Cinnamon: the fragrant bark with surprising effects

Cannelle : l’écorce parfumée aux effets surprenants

Introduction

Cinnamon rolls, Christmas cookies, chai tea, pumpkin spice lattes – all these delicacies have one thing in common: cinnamon is the key ingredient in their preparation.

This aromatic spice, extracted from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, is not only pleasant on the palate, but also has a rich history and an impressive range of health benefits.

In this article, we will delve into the world of cinnamon and discover all that it has to offer us.

History and anecdotes

From ancient Egypt to imperial China, via the ancient lands of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), cinnamon has been used by Homo sapiens for thousands of years. It was so valuable at the time that some even considered it more precious than gold and it was once used as a bargaining chip! Portuguese and Dutch explorers traveled thousands of kilometers in search of this “brown gold,” thus contributing to the rise of voyages of discovery.

The Egyptians offered it as a gift to the gods, while the Romans used it to perfume their homes and their bodies. Today, scientists are taking ownership of this commodity because research shows that, beyond its taste and bewitching scent, cinnamon has many health benefits. Here are a few examples.

The virtues

Powerful antioxidant

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and thus helps to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. This can contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Checks blood sugar levels

Studies have shown that cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity. This makes it a beneficial addition for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Antimicrobial properties

Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial properties, which means that it helps to fight bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It can also help to strengthen the immune system.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Thanks to its active compounds, cinnamon reduces inflammation in the body, thus helping to relieve joint pain and symptoms related to inflammation.

Hair loss?

Cinnamon offers numerous benefits in the field of beauty, particularly with regard to the prevention of hair loss. By strengthening the hair cuticles, it reduces the fragility of the hair, which helps to reduce hair loss.

In addition, cinnamon contains an enzyme called natural peroxidase, which has the ability to lighten hair naturally. Thanks to these properties, cinnamon also promotes faster hair growth.

Conclusion

So who would have believed it? A simple fragrant bark, once used primarily for trade and to embellish dishes, has become a celebrity of superfoods offering pleasure and virtues.

Whether it's to spice up your dishes or to enjoy its beneficial effects, cinnamon is a spice that should not be neglected or underestimated in your daily life.

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Sources

Hariri M et al. Cinnamon and Chronic Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2016;929:1-24.
Zhu R et al. Cinnamaldehyde in diabetes: A review of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and safety. Pharmacological Research. 2017;
Costello RB et al. Do Cinnamon Supplements Have a Role in Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes? A Narrative Review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2016;116(11):1794-1802.
Sharma UK et al. Medicinal attributes of major phenylpropanoids present in cinnamon. BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16:156.
Blahová J et al. Assessment of Coumarin Levels in Ground Cinnamon Available in the Czech Retail Market. Scientific World Journal. 2012; doi: 10.1100/2012/263851.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon
https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-cinnamon/