Diarrhea (Diarrhea). And also constipation as the opposite of her stool disorder. Firstly, cinnamon powder disinfects the digestive tract even more effectively than the kidney tissue (due to its more direct action). That is, it eliminates stool problems due to dysbiosis or intestinal infections - factors that provoke diarrhea more often than others. Secondly, cinnamon has a stimulating effect on intestinal peristalsis, improving the functions of digestion, assimilation of the digested and elimination of the "dry residue".
• Pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Because the pungent, spicy aroma of cinnamon powder stimulates the activity of both the pancreas and the gallbladder. This property is not the "prerogative" of cinnamon alone, since all spices and herbs with a bitter taste, like wormwood, St. John's wort, corn stigmas, etc. have a similar effect.
• Diseases of the joints. Including age-related ones, like osteochondrosis. Cinnamon powder contains a whole set of anti-inflammatory components that can affect the speed and strength of the inflammatory response (a specific reaction that occurs when the body needs to renew some tissues, but their own resources for growth are no longer enough).
• Diseases of the heart and blood vessels... Except for just hypertension, no matter what caused it. The problem with treating the heart with cinnamon powder is that, like all spices, it raises blood pressure, can cause fever, congestion, and heart palpitations. Therefore, with a general positive effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels (including, thanks to potassium, magnesium, calcium), cinnamon is contraindicated for any of their pathologies, which are accompanied by a constant or periodic increase in pressure. And it is especially annoying that this phenomenon accompanies them in most cases.
• Respiratory diseases... Cinnamon powder, especially taken with honey, helps with all types of respiratory ailments and their common symptoms such as cough, sore throat, hoarseness. Cinnamon raises the temperature of the entire body and stimulates blood flow to the throat tissues. Meanwhile, just the high temperature and the intensive "delivery" of leukocytes (carried with the blood flow of immunity bodies) to the areas affected by sepsis are the mechanisms of the body's natural struggle with pathogens of any nature.
• Diseases of the reproductive system... Firstly, the benefits of cinnamon in gynecology are explained by the fact that it stimulates capillary blood circulation well, which is fundamentally important for the normal functioning of the excitation mechanism in both sexes. Second, cinnamon contains the minerals needed to synthesize a number of hormones, including those that “feed” intercourse and are responsible for attraction. Third, it promotes sperm production in men. Fourthly, cinnamon extracts are able to suppress inflammation of the genital organs, improving not only the quality of the sexual intercourse itself, but also fertility.
• Endocrine disorders... One of the properties attributed to cinnamon is its supposedly scientifically proven ability to alleviate the course of non-insulin-dependent (i.e., type II) diabetes mellitus. But here it must be said that, most likely, its benefit for diabetics at any stage of the disease is limited to a slight increase in the sensitivity of the cell's insulin receptors to sugar. All metabolic stimulants have this property, including not only spices, but also caffeine, ephedrine, adrenaline, and physical activity. Faster blood circulation accelerates metabolic processes inside cells, and they all take place with the participation of two common catalysts - sugar and oxygen. In other words, the consumption of glucose by cells with an increase in muscle tone or blood flow still increases, regardless of what causes them - fright, jogging in the park, taking a cup of coffee or other reason. But there is still no reason to believe that the treatment of diabetes with cinnamon can go beyond a slight and temporary increase in the absorption of sugar (only in the presence of insulin, so its intake does not relieve it from injections). But the use of cinnamon as a metabolic stimulant is manifested not only in diabetes, but also in a number of other endocrine disorders.

In addition to all of the above, cinnamon helps to solve a number of skin and hair problems, for which it is valued in cosmetology. So, its anti-inflammatory effect when applied topically allows patients to say goodbye to comedones, pustular eruptions, enlarged pores, age spots, dandruff and hair loss due to her "fault", fungal, bacterial infections of the skin and hair follicles, including demodicosis.

It is believed that cinnamon can reduce the rate of atherosclerosis by slowing down the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. It is also useful for losing weight - as an "enhancer" of the effect of other measures. But both of these actions are explained by the same thing as the benefits of cinnamon in diabetes mellitus - by stimulating metabolism, the slowdown of which with age and due to inactivity, according to modern medicine, leads to aging of blood vessels and weight gain.

Limitations

At the same time, taking cinnamon often provokes side effects, among which allergies take the first place in the frequency of occurrence. It can occur on any substance, especially with prolonged or frequent use. And cinnamon refers to highly allergenic compounds due to its pronounced action, partial toxicity of the components and the presence of vitamin C. There is a high probability of tissue burns when using cinnamon essential oil (external applications) or exceeding its dosages when taken orally.

Contraindications for cinnamon

Cinnamon is not contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, but only if it is used in cooking. But its treatment in this period should be treated with caution, since the concentration of toxins in cinnamon, albeit weak, but not so small, and their effect on the fetus, by the way, is still poorly studied. Among the unequivocal contraindications to its therapy, not only hypertension.

• Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. While cinnamon is capable of reducing inflammation, including the lining of the stomach / intestines, it will irritate rather than cure when taken orally. It is because of the properties of strong irritants or even abrasives that gastritis and ulcers exclude the use of any spices and products with a sour taste, including vinegar, cinnamon, and most fruits. So you can not wait for the therapeutic effect with its reception, but the increase in pain at times is easy.
• Increased acidity of the stomach. Congenital or acquired. Cinnamon, like many other spices and metabolic stimulants, including caffeine and nicotine, itself provokes hyperacidosis. And if it is already available, it will surely end with an attack of heartburn.

Recipes

As for the use of cinnamon in the composition of dishes, everything is clear here: it serves as a traditional addition to confectionery, but sometimes savory dishes - rice, meat, etc., cooked in an oriental way are also seasoned with it. It is known that cinnamon complements the taste of natural coffee well (add cinnamon at the tip of a knife to a teaspoon of ground coffee). Housewives' reviews also suggest that cinnamon is an ideal addition to plum, currant, cherry, apricot jam, creamy and curd desserts like Tiramisu.

Among other things, cinnamon is added to many aroma compositions. And making tea with cinnamon is very simple - just add a third of a dessert spoon of cinnamon powder without a "slide" to a teaspoon of black tea, and then pour boiling water over them together and insist as usual. Recipes for cinnamon masks, of course, are somewhat more complicated in execution, but they give the hair silkiness and shine, and the skin - elasticity and color uniformity.

Mask for the face

You will need:

• a third of the pulp of one banana;
• a teaspoon of sour cream (dry and normal skin) or kefir (oily and problem skin);
• a teaspoon of lemon juice;
• a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Preparation and application

1. Fold the sour cream / kefir, banana and fresh lemon into the bowl of a blender or food processor, whisk for thirty seconds, no more.
2. Add cinnamon to the mixture, beat again for 10-15 seconds - just to stir the product.
3. After the finished mask, it remains only to remove and apply a thick uniform layer on the face, excluding the area of \u200b\u200bthe lips and eyes.

Preparations with cinnamon should not be kept on the face for more than fifteen minutes, but they should be washed off simply with warm water without the use of detergents.

Cinnamon can also be mixed with natural honey in a 1: 1 ratio and applied on the face for no more than five minutes in the evenings, before going to bed, as this mask warms well and activates capillary blood circulation, while simultaneously leading to temporary redness of the skin.

Hair Care Product

You will need:

• a glass of fatty kefir (normal and oily hair) or cream (dry and brittle hair);
• the yolk of one chicken egg;
• a teaspoon with a "slide" of cinnamon powder.

Preparation and application

1. Heat kefir to a temperature of about 60 ° C (slightly warmer than body temperature), add cinnamon and kefir to it.
2. Whisk the mixture with a spoon or whisk until smooth.
3. You need to apply such a mask on dry and clean hair, with an "emphasis" on the roots and subsequent distribution along the entire length.
4. It is better to wrap your head with polyethylene, you can also wrap a waffle towel over it.
5. Keep the product on your hair for no longer than half an hour, and then wash it off with warm water and your usual shampoo.

Anti-inflammatory compress

You will need:

• a teaspoon of cinnamon powder without a "slide";
• a teaspoon of natural honey;
• dessert spoon of "Extra" table salt.

Preparation and application

1. Heat honey to 50-60 ° C to make it thinner, add salt and stir until it is completely dissolved.
2. Then add cinnamon to the mixture and beat with a spoon until smooth.
3. Apply the resulting compress warm, locally, once a day (preferably in the evening), on problem areas - aching joints, acne, pigmentation, fungal infections.
4. It is advisable to cover the applique with a piece of polyethylene and wrap it with a warm cloth, for example, a terry towel or a woolen scarf.

The use of cinnamon at home for the treatment of pathologies of the skin (especially the face) and the musculoskeletal system requires different exposure times of the compresses. So, it takes only 15 minutes to keep the application on the face with it, and you can remove it from the skin of the body, including the joints, after 20-30 minutes. It is permissible to slightly extend the exposure time, but not for long, since cinnamon can burn skin, especially damaged or sensitive skin.