Cinnamon

Here’s Why Cinnamon Is Necessary For Every Woman

A study conducted at Columbia University in New York, came to a conclusion that women with polycystic ovaries, which consumed the spice every day, rebalanced their menstrual cycle within six months than those who took placebo. Some of them also became pregnant during this period. – See more at:

“Scientists have long been trying to find a natural or homeopathic medicine for polycystic ovarian syndrome”, said the author of the research Dr. Daniel Kort, and added: “With this research we found that a seemingly simple spice can be a solution for women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome.”

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It is estimated that 5-10% of women worldwide suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. In America that number is estimated at 5 million. The symptoms of this syndrome are irregular periods, infertility, as well as acne and hair growth on the face.

Scientists believe that cinnamon, except for polycystic ovaries, can affect the body so as to improve the body’s ability to process glucose and insulin.

In China, Japan and Far East countries, women who are unable to stay pregnant consume cinnamon powder with half a teaspoon of honey and add it to chewing gum so that they can consume a little bit of it all day. If you don’t prefer this way, simply rub this mixture over your gums several times a day.
Source: for healthy lifestyle

Medical properties of Cinnamon

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Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world which is obtained by grinding the brown bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamonum verum).

He is mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a spice in drinks and medicine , but also as one of the ingredients that are used for embalming .

At this time cinnamon was very highly esteemed and considered even valuble than

Extract of it has many favorable effects on human health: balance blood sugar levels , prevent clothing of the blood , has anti-inflammatory , antimicrobial and antifungal properties and improves brain function .

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Healing capabilities of cinnamon come from essential oils found in its bark : cinamaldehid , cinamil acetate , alcohol , cinamil etc. .

Cinnamon is helpful for people who have type 2 diabetes – studies show that the ingredients that include cinnamon stimulate insulin receptors and inhibit an enzyme that inactivates insulin.

He also lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and prevent diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

Besides the unique essential oils , cinnamon contains trace minerals such as manganese and a very good source of fiber , iron and calcium .

These compounds reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis and regulate stool in cases of diarrhea or constipation

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Properties of cinnamon :

  • – Lowers blood sugar with type 2 diabetes ;
  • – Maintain metabolic balance between glucose and insulin in the blood ;
  • – For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases ;
  • – For the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia ;
  • – To regulate the proper function of the digestive tract ;
  • – Shows anti-inflammatory , antimicrobial and antifungal properties .
  • Source: secretly healthy

Food for weight loss: Cinnamon or dalchini

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You may have believed that dalchini or cinnamon is simply added to a pulav or biryani to spice up their taste but that’s not the only things these little barks do. Cinnamon is one of those magical ingredients that helps you to heal from cough and cold and also lose weight!

Cinnamon does this by activating insulin receptors and stimulating various enzyme systems involved in the carbohydrate metabolism in your body, eventually regulating the level of blood sugar and increasing metabolism. It also helps to delay the passing of food from stomach to the intestines which keeps you satiated for a longer period of time and eventually reduces your food intakes.

How to add cinnamon in your diet

Tip#1: Include about one teaspoon of cinnamon in your daily diet by sprinkling cinnamon powder on food you eat – breakfast cereal, tea and coffee, fruits such as apples and pears or curds.

Tip#2: Combine cinnamon with honey in the form of a tea by mixing one tablespoon of each in half a cup of hot water. This tea should be drunk about 30 minutes before breakfast every day to see a noticeable weight loss.

Source: yahoo news

Cinnamon levels up from common spice to ‘super’ health food

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A team of scientists elevated the prized spice, cinnamon, from its culinary applications to a loftier stratum as a promising molecular weapon for combating chronic diseases. Researchers from various fields, including Kiram Panickar, Heping Cao, Bolin Qin and Richard A. Anderson, collaborated in making this significant breakthrough. The results revived ancient interest in the therapeutic benefits of common cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as the “true cinnamon,” to modern genomic medicine. Compounds found in cinnamon revealed multiple utility in terms of enhancing the effects of insulin, its antioxidant function, efficacy against inflammation, and its neuroprotective benefits.

Cinnamon polyphenol extract (CPE) regulates a number of genes and exerts a significant influence on the metabolism of glucose. Various studies conducted on human subjects afflicted with metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus also showed the beneficial effects of whole cinnamon and its aqueous extract on the glucose, insulin, lipid profile and anti-oxidant status of the patients.

Experts also posited possible effects of cinnamon compounds on body composition, lean body mass and inflammatory response.

Cinnamon Extract Helps against Dyslipedemia

Patients with metabolic syndrome develop resistance to insulin action, which in turn causes dyslipedemia or abnormal level of lipids in the blood. In most cases, the problem is hyperlipedemia. Cinnamon presents a good potential in lowering lipid levels in both animal and human subjects.

Cinnamon Extract Lowers Systolic Blood Pressure

Agents that are typically employed as an intervention for insulin resistance and/or lower circulating insulin concentration in the blood also tend to lower blood pressure. Such agents include nutrients, nutritional supplements, and drugs. Research conducted on spontaneously hypertensive rats fed with sucrose-containing diet showed that elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is lowered when the rats were given dietary cinnamon. This presents a promising development highlighting the efficacy of cinnamon not only for sucrose-induced high SBP but also for hypertension caused by genetic factors.

Molecular Targets

Based on the aforementioned link between chronic diseases and genetic influences, research is now pursuing genomic targets for therapy. Quantitative research on polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on the expression of genes coding for the glucose transporter (GLUT) and anti-inflammatory tristetrapolin (TTP) families, components of the insulin signal transduction pathway, etc. So far, there are tell-tale signs that the medical hypotheses on selected targets are leaning towards positive results.

Age-Old Super Spice

From its basic ancient uses as treatment for toothache, anti-halitosis or bad breath, medication for the nasty common cold and digestion aid, cinnamon has gone quite a long way. Recent studies also showed that even just the smell of cinnamon or chewing cinnamon gum improves brain function from memory to visual-motor speed, recognition, and attention and focus.
Source: natural news

7 Spices for super health benefits!

How often do we sprinkle cinnamon powder into the porridge or add a dash of oregano to pizza to pamper our taste buds! It may come as a surprise to many that our favorite herbs and spices not only add a twist of color, flavor and taste to our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners but also pack a nutritional punch.

From keeping our heart healthy and arteries clear to easing pain and warding off cancer, spices used extensively in cooking carry infinite health benefits and contribute towards a healthy life.

spices that not only turn bland dishes into mouth watering delicacies but contribute towards a healthy life.

1. Ginger: This gnarly looking tree root is a good source of magnesium, potassium, copper and vitamin B. The underground stem gives specific flavour to food and has many medicinal uses. It works wonders in alleviating nausea, motion sickness, helps treat upset stomachs, gas and bloating, is beneficial for coping with sore throats and colds. In addition, it is good for arthritis, hinders the growth of certain cancer cells, boosts immunity and promotes sweating.

2. Garlic: Some profess to love garlic while others hate it! Whatever may be the case, there is no denying that garlic is good for you! It has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Research has established that garlic improves cardiovascular health and helps the body metabolize iron. Just incorporate the spice in your daily diet whether in sauces, pizzas, roasted in veggies or finely chopped in regular meals.

3. Cinnamon: We love cinnamon, the common kitchen spice prized for its unique aroma in pie, rolls, raisin bread, stirred in coffee and sprinkled on yoghurt because it brings out the flavors of the food it is paired with. However, few know that cinnamon tames nausea and stomach ulcers, is a proven anti-inflammatory, keeps arteries healthy increases metabolic rate, helps alleviate arthritis pain, regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol. Moreover, it is a natural food preservative.

4. Saffron: The “golden spice” is truly a wonder herb. Prized for adding color and a unique aroma to a dish, this expensive and exotic spice is known to treat nearly 90 ailments. Saffron is a purifier and has a cooling effect. It works wonders as therapy for kidney, bladder and liver disorders. It is heart healthy, and is known to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Saffron is touted as an enhancer of skin tone.

5. Turmeric: This bright orange-yellow spice has some solid gold health benefits. Turmeric paste speeds healing process of injuries and provides pain relief of arthritis. Turmeric can relieve colds, respiratory problems, improve liver function and help to digest fats quickly. Curcumin, a compound in turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The spice is also being investigated for its potential benefits in Alzheimer’s disease, managing heart disease and inhibiting cancerous cell growth.

6. Chilies: Believe it or not but chilies which create sensations of heat also help trigger the body’s natural cooling system. Research has established that capsaicin, a pungent compound found in hot chilies, revs up the body’s metabolism and may help burn fat. Capsaicin may also lower risk of ulcers and shield the heart by keeping “bad” LDL cholesterol from turning into a more lethal, artery-clogging form. Moreover, chilies improve circulation, clear congestion, fight inflammation, enhance immunity, aid in weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes.

7. Cardamom: Enriched with dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, Vitamin C and potassium, cardamom flushes out toxins from the body, perks up kidney, bladder and digestive function as well as circulation. Commonly known as choti elaichi, this spice alleviates gas and symptoms of asthma, stimulates appetite, aid acid reflux while the fragrant seeds rectify foul breath.

source: the med guru

7 Natural Remedies for Fresh Breath

Fresh herbs
It’s widely known that mint can freshen breath, but chewing on fresh parsley can too. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which has anti-bacterial properties and a strong scent, which can freshen your breath in minutes. Other scented sprigs include coriander, tarragon, eucalyptus, cardamom, and rosemary.

Citrus snack

You may want to consider a clementine for an afternoon snack. Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, which helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis – major bad breath triggers

Homemade cinnamon mouthwash
Try making your own tasty mouthwash using common household ingredients. Just mix 1 ½ tsp of honey, ½ Tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp baking soda, one cup hot water, and juice from two lemons. Swish about two Tbsp of this mouthwash for about a minute. The honey, baking soda, and cinnamon combat odor-causing bacteria, while the lemon provides a fresh scent. And there’s a bonus: baking soda whitens teeth.

Live active cultures
The live active cultures in yogurt and cheese have been shown to reduce odor-causing sulfites in the mouth, as well as unhealthy bacteria. Look for low-fat products without added sugars that contain Vitamin D, which helps create a most hostile environment for bacterial growth.

Black tea
Black tea contains polyphenols, antioxidants that prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth, and also inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. That’s why black tea can be so helpful in the battle against halitosis. Some popular types of black tea include Earl Grey, Ceylon, and Darjeeling.

Chewy concoction
Many exotic spices have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for keeping the mouth fresh and clean. Try crunching on a blend of fennel, coriander, and whole cloves. It tastes like a delicious winter treat.

Magnolia bark extract
This natural ingredient often found in mints and toothpaste is comprised of magnolol and honokiol, which have potent antibacterial properties. The powerful extract can kill most bad-breath bacteria within 30 minutes.

Source: health central

Cinnamon may help diabetics

Cinnamon, a common kitchen spice, may improve blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes, new research has found.

In a review study, researchers looked at data collected from 10 randomised control led trials involving 543 patients with type 2 diabetes.

These studies compared people who took cinnamon in a pill form, in doses ranging from 120 milligrammes to 6 grams a day, for a period of four to 18 weeks, to people who did not take cinnamon.

They found that people with type 2 diabetes who took cinnamon supplements had lower fasting plasma glucose levels compared with people who didn`t take them.
The most popular form of the supplement, which was used in six out of 10 trials, was Cinnamomum cassia, which participants were advised to take before, during or after their meals, `LiveScience` reported.

The review also found that cinnamon benefited several important measures of heart health: It reduced total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased HDL “good” cholesterol.

“When we combined the results of all the trials, we found that in patients with type 2 diabetes, there was a benefit on blood glucose and cholesterol levels,” said study researcher Olivia Phung, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.

Preliminary studies have suggested that the compound, cinnamaldehydein, is responsible for cinnamon`s health effects.

Researchers suspect this substance may stimulate the release and effect of insulin, providing cinnamon its power to improve blood sugar.

“By enhancing insulin activity, it`s assumed there`d be better control of blood glucose,” Phung told the website.

The researchers have not yet determined the exact dose of cinnamon that may be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes, or the length of time or frequency the supplement should be taken.

The study was published in the journal The Annals of Family Medicine.