A general practitioner suggests that including a particular spice in our daily diets can offer numerous significant health advantages. Dr. Amir Khan, renowned for his appearances on ITV programs like Lorraine, shared on TikTok why cinnamon is among his preferred spices.
The unique aroma and taste of cinnamon come from its oily component, which contains a high level of cinnamaldehyde, a compound that scientists now believe contributes to most of cinnamon’s potent and beneficial health properties. Dr. Khan explained that cinnamon is rich in plant antioxidants known as polyphenols, which shield our bodies from harmful free radicals that can harm DNA.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cellular DNA when they accumulate, stemming from factors such as air pollution, smoking, X-ray exposure, and an inadequate diet. The doctor further mentioned that cinnamon can help in reducing inflammation and decreasing the risk of heart disease. He elaborated on a study review that found cinnamon may lower harmful fats, triglycerides, and overall cholesterol levels.
Moreover, Dr. Khan highlighted that cinnamon has been associated with lowering blood pressure and is recognized for its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. It is believed to achieve this by slowing down sugar breakdown in the gut and mimicking insulin’s effects, leading to more sugar being absorbed by cells and removed from the bloodstream.
To incorporate more cinnamon into our diets, the doctor suggested adding it to porridge or mixing a teaspoon of the spice into homemade meals. Users on TikTok expressed their love for cinnamon, with one mentioning taking cinnamon tablets daily along with other vitamins for migraines, while another shared using cinnamon in various foods like cakes, porridge, waffles, and pancakes alongside ground flaxseeds.
According to health website WebMD, for those interested in using the most researched type of cinnamon in cooking, Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true cinnamon,” is recommended due to its higher content of potentially beneficial plant compounds. There isn’t a specific recommended dose for cinnamon as a treatment, but experts suggest consuming 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of powder daily, with high doses possibly being toxic.
However, caution is advised regarding the intake of Ceylon cinnamon, especially in large amounts during pregnancy.