What is Cinnamon(Dalchini)?
Cinnamon is a common spice option found not just in Indian pantries but also around the world. Known by the name of dalchini in India, cinnamon is collected by drying and processing the inner bark of the tree. Not just for cooking, there are also several health benefits of cinnamon. It will be quite interesting to have a look at the cinnamon benefits.
How Cinnamon is Used?
Dalchini or cinnamon can be used in different ways in your diet. The most common way is the powdered form of cinnamon. The powdered cinnamon is used in different types of curries and soups. One can avail of cinnamon benefits by drinking cinnamon tea.
Apart from the powdered form, cinnamon is also used as a whole in dishes such as pulao and biriyani. Cinnamon oil is another form that offers the health benefits of cinnamon.
10 Benefits of Cinnamon/Dalchini
Cinnamon stick is a whole spice which has a strong sweet taste and is used in the proper amount to get the right flavor in different dishes. Apart from relishing delicious food, you should also know how cinnamon is helpful in other ways. What are the possible cinnamon stick benefits that one can avail?
Here are some of the important cinnamon benefits that you should know about.
1. Cure Headache
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that help in curing tensed muscles and headaches. Also, the spice has got neuroprotective properties due to which cinnamon is also helpful in curing serious headaches such as that migraine. Apart from curing headaches, cinnamon is also excellent in boosting brain health. You can either drink cinnamon tea or can apply the cinnamon powder paste on your temple for some time to notice results.
2. Treats Dental Problems
Studies show that cinnamon has got anti-microbial properties that help in preventing oral pathogens from damaging your teeth further. Now, there are solutions in which cinnamon extract is used to cure several dental conditions such as candidiasis treatment, caries, and endodontics. Also, cinnamon extract or cinnamon oil is a great option for preventing serious issues such as periodontal diseases.
3. Helps in Curing Common Cold Problems
Often elderly people suggest cinnamon tea as a remedy for the common cold. This is because cinnamon has antioxidant polyphenols to help in boosting immunity. Also, cinnamon has antiviral properties that help in fighting against cold and flu viruses. Sipping cinnamon tea helps in curing not the common cold but issues of sore throat due to extreme cold and throat infection issues.
4. Good for Diabetes Patients
As cinnamon or dalchini is rich in antioxidant properties, the spice is extremely beneficial in keeping free radicals at bay and also in keeping sugar levels in the blood within permissible levels. Also, many experts mention cinnamon stick benefits in reducing oxidative stress that prevents various serious health conditions such as heart diseases and diabetes. This spice also reduces the inflammation.
5.Treats Skin Infections/Cuts/Wounds
Traditional doctors used dalchini oil to cure skin infections and wounds. Research has indicated that as cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it may help a lot in treating some kinds of wounds. Also, one of cinnamon benefits for skin is due to its antibacterial properties that are helpful in treating any kind of skin infection. The best way is to use cinnamon oil directly on the skin to treat infections or wounds.
6. Cure Swelling With Pain
Swelling or inflammation can be treated with substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. So, as cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ancient doctors used to apply a paste of cinnamon powder and honey on swelling to reduce it. Also, due to its antioxidant properties, cinnamon is also helpful in reducing pain. Cinnamon extract at times can be also helpful in reducing serious pain issues.
7. Removes the Foul Smell
Cinnamic Aldehyde is the oil that is found in cinnamon and is responsible for treating foul smells. If you have got issues with bad breath, cinnamon does not just cure the foul smell but also cures the root of bad breath with its antibacterial properties. Apart from treating foul smells, cinnamon also helps in covering foul smells anywhere in the house.
8. Helps in Arthritis
As mentioned earlier, the antioxidant properties of cinnamon are highly helpful in treating swelling and pain. Researchers have found that cinnamon extract can also help in treating or at least reducing the pain of arthritis. Applying a paste of cinnamon powder mixed with honey on the joints can help in offering your comfort from arthritis pain and discomfort.
9. Protection from Fungal Infection
Apart from antibacterial and antiviral properties, cinnamon is highly known also for its antifungal properties. So, does this prove cinnamon benefits for skin? Many research studies have explained how the antifungal properties of cinnamon are effective in treating skin conditions such as candida albicans. Cinnamon works as a fungicide and helps in curing and preventing several infections caused by fungus.
10. Lowers Risk of Heart Diseases
The antioxidants in cinnamon help in the reduction of oxidative stress that may lead to inflammation of the arteries causing trouble in proper blood flow. The antioxidants help in fighting against harmful free radicals and reducing inflammation in the arteries that leads to the smooth flowing of blood soon. Often blocked arteries due to uneven blood flow may lead to issues such as heart attack.
Have you been underestimating the spice cinnamon in your kitchen? Then you will surely know its actual value after going through the benefits of spices that it offers apart from the flavors that it adds to your food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon
What is the best way to take cinnamon?
The best way to use cinnamon is in its powder form. Cinnamon powder can be used in tea, desserts, and in many savoury dishes.
What is the best time to take cinnamon?
There is no specific time to take cinnamon, especially when you are using it in cooking. But sipping cinnamon water on an empty stomach helps in reducing weight and after meals can help in lowering blood sugar.
Can we drink cinnamon water daily?
Yes, drinking cinnamon water daily can offer a plethora of health benefits.