Cinnamon lowers LDL cholesterol
Cinnamon has a great medicinal value. It has been proved through long studies that only 1/2 teaspoonful of cinnamon per day can significantly lower the LDL or bad cholesterol. Cinnamon has a key substance called Methyl Hydroxy Chalcone Polymer (MHCP) that helps stimulate cellular glucose intake and has qualities similar to those of insulin which is especially beneficial to people with Type 2 diabetes. The other important medicinal values of cinnamon are: * It reduces the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. * If mixed with honey, cinnamon can relieve arthritis pain. * It reduces triglycerides which significantly improves cardiovascular health. * It helps losing weight. Cinnamon is a natural source of manganese, fibre, iron, and calcium. It is also a powerful antibiotic. Meanwhile, before taking cinnamon as medicine certain points should be taken into consideration, such as, whether the patient is taking any medication to reduce LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, etc., because cinnamon may cause double action putting the patient's health at risk. There are a number of species of cinnamon. Cinnamomum verum known as "True Cinnamon" or “Ceylon Cinnamon” is the best one. Often "Cassia," a herb which looks and tastes like cinnamon is sold as cinnamon but it does not provide the health benefits of True Cinnamon. Sometimes Cassia causes serious side effects, because it contains higher amounts of coumarin, the chemical which made cinnamon a beneficial spice.
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