10 Amazing Health Benefits of Cinnamon (Dalchini)- The Aromatic Spice with Ayurvedic Properties

Cinnamon holds a special place in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. This aromatic stick is extracted from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. Cinnamon is a fragrant stick that adds smell and flavor to your curries and confectionaries. Reading about the various Cinnamon benefits, you will find it hard to resist using it. Cinnamon aka dalchini, as called in Hindi is a stick full of health benefits that can also be used in a powder form for ease.

To get complete information about the cinnamon benefits for your health you can go online and search for cinnamon benefits, cinnamon water benefits, dalchini benefits, uses of cinnamon, or cinnamon powder benefits.

In this article, you will learn all about the various uses of cinnamon along with its benefits.

Nutritional Facts of Cinnamon

Before throwing light on the cinnamon benefits and uses for healthy living, we want you to know the nutrients present in this Indian spice. Listed below is the nutritional value of dalchini (a teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Calcium: 26 mg
• Potassium: 11 mg
• Phosphorus: 1.6 mg
• Magnesium: 1.5 mg
• Vitamin A: 0.4 micrograms

10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon (DalChini)

Have a look at the 10 surprising health benefits of cinnamon as mentioned below:

1. Cinnamon Benefits for Weight loss: The ultimate benefit of using cinnamon is for weight loss. One of the prime cinnamon uses around the world is for speeding up the weight loss process. Drinking cinnamon water on an empty stomach early in the morning tends to increase the body’s heat production which helps to burn fat and curb the appetite. 
2. Cinnamon Benefits for Skin: Second amazing benefit of cinnamon is for your skin. Use cinnamon powder to enhance your complexion and treat acne. Cinnamon is also found effective as an antiseptic and treats eczema and stops the signs of aging. 
3. May Help Manage PCOS in Females: When talking about the cinnamon powder benefits, we can’t hide the fact that it is an amazing spice for females. Some compounds found in cinnamon help to manage PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in females. 
4. Supernatural Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antiviral Properties: One who adds cinnamon to daily food is getting a dose of a miraculous compound that possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. All kinds of fungal, bacterial, and fungal infections can be kept at bay with just one stick called cinnamon. 
5. Rich Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ayurveda hails for cinnamon benefits to combat inflammation in the body. It plays a vital role in fighting infections due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps repair damaged tissues in the body and keeps infections at bay. 
6. Good for Eyes: Recent studies revealed that cinnamon is also good for your eye health. If used in the right proportion with some other herbs, cinnamon helps to treat some eye disorders. It also helps solve the problem of dry eyes and conjunctivitis.\
7. Acts as a Natural Insect Repellent: Another surprising benefit of dalchini or cinnamon is that it helps repel insects with its fragrance. Similar to what Eucalyptus oil does, cinnamon oil helps to repel insects with its strong smell. 
8. Combats HIV Virus: Cinnamon is found effective in fighting against the HIV virus in the body. Cassia cinnamon variety in particular is found very effective against HIV-1 strain, thereby preventing chances of AIDS infection.
9. Lowers LDL or Bad Cholesterol: Use cinnamon in your daily food preparations to keep your bad cholesterol or LDL levels under check. Cinnamon is found to be powerful in increasing HDL or good cholesterol while reducing LDL. 
10. Good for Diabetics: The list of dalchini benefits doesn’t end here. This fragrant spice is also beneficial for diabetic people. It helps lower blood sugar levels and also manages insulin resistance in the body. Cinnamon is a powerful spice that helps to reduce the glucose amount entering the bloodstream.

Additional Cinnamon Benefits

Antioxidant properties

One of the cinnamon benefits is that it is rich in a wide array of protective antioxidants that effectively combat free radical damage and slow down the ageing process. Extensive research has identified over 41 unique protective compounds available in cinnamon, making it a noteworthy spice due to its antioxidant properties.

In fact, on the ORAC scale, which measures the antioxidant concentration in various foods, herbs, and spices, cinnamon ranks an impressive 7th among all contenders, surpassing commonly consumed herbs like garlic, thyme, and rosemary.

The health benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its specific antioxidants, such as phenolic acid, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These compounds actively combat oxidative stress in the body and have demonstrated preventive effects against chronic diseases.
By neutralising harmful free radicals, cinnamon’s diverse antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, while inhibiting the build-up of nitric oxide in the bloodstream and preventing fat peroxidation.

These actions contribute to a reduced risk of cancer, brain disorders, heart disease, and chronic conditions. Embracing the power of cinnamon can have significant positive effects on overall health and well-being.

Promotes heart health

Studies have revealed that cinnamon possesses the ability to lower increased blood pressure, serving as a valuable factor in reducing the risks associated with heart disease and stroke.

Its properties as a blood coagulant have also been recognised, which aid in the prevention of excessive bleeding by facilitating the formation of blood clots within the body.
Furthermore, cinnamon promotes improved circulation and enhances tissue repair, offering potential benefits for regenerating heart tissue and combating conditions such as heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke.

Embracing cinnamon as a natural remedy may contribute to the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system and overall well-being

Anti-cancer properties

Scientific research suggests that cinnamon has the potential to decrease the likelihood of developing colon cancer. This beneficial effect can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to trigger apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, thanks to its unique composition of compounds with anticancer properties.

Through its ability to combat inflammation and promote cancer cell elimination, cinnamon demonstrates promise as a natural agent in reducing the risk of colon cancer.(2,4)
Experiments conducted on mice have shown that cinnamaldehyde, derived from cinnamon, can effectively reduce the tumour size and inhibit the formation of new blood vessels in melanoma cells.

Moreover, when combined with other chemotherapy drugs, cinnamaldehyde exhibited a synergistic effect (a combined effect of two or more elements that is greater than the sum of their individual effects) in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.

These findings highlight the potential of cinnamaldehyde as a valuable component in the management of cancer, particularly in colorectal and melanoma carcinoma, and suggest its ability to enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy regimens.

Promote digestive health

Certain studies indicate that cinnamon roots possess hepatostimulant properties, suggesting that they can stimulate and promote liver function.
By enhancing bile production, cinnamon roots aid in the elimination of toxins from the body, while also assisting in restoring electrolyte balance and maintaining proper hydration levels.

These beneficial effects contribute to improved digestion by optimizing the digestive process. Incorporating cinnamon roots into one’s dietary habits may provide support for liver health and enhance overall digestion and well-being.

Promote oral health

One of the cinnamon benefits is that it exhibits potential advantages for oral health, with its antibacterial properties making it useful in the treatment of toothaches and oral infections. Additionally, cinnamon may aid in combating bad breath.

Some limited evidence suggests that cinnamon could also assist in soothing a sore throat; however, further research is required to fully explore this potential healing effect.
Overall, cinnamon holds promise as a natural remedy for certain oral health issues, but additional studies are necessary to establish its efficacy in these specific applications.

Promote hair growth

In animal studies involving rats, the application of cinnamon essential oil directly onto the skin resulted in an increase in the diameter of hair follicles and hair length. This positive effect may be attributed to the presence of procyanidins in cinnamon.

These compounds have been shown to stimulate the anagen phase of hair growth, which is the active and growing phase of hair follicles. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to establish the potential benefits of cinnamon for promoting hair growth in humans.

Maintain brain health

Due to its antioxidant content, cinnamon has been shown in research to potentially enhance brain function and provide protection against neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

While there is a lack of human studies, laboratory studies suggest that cinnamon can inhibit the accumulation of a certain brain protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, cinnamon has the ability to safeguard neurons from oxidative stress, which further helps reduce inflammation and cellular harm in animal models. These findings suggest that cinnamon may help maintain brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Side Effects of Cinnamon (Dalchini)

Cinnamon is a strong spice. If taken in larger amounts it may cause the following side effects:

1. It may cause mouth ulcers and sores
2. It may damage your liver
3. Eating too much cinnamon may put you at a risk of cancer
4. Overconsumption of cinnamon may lower your blood sugar levels
5. It may cause breathing issues
6. Cinnamon may also interact with some medicines you are taking

The Bottom Line

You will get several medicinal herbs and spices in your kitchen. Cinnamon is one of them! Not just to avail of the above-mentioned cinnamon power benefits, you must incorporate this aromatic spice in your dishes to enhance the taste. Many cookies and cakes are baked using this secret ingredient. But, just be a little bit more cautious about the amount of cinnamon you use to avoid the chances of side effects of this strong spice.