Ever since I had a “Heart Event” back in ’99, I’ve been searching for alternatives to the prescription drugs offered by western medicine. My first victory in that battle was to start a daily aspirin regimen that allowed me to discontinue (on the advice of my cardiologist) my use of the blood thinning drug Plavix. My next and latest accomplishment came last November, when after reviewing my latest blood work, my cardiologist decided to take me off of the statin drug I had been taking for over 12 years and sited my daily consumption of fish oil as the most likely reason for the improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels in my blood.
My new miracle drug of choice is cinnamon. Once upon a time, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. In ancient Egypt, it was the main ingredient in their embalming process and most likely the reason that many of the Pharaohs remain so well preserved. In fact, this warming spice has been in use by different populations around the world for thousands of years; it’s been mentioned in ancient Chinese writings and is spoken of several times within the Bible. Moses wrote of cinnamon as a major ingredient in the “holy anointing oil” used to bless his people.
“If it was good for the Hebrew children and it’s good enough for me.”
Here are just more of the possible health benefits of cinnamon that may make you want to include it in your diet every day.
Lower Cholesterol: Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Cancer Prevention: In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Arthritis Relief: In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
Anti-Bacterial: When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
Brain Health: One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
In traditional medicine, cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas and bloating, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s even known to reduce the symptoms of headaches and migraines, not to mention the fact that Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.
I’m not suggesting that you start hanging out at the airport and bingeing on Cinnabon. I’m currently taking two 1000mg capsules every morning with my breakfast, but there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. Cinnamon can be toxic in high doses and anyone who has a history of allergic reactions to cinnamon, people taking blood thinning drugs (this includes an aspirin regimen, as cinnamon also has blood thinning properties) and pregnant woman should check with their doctor before taking cinnamon. Never stop taking a prescribed medicine without the direct advice of your physician and if you notice any skin rashes, or irritation to the mouth or stomach, discontinue taking cinnamon and see a doctor.
Who knows? Maybe all of this research will just turn out to be hogwash, but here’s the crazy side effect; after you burp, you still have the freshest breath in town and I’m sure everyone will appreciate that.
Keep it Spicy, Dudes
My new miracle drug of choice is cinnamon. Once upon a time, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. In ancient Egypt, it was the main ingredient in their embalming process and most likely the reason that many of the Pharaohs remain so well preserved. In fact, this warming spice has been in use by different populations around the world for thousands of years; it’s been mentioned in ancient Chinese writings and is spoken of several times within the Bible. Moses wrote of cinnamon as a major ingredient in the “holy anointing oil” used to bless his people.
“If it was good for the Hebrew children and it’s good enough for me.”
Here are just more of the possible health benefits of cinnamon that may make you want to include it in your diet every day.
Lower Cholesterol: Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Cancer Prevention: In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Arthritis Relief: In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
Anti-Bacterial: When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
Brain Health: One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
In traditional medicine, cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas and bloating, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s even known to reduce the symptoms of headaches and migraines, not to mention the fact that Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.
I’m not suggesting that you start hanging out at the airport and bingeing on Cinnabon. I’m currently taking two 1000mg capsules every morning with my breakfast, but there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. Cinnamon can be toxic in high doses and anyone who has a history of allergic reactions to cinnamon, people taking blood thinning drugs (this includes an aspirin regimen, as cinnamon also has blood thinning properties) and pregnant woman should check with their doctor before taking cinnamon. Never stop taking a prescribed medicine without the direct advice of your physician and if you notice any skin rashes, or irritation to the mouth or stomach, discontinue taking cinnamon and see a doctor.
Who knows? Maybe all of this research will just turn out to be hogwash, but here’s the crazy side effect; after you burp, you still have the freshest breath in town and I’m sure everyone will appreciate that.
Keep it Spicy, Dudes
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