The Perfect Combination!
Honey and cinnamon is a wonderful combination that you might already have heard of. The two go together so well, since they are both naturally sweet. They are also both often included in recipes for baked goods, tea and even meat! Honey and cinnamon both have incredible medicinal and health benefits on their own. However, many believe that combining the two boosts their medicinal properties in oriental and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Can it be the magical ingredient that some think it is? Read more to find out.
Nutritional Facts
One tablespoon of honey contains:
- Calories: 64
- Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 17 grams
- Fibre: 0 grams
- Sugar: 17 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains:
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 0 milligram
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fibre: 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Cinnamon is also a significant source of calcium and iron. Two teaspoons of cinnamon contain:
- 5% of daily recommended intake (DRI) of calcium
- 2% DRI of iron
- 40% DRI of manganese
- 10% DRI of fibre
Health Benefits Of Honey And Cinnamon
#1 Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease
The mixture of honey and cinnamon can lower the risk of heart disease, by reducing several of the risk factors. Some examples of risk factors include LDL cholesterol (what we consider as bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels. Studies have shown that consuming honey lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol by 6–11% and lowers triglyceride levels by as much as 11%. Honey may also increase HDL (good) cholesterol by about 3%. Combining honey with cinnamon might be even better! One meta-analysis found that a daily dose of cinnamon lowered total cholesterol by an average of 16 mg/dL, LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9 mg/dL, and triglycerides by 30 mg/dL. There was also a slight increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
On top of that, both foods are rich in antioxidants, which have multiple benefits for the heart. Polyphenol antioxidants improve blood flow to the heart and prevent blood clots, lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
#2 Aids In Wound Healing
Both honey and cinnamon have been shown to have amazing healing properties. Both honey and cinnamon can tackle nasty bacteria and decrease inflammation of the skin. Honey, for example, has been used to treat all sorts of skin ailments, such as ulcers, eczema, burns and cuts. Cinnamon may provide some additional benefits for healing wounds, thanks to its strong antibacterial properties.
#3 Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A study at Copenhagen University found that giving patients a mixture of honey and cinnamon before breakfast helped to relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Within a week 73 out of 200 patients were relieved of pain. After one month of treatment patients who could previously not walk or move around were able to move without pain.
#4 Great Home Remedy For Diabetics
Both cinnamon and honey are excellent for lowering blood sugar levels. Firstly, cinnamon lowers blood sugar by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is the compound that the body produces to reduce blood sugar levels in the body by converting glucose to glycogen. On top of that, honey is also a better alternative to processed sugar in many foods.
#5 Combat Several Allergies
Cinnamon has essential oils that help with curing many allergies. Ceylon cinnamon, for example, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties in many diseases including allergic inflammation. Furthermore, the pollen within raw honey and boost the immune system, help build tolerance against them and allow the body to naturally fight them.
#6 Helps With Constipation
Cinnamon can provide an antispasmodic effect, a medication that relieves prevents, or lowers the incidence of muscle spasms, especially those of smooth muscle such as in the bowel wall. In turn, this prevents gaseous formations in the stomach that can cause further discomfort. Cinnamon also eases indigestion by blocking the production of body chemicals leading to inflammation. Honey contains enzymes that aid digestion and help cure constipation. It also contains potassium that helps to balance acid accumulation in your body.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve opened up your eyes to the wonderful health benefits that both honey and cinnamon have. Interested to begin reaping the benefits of this magical combination? Try out our honey today.