Cinnamon is the Best for Bone Health

Cinnamon is considered the best when it comes to improving bone health.

The best method of preserving bone health is through prevention by occasional weight-bearing exercises, range-of-motion exercises, a healthy lifestyle, and a balanced diet. Adding cinnamon tea and other beverages would be a great start in keeping the bones healthy. A brand of water-based cinnamon supplement, Cinnulin PF, is derived from Cassia cinnamon. It isolates the therapeutic components of cassia while removing the harmful chemicals. Therapeutic dosages of cinnamon would require further assessment by a professional prior to intake. 

Be vigilant when combining prescription medications with cinnamon. There could be possible interactions. Cinnamon can act as a blood thinner, so for those who will undergo surgery, have bleeding disorders or liver problems. It is advisable to take caution when taking this supplement. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should only take cinnamon in moderate dietary amounts. 

Cinnamon has some antimicrobial properties. They have been discovered long before any studies were conducted. It was used as meat preservative in England during the Middle Ages by rich households. They had used it quite effectively and it was prized for its multiple uses and high price. 

A study sought to find the antimicrobial properties of 21 essential oils. There were only two essential oils, which includes cinnamon oil, that proved to be effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. By using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/ MS), they broke down the major chemical components of cinnamon. After identifying 38 phytochemicals, they determined the major components, which are: cinnamaldehyde, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. Cinnamaldehyde comprised the majority of the compounds in the extracts. 

The hydrophobic properties of the essential oils allow it to break into the lipids of the bacteria’s cell membrane and mitochondria. This makes it more permeable, with ions and nutrients passing out of the cell uncontrollably, which causes the cell to eventually die. Cinnamon oil needs to be diluted when taken internally. To increase immunity and gut health, you can place one to two drops of oil in an empty capsule. 

Cinnamon tea is also a great way to get its benefits. The oil can also be added to your favorite tea. One drop of cinnamon oil in your tea can help with stomach flu and throat infections. Small doses of cinnamon oil are considered safe and effective in inhibiting bacteria growth. With the help of a herbalist, it can be added to the beverage, but be reminded that it needs to be heavily diluted. The same principle is true for topical application; it would need to be mixed with carrier oils. It cannot be given internally to pregnant women. Topical application is also not advised. For children over 6 years old, it can be used topically and internally with heavy dilution. Consult your naturopathic doctor or herbalist to determine the right dose per weight, especially for children.

Author’s bio: Andaman Plantations, a company engaged in contract farming, produces cinnamon in its vast lands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.