Any initiative that could help alleviate the obesity crisis in the U.S. would be greatly appreciated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over one-third of American adults (36.5%) were classified as obese between 2011 and 2014. Health issues related to obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and specific cancers, rank among the top preventable causes of death.
Cinnamon, known for its culinary and medicinal applications since ancient Egypt, is derived from the inner bark of the true cinnamon tree. The outer bark is carefully stripped away from chosen branches. The inner cinnamon layer is then extracted, curling into “quills” as it dries, which are subsequently cut into sticks or ground into powder. This spice is often used in desserts, as a topping for yogurt or porridge, and as a flavoring in beverages like mulled wine and hot cocoa. In some regions, including Morocco and Sicily, cinnamon is incorporated into savory dishes.
Research over the years has explored cinnamon’s medicinal properties. Previous studies have reported various effects, including antimicrobial and antiparasitic capabilities, reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol levels, as well as antioxidant and free-radical scavenging attributes. Additionally, cinnamon has shown anti-gastric ulcer effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and wound-healing capabilities. Some supplement manufacturers produce cinnamon pills and capsules to leverage these potential health benefits, though it’s important to note that certain compounds in cinnamon can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts.
Today, cinnamon is a popular spice featured in numerous foods and beverages. A report from Technavio highlights it as one of the most traded spices globally, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2017 to 2021. Last year, global cinnamon exports were valued at $484 million, reflecting a 48.7% increase since 2012. Its flavor is present in products like General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, Hostess Brands’ cinnamon sugar crunch Donettes, and even in new cinnamon-flavored non-dairy ice cream from Halo Top. This year, PepsiCo introduced a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored cola named Pepsi Fire, according to Grocery Headquarters.
While this research could be a game changer for the market, it does not yet mean that cinnamon-spiced treats should be classified as health foods. However, it may encourage the inclusion of an extra sprinkle of cinnamon in savory products and those aimed at weight loss. Researchers indicate that further investigation is necessary to optimize the spice’s weight loss potential while avoiding adverse effects such as an increased risk of liver damage, cancer, or respiratory issues.
In addition, for those considering supplements, calcium citrate small pills could be an alternative worth exploring alongside cinnamon, as both may provide beneficial health properties. As more studies unfold, it will be interesting to see how cinnamon and other supplements, like calcium citrate small pills, can be effectively integrated into health-conscious diets.