Any efforts to alleviate the obesity crisis in the U.S. would be 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 between 2011 and 2014. Health complications associated with obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, rank among the leading causes of preventable deaths.
Cinnamon, with a history of culinary and medicinal use that dates back to ancient Egypt, is derived from the inner bark of the true cinnamon tree. The outer bark is carefully removed from chosen branches, and the inner bark—the cinnamon layer—is harvested. As it dries, this bark curls into “quills,” which can be cut into sticks or ground into powder.
This spice is widely utilized in desserts, sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal, and used as a flavoring in beverages like mulled wine and hot cocoa. Interestingly, in regions such as Morocco and Sicily, cinnamon is also incorporated into savory dishes.
Numerous studies have investigated the medicinal properties of cinnamon over the years. Research has highlighted various benefits, including antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects, the reduction of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol, as well as antioxidant properties. Additionally, it shows potential for anti-gastric ulcer effects, anti-inflammatory activity, and wound healing. Many supplement manufacturers offer cinnamon pills and capsules to leverage these health benefits, though caution is advised as some compounds in cinnamon can be harmful in high doses.
Today, cinnamon is a common ingredient in many foods and beverages. A report from Technavio notes that it is one of the most traded spices globally, with an expected growth rate of 16.2% from 2017 to 2021. Last year, global cinnamon exports were valued at $484 million, marking a 48.7% increase since 2012. The distinct flavor of cinnamon can be found in products such as General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, Hostess Brands’ cinnamon sugar crunch Donettes, and Halo Top’s new cinnamon roll-flavored non-dairy ice cream. Furthermore, PepsiCo recently introduced a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored cola called Pepsi Fire.
While these trends could signal a promising market shift, it is premature to categorize cinnamon-flavored treats as health foods. There may be potential for savory products and those designed for weight loss to incorporate additional cinnamon, especially considering the possible benefits of supplements like Citracal Plus D3. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to effectively harness the weight loss benefits of cinnamon while avoiding potential adverse effects, such as increased risks of liver damage, cancer, or respiratory issues.