Cinnamon is highly regarded for its sweet flavor, yet somewhat spicy flavor. It makes a great addition to so many dishes. It spices up otherwise bland foods, like applesauce and cottage cheese. It tastes delicious as a topping on French toast. It can even be used to add flavor to certain soups and meats.
While cinnamon certainly tastes delicious, there is much more to this spice than its flavor. Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It’s an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that are vital for your health. These include manganese, calcium, iron, vitamin K and fiber, zinc, dietary fiber, omega 3 fatty acids; among other important nutrients. And it only has 19 calories per serving and has zero fats and sugars.
Because it is so nutrient-rich, adding cinnamon to your diet won’t only make your food taste better, but it will also allow you to reap a tremendous amount of health benefits. How can cinnamon enhance your health? Here’s a look at 20 ways this spice will literally spice up your overall health and well being.
1. Reduces clotting
Clotting is an important quality in blood. It allows platelets, cells found within the blood, to clump together and stop bleeding. In emergency situations, such as a wound, clotting is extremely important; however, in normal situations, it can cause adverse effects to your health. When too much clotting occurs, it reduces blood flow. As a result, your body can’t get the oxygen that it needs to thrive. Cinnamon can help to reduce clotting. It slows the body’s release of arachidonic acid, which triggers clotting.