Cinnamon is a well-known aromatic spice commonly used in baking and candy, but a study published in Nutritional Neuroscience on Jan. 18 points to its potential value in preventing memory loss and learning disabilities. This study suggests good news for middle-aged and elderly people because memory loss is inevitable with age. Cinnamon is also an amazing plant material. According to Chinese medicine, cinnamon is good for strengthening the spleen and warming the stomach, nourishing fire and bringing it back to its source, helping yang, dispersing cold and relieving pain, warming meridians and opening veins.
Cinnamon improves learning ability and memory
Researchers at Birjand University of Medical Sciences in Iran recently reported in Nutritional Neuroscience on the potential value of cinnamon in improving learning and memory abilities. This was a large systematic review in which researchers collected 2,605 studies from multiple databases in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science, and ultimately selected 40 eligible studies for a systematic review on the basis of evaluation criteria. Of these, 33 were studies in living organisms (e.g. humans, mice or other animals), two of which were clinical studies (i.e. clinical patients) and five were studies outside of living organisms (e.g., various isolated cells or tissues).
The review authors noted that in most of these studies, the results indicated that cinnamon significantly improved learning and memory ability. Results from one of the in vivo studies suggest that eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which are contained in cinnamon, may be associated with improved cognitive function. In vitro studies have shown cinnamaldehyde to be effective in reducing tau and beta-amyloid protein aggregation and increasing cell viability. Analysis of two clinical studies showed that one concluded that cinnamon had a positive effect on cognitive function, while the other concluded that it had no such effect.
“Most studies have reported that cinnamon may be helpful in preventing and reducing cognitive impairment. It may be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of related diseases,” the authors wrote. “However, more studies need to be done on this.”
Additionally, cinnamon contains cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamic acid. These substances generally increase the level of acetylcholine (pdf) (a very important substance for the human memory system), thereby improving memory and brain activity.
Cinnamaldehyde has the potential to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
As mentioned, cinnamaldehyde is effective in reducing tau and beta-amyloid aggregation while increasing cell viability. This is great news, as tau protein aggregation and beta-amyloid are widely believed to be markers of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, cinnamon may well have potential value in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2017, a report published in the Journal of Pharmacological Research concluded that cinnamon and its bioactive components could effectively improve neurological health by inhibiting tau protein aggregation and beta-amyloid peptide accumulation. The study also noted that cinnamaldehyde appears to be an effective and safe way to prevent and improve Alzheimer’s disease.
Cinnamon is a miracle herb
Cinnamon is an important spice and has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. It is found in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions, as well as in the rainforests and other forests of southern China, India, and Southeast Asia. It can play an important role in the treatment of many diseases. Cinnamon was documented in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, a Chinese work from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), where it was mentioned as a remedy for arthritis. In modern times, traditional Chinese medicine believes that cinnamon has the following five main effects.
- Strengthens the spleen and warms the stomach: Many have indigestion problems after eating. Stomach pain and bloating are the most obvious symptoms. In this case, you can use cinnamon to regulate digestion. It can strengthen the stomach and help process food.
- Protects from wind and cold: You can use cinnamon to reduce the effects of wind and cold on the body. When used when you’ve been out in the rain, wind or cold, it can reduce your risk of catching a cold.
- Promotes blood circulation to restore menstrual flow: Cinnamon can help regulate women’s menstrual flow and help infertile women regulate their bodies, thus making menstruation more regular and preventing the occurrence of certain gynecological diseases.
- Warms the kidneys and strengthens yang energy: Middle-aged men are prone to impotence, which can be a problem for some. When taken correctly, cinnamon can warm the kidneys and help men with impotence issues.
- Disperses cold and relieves pain: Many middle-aged and elderly people suffer from rheumatic pain, especially when it rains. If joint swelling and pain are a problem, cinnamon can help disperse the cold and relieve pain, especially in the fall and winter.
Does cinnamon have any side effects?
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon may help reduce the risk of disease in middle-aged and elderly people. Although generally beneficial for these age groups, cinnamon should not be consumed excessively.
Each teaspoon of cinnamon powder contains approximately 7 to 18 milligrams of coumarin. Coumarin intake is calculated at 0.1 mg/kg body weight. Therefore, for a 110 pound (50 kilogram) adult, it is best not to exceed 5 mg. In short, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder per day can exceed the daily intake limit.
Cinnamon can cause skin or allergic reactions, which in almost all cases are mild. However, it can sometimes lead to more serious symptoms such as mouth ulcers, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and other symptoms. If you have side effects, please consult your doctor immediately.
How to use cinnamon
You can add ground cinnamon to foods when baking bread, pizza, or other things, or you can make a cinnamon soda cake. You can also add it to syrup or use it to make desserts like bread pudding.
You can add cinnamon powder to tea or coffee, but don’t just add it to water. You can add cinnamon to milk or coconut milk for a deliciously sweet and tart cinnamon milk.
Epoch Health articles are provided for informational purposes and are not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult a trusted professional for personal medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Have a question? Email us at HealthReporter@epochtimes.nyc