Knowledge: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia)

There are many types of cinnamon. Cinnamomum Cassia is unique because of its spicy with slightly bitter taste, while other types of Cinnamon (eg Ceylon cinnamon) has a mild floral citrus taste.

Cinnamomum Cassia is a medium-sized, evergreen, tropical tree that is native to China. It has been used for centuries for digestive issues (eg gastritis) and to improve blood circulation. It is commonly used in the making of chocolates, ice cream and five spice powder.

Cinnamomum Cassia is rich in Vitamin A and C, calcium, iron and manganese. Its active, main constituent is cinnamaldehyde, which has good anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

Cinnamaldehyde

Health Benefits:

1. Prevent Infections

Research shows Cinnamaldehyde, the active constituent in cinnamon, is effective in infection control due to its antibacterial effect.

Table 1: Cinnamaldehyde exhibits good antibacterial effect against various types of bacteria

2. Prevention & Management of Diabetes

Research shows daily Cinnamon intake, particularly Cinnamomum Cassia, results in significant decrease in blood glucose level, particularly on Week 3 and Week 4, and the blood glucose level continued to improved for approximately 2 weeks.

Figure 1: The effects of cinnamon on fasting and the post-meal blood glucose level

3. Brain health

Cinnamon has been found to be beneficial in the prevention and management of Parkinson and Alzheimer’s Disease.

4. Disease Prevention

With its active constituents and essential oils, cinnamon is high in antioxidant, that contributes to a wide range of health benefits, when added to dietary choices.

Usage:

As a spice, flavoring, and Health Supplements

Reference:

1. Sharma et al. 2016, “Medicinal attributes of major phenylpropanoids present in cinnamon”, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 16 (156), pp. 1-11
2. Hoehn, AN & Stockert, AL 2012, “The Effects of Cinnamomum Cassia on Blood Glucose Values
3. are Greater than those of Dietary Changes Alone”, Nutrition & Metabolic Insights, vol. 5, pp. 77 – 83
4. Mohsin et al. 2023, “Prospective Nutraceutical Effects of Cinnamon Derivatives Against Insulin Resistance in Type II Diabetes Mellitus—Evidence From the Literature”, Dose-Response, vol. 21 (3), pp. 1-12