A general practitioner suggests that adding cinnamon to our daily diets can offer numerous significant health advantages. Dr. Amir Khan, recognized for his TV appearances, particularly on ITV’s Lorraine, shared on TikTok why he considers cinnamon as one of his preferred spices.
The distinctive aroma and taste of cinnamon come from its oily component, which contains a high level of cinnamaldehyde, a compound believed by scientists to be responsible for many of cinnamon’s potent and beneficial health properties. Dr. Khan highlighted that cinnamon is rich in plant antioxidants known as polyphenols, which help safeguard the body from harmful free radicals that can harm DNA.
Free radicals, unstable molecules, can damage cell DNA when accumulated, originating from various sources like air pollution, smoking, X-ray exposure, and poor dietary habits. Dr. Khan further mentioned that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can lower the risk of heart disease by reducing harmful fats, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels, as evidenced by a study review.
Moreover, Dr. Khan pointed out that cinnamon is associated with lowering blood pressure and is renowned for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It can reduce post-meal sugar spikes by slowing down sugar breakdown in the gut and mimicking insulin effects, facilitating sugar absorption into cells.
To incorporate more cinnamon into diets, Dr. Khan suggested adding it to porridge or meals during cooking. Users on TikTok expressed their love for cinnamon, with one mentioning daily cinnamon tablet intake for migraines, while another shared using cinnamon in various dishes alongside ground flaxseeds.
For those interested in using the most researched type of cinnamon, WebMD recommends opting for Ceylon cinnamon, also known as ‘true cinnamon’, for its higher content of potentially beneficial plant compounds. While there is no established dosage for cinnamon, experts suggest consuming 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of powder daily, with caution on high doses to avoid toxicity.
Regarding safety, caution is advised for pregnant individuals, especially with Ceylon cinnamon, as high amounts may not be suitable during pregnancy.