Ceylon cinnamon is the healthier of the two types and the more expensive than Cassia. It has a milder flavor than cassia cinnamon because it contains less cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil compound that gives cinnamon its distinctive taste and flavor.
All types of cinnamon contain a compound known as coumarin, which is known to be harmful in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon has over 100 times less coumarin than cassia cinnamon. If you are concerned about coumarin, Ceylon cinnamon is a safer option for your spice rack.
More than 80 chemical components can be found in Ceylon Cinnamon including Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. In addition to being a good source of flavour, Ceylon Cinnamon also offers numerous health benefits as it helps in avoiding the risks of getting diseases, disorders, and even cancer. (1)
Lowers the Risk of Cancer through antitumor and anti-angiogenesis activities.
Rich with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, the polyphenols in Ceylon Cinnamon acted as a strong activator of detoxifying enzymes in the body destroying prevailing cancer cells and providing protection against future growth of cancer cells, (2)
Lowers the Risk of Heart Diseases
Daily consumption of cinnamon can reduce the risk of heart diseases mainly due to its multiple properties including anti-inflammatory qualities, reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides with negative effects, stabilising HDL cholesterols, and reducing high blood pressure. (3)
Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon helps the body to use insulin more effectively through several methods, including
By increasing insulin sensitivity Ceylon Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels (4)
Decreasing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes of carbohydrates (5)
A compound called hydroxychalcone in Ceylon Cinnamon mimics the function of insulin to improve the absorption of glucose from body cells. (6)
It is believed that cinnamon will reduce the blood sugar levels by 24% and reduce cholesterol by 18% further assisting in avoiding diseases like diabetes. (7), (8)
Helps to Lose Weight
The Cinnamaldehyde component present in Cinnamon activates Thermogenesis, which is a process where the body creates heat and results in burning of calories. The compound increases insulin sensitivity while decreasing blood sugar, which also supports losing weight, which makes cinnamon a great supportive supplement for weight loss plan.
Benefits of Cinnamon on Skin
In addition to its numerous health benefits, cinnamon assists in maintaining a glowing and healthy skin by;
Reducing Acne
Cinnamon helps to reduce acne by supporting the blood flow of the skin. Its anti-fungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties help to reduce acne and other skin blemishes. Cinnamon mixed with honey can be applied externally in order to treat acne and to restore the moisture of the skin.
Reduces Eczema
Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce acute eczema conditions when consumed mixed with food or applied externally.
Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon for Mental Health
Helps Proper Brain Functioning
A source of the powerful antioxidant manganese, Ceylon Cinnamon helps brain functioning and improves overall brain health by;
Delaying or reversing cognitive impairment
Boosting memory and concentration
Prevents Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease
Consumption of Cinnamon is known as one of the safest methods to reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease. (9), (10) Cinnamon metabolizes into Sodium benzoate which would enter into the brain and normalize neurotransmitter levels, improve motor functions and protect cells while stopping the loss of proteins like Parkin and DJ-1. The spice also helps to control Alzheimer’s disease as Cinnamon consists of Cinnamaldehyde and Epicatechin which have the ability to prevent the collection of Tau protein.
Cinnamon’s Use in Home Remedy
Cinnamon tea or cinnamon mixed with black and green tea can be a potent cure against cold and sore throat especially mixed with honey.