Cinnamon is a spice gotten from the tree barks [1]. It is commonly used as a spice because of its pleasant smell with most people being oblivious to the numerous health benefits it provides. It is a highly nutritious spice containing sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, B, and D.
Asides its sweet-smelling aroma, studies have shown that cinnamon provides a myriad of health benefits to the body due to its high content of cinnamaldehyde. This compound has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to ward off diseases, prevent infections and boost metabolism. There are two types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon is most common in the US – it has a mild scent but a strong taste, while Ceylon has a stronger scent, and is most common in Mexico and Europe.
Here are ten reasons why you should include cinnamon in your everyday diet.
Promotes Oral Health
Cinnamaldehyde is a compound in cinnamon that possesses anti-microbial properties which help to kill pathogens [2] in the mouth like Streptococci, Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, and Arachnia. The foods we eat contain bacteria which get stuck in the corners of the mouth and attack the teeth to cause oral diseases like cavities – tiny holes in the teeth that get worse if not treated early. Other oral conditions include palate, periodontal disease and cancer; these tooth infections usually cause smelly breath. A poor diet and poor oral hygiene will encourage these microbes to grow and may cause long-lasting damage. Luckily enough, cinnamon helps to fight against these diseases.