{"id":55423,"date":"2022-11-23T09:30:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T14:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55423"},"modified":"2025-12-29T10:58:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T15:58:21","slug":"health-benefits-of-cinnamon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/health-benefits-of-cinnamon\/","title":{"rendered":"7 health benefits of cinnamon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cinnamon is synonymous with fall and winter. It is a popular spice, often used in recipes like pies, mulled cider, and cookies. On top of that, it\u2019s one of the most recognized scents of the season. However, the spice is beneficial beyond the happy, homey feeling it gives you when you catch a whiff. Used as a seasoning in food and as a supplement or medicinally, the health benefits of cinnamon extend from your brain to your heart and immune system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the health benefits of cinnamon?<\/h2>\n

Read on to learn how it works and how to incorporate cinnamon into your diet to reap the following health benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Anti-inflammatory properties<\/h3>\n

Cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants, which people consume to stay healthier since \u201coxidative stress can cause a number of health issues ranging from fatigue, to inflammation, to full blown disease,\u201d says <\/span>Mahmud Kara<\/span><\/a>, MD, a functional medicine physician specializing in digestive and heart health. Many superfoods contain antioxidants\u2014and cinnamon falls into this category.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because it is an antioxidant, <\/span>cinnamon can bring down inflammation in the body<\/span><\/a>, which can keep you healthier overall and prevent injury and illness. So, by increasing the flavor profile in your food, you are also increasing your ability to ward off disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What is inflammation?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Blood glucose regulation<\/h3>\n

Cinnamon consumption has been linked to improvements regarding blood sugar regulation. \u201cCinnamon has been shown to help regulate <\/span>blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a>, which is beneficial for both diabetics and those who are at risk for developing diabetes,\u201d says <\/span>Dev Batra<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> MD, an interventional radiologist in Dallas, Texas. Being able to improve <\/span>insulin sensitivity<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>stop diabetes before it begins<\/span><\/a> is a big benefit for one small spice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The benefits don\u2019t stop there. \u201c<\/span>Some studies<\/span><\/a> have suggested that cinnamon slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates after eating and may even mimic the effects of insulin which in turn can help combat insulin resistance, regulate blood sugar levels, and may even reduce the risk for developing diseases like <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>,\u201d says Dr. Kara.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of the positive effect on blood sugar stabilization and as a possible replacement for insulin, cinnamon is good for kidney function. \u201cCinnamon may help prevent damage to the kidneys caused by too much sugar in the bloodstream if the kidneys are unable to filter out sugar or lessen the demand to \u2018work\u2019 that the kidneys experience with blood sugar spikes,\u201d explains Dr. Kara. Something as simple as adding a few shakes from a cinnamon spice jar to your morning coffee might make a big difference in your overall body\u2019s functioning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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