Cinnannimum

Cinnamon - I know you were thinking I couldn't spell it - has some great health benefits. NO that doesn't mean you should run out and get some Cinnabon. Here is what I know about it.

First, make sure you are actually getting cinnamon and not cassia. Sometimes the cassia is actually labeled as cinnamon. An easy way to avoid that is to buy organic cinnamon. I get mine from Spicesinc.com. They have both organic and the other.

I have added about 1/2 tsp of cinnamon to my normal breakfast which is 1/3 cup uncooked thick rolled oats, 1/4 cup berries or fruit and almond milk. It actually makes it taste sweeter if that makes any sense at all. It is really good.

Here are some of the health benefits of cinnamon:

1. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar which is a help for everyone and in particular folks with Type 2 Diabetes.

2. Studies show that it has the ability to stop medication resistant yeast infections.

3. In a USDA study it was shown to reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

4. It has a natural non-clotting effect on blood.

5. In a Danish study patients were given 1/2 tsp with 1 tbsp of honey before breakfast. The patients showed a significant reduction in arthritis pain after one week and after one month were able to walk without pain.

6. One study showed that just smelling it improved cognitive function and memory.

7. It is a natural preservative.

8. Researchers at Kansas State found that it reduced E-coli in unpasteurized fruit juices.

9. It is a good source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium.

10. 1/2 tsp a day has been shown to lower LDL -bad - cholesterol.

The big deal nowadays is the "Anti-inflammatory" diet. It is said to be the best way to avoid and naturally heal from most chronic diseases. Here you can see the anti-inflammatory effects that a small and tasty dose of cinnamon can have on you.

Here are some ideas for easy ways to add it. If you have arthritis I would try the 1/2 tsp with the 1 tbsp of honey before breakfast for sure. You could add 1/2 tsp to some soy milk to add to your coffee in the morning. You can mix it in with your cereal or oatmeal. If you are a smoothie person you could add 1/2 tsp in your smoothie. You could sprinkle it on toast if you want.

I love doing the research on this stuff. I am going to do the arthritis remedy myself since I have an unfortunate family history. You learn something new every day.

More soon....