For centuries, humans have been using herbs and spices for taste and other health benefits. Especially in India, spices are used tremendously in home cooking. Among the many common ingredients present in the kitchen, Cinnamon is a bit uncommon. It is a spice that has been used for centuries in various cuisines around the world. Made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka and India, this spice has recently pickup up in the market. There has been growing interest in cinnamon supplements, which are marketed as a way to improve health and well-being. But are these supplements actually good for you? Let’s take a closer look.
Benefits of Cinnamon Supplements
Apart from making a ‘teaspoon of cinnamon challenge’ for YouTube, this spice offers many other possible benefits. Here are a few known benefits of eating cinnamon:
- One of the main reasons people take cinnamon supplements is their potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits that have been associated with cinnamon:
- Lower blood sugar: Some studies have shown that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant properties: Cinnamon is also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
- Lower cholesterol: Some research suggests that cinnamon supplements may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. LDL, also known as Low-density Lipoprotein, is the bad cholesterol present in our bodies. Many deadly diseases like stroke and heart attacks are attributed to the presence of LDL in the body.
However, as with any other thing in the world, Cinnamon also suffers from a few drawbacks.
Precautions to be made when taking cinnamon supplements
While cinnamon supplements may offer some potential benefits, they must be used within limits. While taking it in supplement form, take note of these few things beforehand:
- Safety concerns have been associated with taking cinnamon supplements. It is because of a compound called coumarin present in cinnamon. This compound can be toxic in large doses. Some cinnamon supplements may contain high levels of coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver. And you’d definitely not want to end up going to a doctor for cinnamon toxicity. Would you?
- While some studies have shown the potential benefits of cinnamon supplements, the research is still limited. You’d have to wait for more studies to determine conclusively the effectiveness and safety of these supplements.
- If you are already going under medications, be wary. Cinnamon supplements may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medication, and liver medication. Please talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Now, that you know the possible side effects of it, let’s know a few tips on how to choose a cinnamon supplement.
Tips for Choosing Cinnamon Supplements
- Always look for a brand that has a good reputation and uses high-quality ingredients. This will save you from unnecessary wails. Try out a few eBay alternatives to choose from and buy the health and beauty product you look for.
- Before you buy, make sure the supplement contains the right amount of cinnamon and does not contain any harmful ingredients.
- And always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. This will help you ensure that the supplement is safe and won’t interact with any medication you’re taking.
While cinnamon supplements may offer some potential health benefits, they also come with some risks. It’s important to do your research and talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Remember that a healthy diet and lifestyle are still the best ways to maintain good health.