Many cultures use Ceylon cinnamon as a seasoning for savory and sweet foods. Possible health benefits include treating type 2 diabetes and managing blood pressure.
There are many types of cinnamon but Ceylon cinnamon, grown primarily in Sri Lanka, is known as ‘true cinnamon’.
Other types include Korintje cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon, the latter of which is the most common type sold in North America.
Ceylon cinnamon is different from other varieties. It has a distinctive shape, lighter color, delicate taste, and properties that may contribute to a person’s health.
Read on to learn more about the potential health benefits of Ceylon cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon may present an alternative treatment for type 2 diabetes.
According to a 2022 review, various animal studies suggest Ceylon cinnamon inhibits certain gut enzymes responsible for breaking down starches, leading to lower blood sugar levels after meals. Therefore, it may prove beneficial in diabetes management.
Similarly, a more recent
However, despite these promising findings, more clinical studies are needed to better understand cinnamon’s effects as a diabetes treatment in humans.
Ceylon cinnamon may play a role in preventing cancer from growing and spreading.
A 2023 study discovered that cinnamon extract reduces oxidative stress and improves immune responses against blood cancers in both animal models and cell cultures. It can trigger cancer cell death and inhibit factors that encourage tumor growth.
Another
However, while cinnamon certainly shows potential, it is not a cure for cancer. Further clinical studies are needed to determine cinnamon’s effectiveness and safety as a complementary treatment for blood cancer in humans.
Research from 2024 shows that cinnamon effectively prevents and treats cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure and lipids. It’s also thought to improve the balance of oxidants and antioxidants.
However, the authors note that researchers must conduct more clinical studies.
Recent research suggests cinnamon may benefit memory and cognitive function.
One
More recently, a
However, only 2 of the 33 studies reviewed were conducted on humans in a clinical setting. Ultimately, more clinical studies are needed.
Cinnamon originates from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. The bark dries into curly segments called “quills” called cinnamon sticks.
Ceylon cinnamon is available in various forms. Most cinnamon supplements on store shelves are the cassia variety. A person may have to call manufacturers to see if the cinnamon they’re getting is Ceylon. With ground cinnamon, it can be hard to tell what kind of cinnamon has been used. A fine spice supplier or upscale culinary store typically carries powdered Ceylon cinnamon.
Besides powdered cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is available in capsules for oral use. Some people boil cinnamon sticks in water, add honey or lemon, and drink them as tea. Ceylon cinnamon is good for making “cinnamon water.” It doesn’t carry the toxicity risk of cassia cinnamon.
The
Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin which can be toxic to the liver if taken in large amounts or over a long period. Ceylon has a smaller amount of coumarin, which makes it safer.
However, researchers know little about whether using Ceylon cinnamon in amounts greater than those commonly found in food during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe.
Ceylon cinnamon has many potential health benefits, including helping to treat type 2 diabetes, stopping cancer from growing and spreading, managing blood pressure, and aiding memory and cognitive function.
However, most studies conducted on this topic have largely been done on animals or in test tubes. Therefore, these findings may not apply to humans. Further clinical research is necessary to clarify if Ceylon cinnamon has the same health benefits in people.
Taking Ceylon cinnamon as a supplement for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects is unlikely to be harmful. As long as the cinnamon supplement contains Ceylon cinnamon, there’s a very low risk of negative side effects.
As with any alternative treatment, a person should talk with their doctor before using Ceylon cinnamon.
