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The benefits and harms of cinnamon and other useful properties

Almost every housewife in the kitchen you can find a brownish powder with a strong pleasant, slightly tart flavor. This cinnamon – a spice made from the dried bark of an evergreen tropical tree of the Lauraceae family. It is usually added to baked goods, hot beverages, meats and cereals. Also cinnamon is widely used in perfumery on the basis of its fragrance are eau de toilette, soap, shower gels and much more.

But not all have the information that cinnamon is not only a fragrant spice, but also very effective drug. About this property knew of the ancient Chinese healers. Also cinnamon is mentioned in the ancient Indian treatise on the health of "Ayurveda"and the old Testament. In the XVII century on the cinnamon mentioned in the Russian medical manual"Cool vertograd".

Useful properties of cinnamon

Since ancient times, healers were known miraculous properties of cinnamon, it was used in the treatment of various ailments. Modern medicine confirms that eating this spice has a positive effect on the functioning of all vital systems of the body, helps in the fight against many diseases, increases the overall tone and strengthens the immune system. Cinnamon is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Contains B vitamins, vitamin C, And, PP. Also it contains tannins, essential oils, cellulose.

In medicine, cinnamon is used as antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiparasitic, as well as in the fight against fungal diseases and to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Effective cinnamon as binders, relieves as in diarrheaand constipation, causes the discharge of gases. Thanks to the fiber content fiber cinnamon reduces the risk of cancer in the colon. Contributes to this aromatic spice cleansing of the bile system and the liver, displays the body of excess bile salts. As the spice contributes to the evacuation of unwanted fluid from the body, then effectively it will and with diseases of the kidneys. Infections in the bladder is also advised to take drinks with cinnamon.

Latest medical studies have proven the efficacy of cinnamon in the treatment of diabetes. Polyphenol, which is included with this spice helps your body better absorb the insulin. Even half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces sugar levels andcholesterol in the blood and also prevents the development of many inflammatory diseases. Some doctors believe that using cinnamon, it is possible to deal with cancer, for example, bone cancer. Perhaps in the near future will be established anticancer drugs based on it.


Other benefits of cinnamon?

  • Children, especially schoolchildren, cinnamon can bring invaluable advantage. Two or three pinches of this spice a day can have a positive impact on concentration, to strengthen vision. Cinnamon has a positive effect on memory and prevents fatigue. Will noticeably increase the body's resistance to child viral and bacterial diseases.
  • Women cinnamon will help to ease menstrual pain, increase body tone these days, relieves irritability. With regular ingestion of this spice is harmonized menstrual cycle, significantly enhanced sexuality. Representatives of the strong half of mankind will also be able to commend the properties of cinnamon, because it provides not only a stimulating effect, arousing sexual desire, but also positively affects the quality of potency. The scent of cinnamon can significantly increase the sensitivity of erogenous zones and to strengthen the sexual glands.
  • Older people who have a noticeable age-related changes of arteries and veins, it is helpful to use cinnamon to prevent a heart attack. This spice lowers cholesterol, prevents blood clots. Regular cooking with this herb can strengthen the heart muscle, normalize blood pressure. Effective cinnamon and arthritis, including chronic pain disappears, the movements become easier. At various memory disorders, multiple sclerosis, insomnia and depression, this seasoning will have a positive effect.

  • Absolutely everything cinnamon will help to ease the symptoms of the flu and colds. Warm drinks with cinnamon will weaken headache, increase sweating, chest congestion, can help relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa. General body tone will increase significantly, will be a weakness, the immune system will get a significant support. In addition, cinnamon treat chronic cough and strong sore throat. Many people use this spice relieves headaches and migraines, even with pulpitis.


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    As such, the cinnamon will not bring harm to human health. The main condition for the application of this spice is not abused, i.e. not to eat it in large spoonfuls several times a day. At first glance, it's obvious, but the fact that some people believe that the more dosage, the more noticeable will be the result (especially for those wishing to lose weight quickly). Unfortunately, cinnamon is not held. In reasonable doses, this spice promotes healing in large – can have the opposite effect. For example, if a small pinch of cinnamon is able to stimulate the brain and improve visual processes, an excessive amount of seasoning will cause lack of energy, depression and headaches.

    Also worth bearing in mind that cinnamon contains coumarin – a fragrant substance that can cause liver damage without symptoms. Especially affected by the coumarin sensitive to this substance people and those who suffer from severe liver disease. The smallest quantity of this substance contains Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese (also called Cassia) may contain coumarin in 100 times more. As with any medication, multiple dosage increase, it becomes a poison, and Cassia pure example of this. Therefore, doctors advise before purchase to be interested in what region was brought seasoning. And if to this information is not possible, it is better not to use too often "unidentified" spice.


    Hair mask with cinnamon

    Cinnamon is a versatile spice that not only allows you to change the taste of dishes, giving them a noble fragrance, it has a wholesome effect on the health of internal organs, but also successfully used in cosmetology. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, cinnamon stimulates blood circulation inside the skin and hair follicles. Therefore, in Ancient Egypt, the seasoning used in masks for hair.

    Cinnamon gives hair vitality, gives them a silky Shine and stimulates growth, while restoring its structure. In addition to this mask with cinnamon give hair a pleasant aroma, easy to use. Recommend such treatments for those who have brittle and dull hair. But before you can use cinnamon, it is desirable to ensure no allergic reaction to this spice.

    Give a few recipes for hair beauty:

    • a Great restorative effect , gives a mask of cinnamon with honey and olive oil. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of warm olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. The resulting mixture is applied to wet hair, then his head is wrapped in foil and a towel. Keep the mask for at least 45 minutes, after which the hair should be washed with shampoo and rinse slightly acidulated with vinegar water to Shine. This mask effectively combats hair loss;
    • To increase the volume of hairand prevent split ends suitable mask of cinnamon with egg and tomato. For this you need to chop a ripe tomato into a pulp, add one tablespoon of sunflower oil, the same spoon of honey, one teaspoon cinnamon and beaten egg. The mask is applied across the length of the hair for 20 minutes, after which the hair should be washed with shampoo and rinse with water with lemon;

    • For faster hair growth using a mask made of cinnamon with onion and garlic. For this mixed paste of one onion, four grated cloves of garlic with two teaspoons cinnamon and one teaspoon of honey. The mixture is rubbed into the hair roots, then head need to roll up the wrap, cover it with a towel or handkerchief. Half an hour later the head should be washed with shampoo and rinse with warm decoction of nettles;
    • For those who want to obtain a moisturizing effect suitable mask with yogurt. You need to take one Cup of yogurt, diluted in a teaspoon of cinnamon and egg yolk. When applying the mask on the hair roots, it is desirable to make a light scalp massage. The mask is better to keep at least one hour, then wash the head with shampoo.

    After the masks do not recommend drying hair with a hair dryer because the hot air makes hair brittle and lifeless. Instead of sunflower or olive oil if you wish, you can use castor, burdock or corn. A great rejuvenating effect and coconut oil. What oil suits your hair, it is possible to determine empirically.

    Lightening hair with cinnamon

    All, without exception, it is known that hair dyes based on chemical components spoil the hair, changing its structure. Therefore, in recent years women who care about their health are turning to more gentle methods of staining. One of such ways is lightening cinnamon. Mask on the basis of this spice not only lighten brown hair 2-3 shades in a single session, but will give them a natural Shine and make them silky and more healthy. With colored hair, cinnamon will help wash away the old paint, carefully restorethe natural structure of the hair.

    For mixing to lighten you will need:

    • Balm or hair conditioner – 150 ml;
    • Liquid natural honey (no sugar) – 4 tablespoons;
    • Ground cinnamon – 3 tablespoons;
    • A glass or ceramic bowl;
    • Brush.

    All the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, leave for a few minutes. At this time, wash your hair, dry your hair with a towel to keep them a little wet. Then combing the hair comb, you must use the brush, apply the mixture on entire length of hair strand by strand. In the roots of a mixture of rubbing is not needed – so you can get burned. After hair is completely impregnated with liquid, the head need to wrap with foil, tie an overhand towel. Warm hair long to keep is not recommended, it takes 40 minutes. But after removal of the film blend with the hair is not washed off! You need to keep the hair at least 4 hours.

    After this time the hair is rinsed with warm water, to grains of cinnamon. After that, they need to be washed with shampoo, rinse with water with lemon. If any leftover seasoning can easily be removed with a brush massage. For a more intense effect, the procedure is repeated 2-3 more times at intervals of a few days. Hair will benefit.

    On topic: 8 homemade masks against hair loss

    Cinnamon for weight loss

    Another miraculous property of cinnamon is that it promotes rapid and healthy weight loss. Thanks to this seasoning can be discharged to 2 kg excess weight in a week without exhausting yourself long monotonous diets and heavy exercise.

    Why cinnamon helps you lose weight?

    This spice has the ability to strengthen metabolism in the body, thereby are burned faster fat. Coming faster the food will be processed into energy, not having time to "settle" in the fat tissue. Also, the cinnamon speeds up the processing of sugars, normalizing the level of glucose in the blood. In addition, cinnamon restores normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating the natural processes of self-purification of the body. Excess fluid accumulated toxinsunder the action of the cinnamon will be too easy to get out of the body. It is worth to mention the effects on the nervous system of the flavor of this seasoning: it reduces appetite, allowing you to get enough of even a small portion of food.

    As a result, the cinnamon will have not only fat burning effects, but also allow you to put in order health, to establish the function of many body systems. It is only necessary to use cinnamon in the right proportion, temporarily reducing the consumption of fats and carbohydrates. The use of sweet rolls even with a very large amount of cinnamon, alas, will not help the process of losing weight because sugar and fats interfere with the action of seasoning.

    Yogurt with cinnamon for weight loss

    Very popular among dieters enjoyed a delicious and low-calorie yogurt drink with cinnamon. Its success lies in the fact that it does not bring harm, and nourishes for a long time, and, of course, gives you quick noticeable results. It is worth noting that yogurt for this cocktail it is advisable to choose one with the lowest percentage of fat, and cinnamon is a good quality. It is believed that Chinese cinnamon Cassia is more effective, but it is necessary to think about the risk of harm to your body, because you can use this seasoning will have not-so-small doses – it would be wise to protect yourself from unnecessary troubles, choosing a classic condiment from Ceylon.

    There are several options for cooking and drinking kefir drink with cinnamon:

    • The easiest and fastest is to arrange a "fasting day"at a cocktail party. This will require 1.5 liters of yogurt mixed with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and put into the refrigerator. During the day you will need to drink one glass of the drink. An acute sense of hunger, and, especially, attrition does not appear, because the cinnamon makes the yogurt more satisfying and nutritious, ensures the supply of many minerals and vitamins. One day, you can lose up to 1.5 kg weight. The main thing – not to eat"from the heart" the next day, otherwise the achieved results will disappear quickly;
    • A little less noticeable effect can be achieved if to replace a similar drink only one meal a day. The best option is to drink yogurt with cinnamon instead of dinner. In this case, the weight loss will be slower, but the result will be fixed more reliable. A week of such a diet is quite possible to lose 2-3 kg.
    • Not only lose weight but also to improve the intestinal movement will help the cocktail of yogurt with cinnamon and Apple. Green Apple rubbed on a grater and mix it with Cup of yogurt and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. Thanks to the fiber, which in large quantities contained in apples, thisthe drink will help cleanse the intestines and the removal from it of harmful deposits;

    • For the same purpose in the kefir drink can add bran and prunes. For one serving of the cocktail you will need one Cup of yogurt, two tablespoons of bran, two soft berries prunes and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. All components are mixed in a blender, the resulting mixture is removed in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes – during this time, bran will swell, and the drink is ready for consumption. This recipe is often used for the treatment and prevention of constipation.

    To stop the reception of yogurt with cinnamon should be the case, if the abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea. Also not recommended such a diet for people with chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines.

    Yogurt with cinnamon, ginger and pepper

    In all respects a great combination is the tandem of ginger and cinnamon. First, these two spices enhance the effect of each other, and secondly, a wonderful composition of flavours. Ginger seriously speeds up the metabolic processes occurring in the body actively burning fat. Red pepper is also known for its ability to affect metabolism and help better digestion and absorption of food, it acts more aggressive than ginger. Each of these spices has the ability to burn fat and their body puts on excess weight powerful triple blow.

    To prepare kefir cocktail with spices you will need one Cup of low-fat yogurt, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and ginger, a pinch of red hot pepper. On an empty stomach drink better not to use it, the ideal option for the night. Do not suggest "to get involved" in this cocktail to those who have stomach problems.

    Cinnamon with honey for weight loss

    Honey, like cinnamon, helps to speed up metabolic processes in the body. In addition, honey has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys. Mix cinnamon with honey contains many essential minerals and vitamins, this combination can use even people suffering from diabetes. Over the last month regular consumption of honey with cinnamon you can lose up to 7 kg weight.

    In order to prepare a mixture of cinnamon with honey, it will take natural unpasteurized honey. Cinnamon can be ground, but high quality. For one product, we need to take 0.5 teaspoon of cinnamon and one teaspoon of honey – this proportion is preferablyto comply with it.

    Evening cinnamon pour boiling water in a pot with thick walls, covered with a lid. After half an hour, the seasoning will give the nutrients to the water, and the decoction can be strained. The liquid must be completely cool before you add the honey (if heated above 40 °C honey loses most useful properties). Half of the drink is consumed before sleep, the rest in the morning on an empty stomach.

    More often than two times a day, a decoction is not necessary to use a greater effect is unlikely to achieve. The weight will go regularly, but after two or three weeks you notice that the weight loss has stopped. It is quite natural: your body gets used to the fact that the metabolism has accelerated and adjusted to the changes. In this case, you must stop taking the drink for two weeks, then resume course.

    Topic: Miracle drink with ginger helps to lose weight


    Contraindications to the use of cinnamon

    As mentioned above, cinnamon is safe for healthy people, if used in moderation.

    However, some categories of people it is strictly contraindicated:

    • First and foremost, is pregnant women. The reason is that cinnamon can cause uterine contractions and, as a consequence – premature birth;
    • Nursing mothers cinnamon is also unlikely to work, because her taste is transferred to breast milk and do not like children;
    • At low blood clotting cinnamon should be consumed with extreme caution, because she thins;
    • Not recommended to use cinnamon and ulcerative diseases (in acute phase), increased acidity of the stomach;
    • At high temperature this condiment the patient's condition can only get worse;
    • Especially careful should be those who have individual intolerance to cinnamon before eating large amounts of this seasoning it is advisable to be sure that the body perceives it adequately;
    • Remember that cinnamon can cause allergic reactions such as skin rash or edema.

    okolova Nina Vladimirovna, doctor-naturopath, herbalist