7 Reasons to Start Adding Cinnamon to Your Food

Cinnamon was considered a luxury spice in Europe in the Middle Ages. The Arabs transported it via cumbersome land routes, and only wealthy people could afford to buy it. Today, cinnamon can be found in almost every kitchen. But this common spice is more than just a delicious additive in cakes and it can go a long way in giving you flawless skin and improving your well-being.

We at Bright Side love to sprinkle some cinnamon in our morning coffee. And we decided to find out how it can benefit our health and our looks.

1. It may minimize acne.

Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that are helpful for treating breakouts. This spice can kill the bacteria and fungi that cause blemishes. It is also a great source of powerful antioxidants that protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. They can cause skin inflammation, and when this occurs, our pores are blocked, which leads to acne.

2. It prevents signs of aging.

Free radicals may also contribute to premature skin aging, causing fine lines, pigmentation, and overall dull-looking skin. The antioxidants in cinnamon slow down this process by protecting your cells from this damage. Cinnamon can even promote collagen production because it contains trace elements that have been shown to boost collagen levels.

3. It makes your skin look more even-toned.

Cinnamon increases circulation, bringing blood and oxygen to the skin. It contains an astringent, a chemical that shrinks or constricts body tissues. It may help your skin appear smoother and more even, and improve its health from the inside out.

4. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation helps your body fight viruses and repair tissue damage. But if it’s directed against your body’s own tissues, it may become dangerous. Studies have shown that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can even ease swelling.

5. It may lower the risk of heart disease.

Adding cinnamon to your diet may keep your heart healthy, according to research. In the study, rats that are fed a high-fat diet with cinnamon for 12 weeks gained less weight than mice that ate fatty foods without cinnamon. A diet high in fat may lead to heart disease, and adding some cinnamon to your food may help with offsetting this risk.

6. It helps with weight loss.

Cinnamon is rich in fiber. It gives you a feeling of fullness and helps you to fight food cravings. It also boosts metabolism, because your body uses more energy to process the spice than it does for other foods.

7. It may improve memory.

Cinnamon may help to delay brain aging and lower the oxidative stress of brain cells. It also stimulates hippocampal plasticity, a part of the brain associated with memory. The spice has even been shown to improve some symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Do you like cinnamon? What are your favorite recipes with this spice?