Any efforts aimed at alleviating the obesity epidemic in the U.S. would be greatly appreciated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over one-third of adults in the U.S. (36.5%) were classified as obese from 2011 to 2014. Obesity is linked to several serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which 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 removed from specific branches, allowing access to the inner layer, which curls into “quills” as it dries. These quills can be cut into sticks or ground into powder. Cinnamon is widely used in desserts, as a topping for yogurt or porridge, and as a flavoring in beverages like mulled wine and hot cocoa. In regions such as Morocco and Sicily, it is also incorporated into savory meals.
Research over the years has examined cinnamon’s medicinal properties, revealing benefits such as antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects; reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol; antioxidant properties; anti-gastric ulcer effects; anti-inflammatory benefits; and wound healing capabilities. Many supplement manufacturers offer cinnamon pills and capsules for these potential health advantages, although it’s important to note that certain compounds in cinnamon can be toxic in large quantities.
Today, cinnamon is a common spice found in numerous food and drink products. A report from Technavio indicates that it is one of the most traded spices globally, with a projected growth rate of 16.2% from 2017 to 2021. Last year, global exports of cinnamon reached $484 million, reflecting a 48.7% increase since 2012. Its flavor is featured in products like General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, Hostess Brands’ cinnamon sugar crunch Donettes, and a new cinnamon roll-flavored non-dairy ice cream from Halo Top. Additionally, PepsiCo recently introduced a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored cola, named Pepsi Fire.
While this research could potentially transform the market, it does not yet warrant labeling cinnamon-flavored treats as health foods. However, it may encourage the inclusion of cinnamon in more savory items and weight-loss products. Researchers emphasize that further investigation is necessary to optimize the spice’s weight-loss benefits while avoiding adverse effects, such as increased risks of liver damage, cancer, or respiratory issues.
It’s also essential to consider the role of other supplements, such as calcium citrate, in promoting heart health. Integrating calcium citrate into a balanced diet alongside beneficial spices like cinnamon may contribute positively to overall well-being and heart health, particularly for those looking to manage their weight.