My Humble Cinnamon - Health and Beauty Benefits

My Humble Sweet Cinnamon sticks sit nicely in a jar, at a dark corner of my kitchen spice rack. Waiting to be used with my favorite Coffee/Tea, Apple Pies, Custards ,Biriyani, or sprinkled over on my coffee cake. 

But little does anyone know about other health benefits of this Humble Sweet Super-food: Cinnamon. So today let's explore what this humble Cinnamon's sitting in a jar at the backside of your spice rack can do to change our life :) for better.

First lets be acquainted with, what kind of Cinammon gives us health benefits. Usually there are two types of Cinnamon available widely in market out of the whole species of Cinnamon. The one which gives us health benefits is Cinnamomum Vernum, also knows as Ceylon Cinnamon. The other one which is widely found everywhere is Cinnamomum Cassia. While you explore your nearest supermarket and find the pack of Cinnamon sticks there, its usually "Cinnamomum Cassia" or known as Chinese Cinnamon. Cassia Cinnamon has similar flavor and color as Vernum/Ceylon, but doesn't give similar health benefits as the former variety. According to experts, we should always opt for Ceylon Cinnamon.

Health benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon which is researched and supported by science :

1) Cinnamon is loaded with Antioxidants. Antioxidants usually protect our body from 

    oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

2) Cinnamon has Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Helps in healing aching joints and acne.

3) Cinnamon may cut risk of Heart Diseases and reduce levels of total cholesterol,
    LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while the good cholesterol like HDL cholesterol remains 
    stable. It also helps in reducing blood pressure to some extent.

4) Cinnamon lowers Blood Sugar Levels and has a powerful Anti-Diabetic Effect. It 

    decreases the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal.

5) Cinnamon has protective qualities against cancer. It reduces the growth of cancer 
    cells and formation of blood vessels in tumors as it appears to be toxic to cancer cells 
    causing cell death.

6) Cinnamon has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties too. Cinnamon oil is very
     effective in treating respiratory tract infections caused by fungi.

Now will explore the Beauty Benefits of Cinnamon :

1) Natural Fat-Burner - Due to its medicinal properties of reducing the amount of glucose 

    entering our bloodstream, Cinammon acts as a natural Fat-Burner.

2) Anti-Aging Effect - Due to its antioxidant property, cinnamon has anti-aging benefits. It 

    helps in better blood circulation (as it also has blood thinning properties). Enjoy a pinch 

    of cinnamon powder in your coffee or sprinkle it over your favorite dessert or fruit salad.

3) Natural Lip Plumper - Cinnamon  moisturizes, exfoliates and plumps your lips. You can 
    get natural full plump lips in no time. Take a pinch of cinnamon powder and mix it with 
    4-5 drops of natural honey.  Massage this onto your pout for atleast 1-2 mins softly. You 
    may feel light tingling sensation, which is normal. Leave it for 3-4 minutes and rinse off. If 
   you are in hurry, you can apply Cinnamon leaf oil (1drop) directly to your lips and leave it 
  for 5 mins before you apply your favorite lip color. This is natural but temporary lip plumper.
4) Heals Cracked Heels - Massage a mixture of cinnamon essential oil and olive oil (2 

    drops of cinnamon oil and 1 teaspoon of olive oil) into cracked heels. Do this every night 

    and cover your feet with socks. Do this consistently to get rid of cracked heels, and 

    rough patches on your feet.

5) Heals Acne - Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties,

    Cinnamon is a big relief for people suffering from acne. 

6) Exfoliates Skin - Its a natural exfoliator. Mix a pinch of Cinnamon powder in either 
    Honey or Plain Yogurt (depending on skin type) and use this as an exfoliator. While
    scrubbing, Cinnamon will help get rid of dead skins, flaky skin, dirt and pollution clogged
    in skin pores. To make the scrub, take a small pinch of  Cinnamon and mix it with one

    tablespoon of Yogurt or Honey. Scrub gently. As soon as you get a tingling feel on your 

    face, rinse off immediately and apply moisturizer.

How do we intake Cinnamon in our daily eating habits :

1) You can take one large pinch of cinnamon powder with drinking water after half an hour 

    of your meal once a day, either after lunch or after dinner. The intake shouldn't exceed 3 

    mg a day. Having Cinnamon powder two- three times a week is more than enough for

    human body.

2) You can also sprinkle a pinch with your daily oatmeal porridge during breakfast, or over 

     your fruit salad.

3) 1-2 drops of edible Cinnamon oil can be used  with hot water or tea. Drink this mixture 

     slowly, to sooth your throat.

4) Cinnamon oil (3-4 drops) if mixed with a carrier oil and massaged over cold achy joints 

    during winters gives relief.

Things you should be Careful about before using this in your daily routine :

1) Cinnamon has blood thinning properties so if you already have a problem with thin 
    blood, consult your doctor before you start to have it in your daily meal

2) If you are allergic to Cinnamon use on your skin, first do a patch test on your elbow to 

    see if it suits you. Rub a small amount of  Cinnamon mixed with Honey onto your inner 

    elbow. If you see signes of itching, redness or burning, rinse off immediately and don't 

    apply it on your skin.

3) Do not use dry Cinnamon powder on your skin directly. It can burn your skin severely. 

    The amount to be used in exfoliating masks for face and lips has to be very little.

4) Never use Cinnamon Essential oil on its own during topical applications as its a "hot oil" 

    which can cause severe skin irritations.

5) Many sensitive stomach may react to complex compounds. Stop intake if you are 

    sensitive towards complex compounds.

6) Pregnant women should avoid cinnamon intake as it can cause involuntary contractions.

Hope this Super-food helps you towards a better life and healthy living.
Stay Healthy and Stay Happy till i meet you in my next :-) CIAO.