Spice up your Nutrition for Awesome Health Benefits: Cinnamon

Eating healthy doesn't have to be a bland meaningless experience. Adding flavor to your food doesn't even add calories. Using fresh spices or the dried ones you have in your pantry will not only flava up your food, but there can be some terrific health benefits as well. In some parts of the world, spices have long been used for their medicinal qualities. Here in the States, they are quickly gaining popularity again as we start to see the negative effects of Western Medicine and Big-pharma remedies. 

Follow me as I delve into some spices that really offer more than just a party for your taste-buds.

Cinnamon: One of the oldest spices known has become a topic of debate. Does it really do all the things the Internet says it does? When it comes to spices there is not a lot of medical research out there. Believe me, Big-Pharma is taking over the world and they would rather pump you full of potentially dangerous drugs and make a lot of money, then have you purchase a canister of cinnamon at your grocery store. I say, try it, if it works, great. If it doesn't, what do you have to lose? Your toast sure tasted good this morning.

Personally, I've used cinnamon mixed with honey as a topical remedy for a pinched nerve. For those of you who have experienced a pinched nerve, you know the process to reduce the inflammation and get back to feeling normal or pain free is a long one. I had plenty of time to try everything I could find and I will tell you, it offered temporary pain relief and for that I was grateful. Draw backs for me were, slight skin irritation (I didn't care, I was in so much pain) and it's a messy treatment!

So here are the known benefits of cinnamon:

Cinnamon may be helpful in lowering blood sugar and there is research that it may be helpful as a supplement to regular diabetes treatment for people with Type 2. There was a study published in 2009 that found cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The theory is that it increases insulin action. I wouldn't count on cinnamon alone of course, but with a proper diet, exercise and regular monitoring, what would it hurt to try? (Consult your doctor first before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition.)

Cinnamon is known to have anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and antibacterial properties which help to fight yeast infections, head lice and stomach ulcers.

It has a blood thinning compound and anti-inflammatory properties that assists in blood circulation which can reduce arthritic pain. 

It has been know to relieve indigestion, bloat and stomach upset.

Cinnamon is a natural source of antioxidants.

Now for the side effects, when used topically, as I stated above, it can irritate your skin. Ingested in high doses, it can harm your liver. As an addition to your daily diet, not overdone, it's a good thing. Add it to your food, it will make it taste great and give you some health benefits as well.

To your Health!