Overview of the health benefits of cinnamon bark

Cinnamon, as a common spice and Chinese medicinal material, has a variety of health benefits, includingWarming and dispersing cold, promoting digestion, regulating blood sugar, antioxidantWait. Its core value lies in the biological activity of volatile oil components (such as cinnamaldehyde), supplemented by its effects on improving blood circulation and relieving joint pain. In terms of primary and secondary structure,Warming the stomach, dispelling cold and regulating blood sugarIt is the main effect, while antioxidant and antibacterial effects are auxiliary effects. It should be noted that cinnamon bark is warm in nature and should be used with caution by those with yin deficiency and excessive fire.

Warming, dispersing cold and promoting digestion

Cinnamon is pungent and warm in nature, and it returns to the kidney and spleen meridians. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve pain.Stomach cold, abdominal pain, diarrhea. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that it "warms the spleen and stomach and unblocks the blood vessels." Modern research has found that its volatile oil can stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and enhance the secretion of digestive juices (Source: "Chinese Materia Medica"). Cinnamon can be used daily to make tea or stew soup to improve loss of appetite. It should be noted that overdose may cause internal heat. It is recommended that the daily dosage does not exceed 3 grams.

Blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular protection

A study in the American journal "Diabetes Care" pointed out that the content of cinnamonpolyphenolsIt can improve insulin sensitivity and help reduce fasting blood sugar (experimental dose is 1-6 g/day). In addition, its microcirculation-promoting effect helps relieve cold hands and feet. However, diabetic patients cannot substitute drug treatment and must follow medical advice. Representative products such asNOW Foods Cinnamon Capsules, clearly marked "dietary supplement".

Antioxidant and antibacterial applications

cinnamonCinnamaldehydeIt has antibacterial effect and has inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc. (Source: "Food Science"). Its antioxidant capacity is equivalent to 5 times that of common vitamin E and can be used for natural food preservatives. Some toothpaste brands (such as Yunnan Baiyao) add cinnamon extract to assist oral anti-inflammatory, but direct external use may irritate the skin and need to be diluted.

Summary and Notes

Taken together, cinnamon is a good health product for both medicinal and food purposes, and its core functions revolve aroundDispelling cold, regulating metabolismExpand. When using it, you should distinguish between medicinal (such as cinnamon sticks) and edible (such as ordinary cinnamon powder). Pregnant women and patients with bleeding disorders are prohibited from using it. Market products includeTongrentang cinnamon tea, Swanson cinnamon essenceetc., all need to look for regular manufacturers. Although there are many health-preserving values, scientific compatibility is required to avoid blind supplementation.

Quote sources:

1. "Chinese Materia Medica" (edited by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
2. American Journal of Diabetes Care (2003 Clinical Research)
3. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"
4. Yunnan Baiyao toothpaste product description (official website public data)