1. Cinnamon Facts
2. Types of Cinnamon
3. Cinnamon Nutritional Value
4. Cinnamon Health Benefits
History and Origin
Spices ” Cinnamon ” ( Nutritional value )
Nutritional value per 2.6 g – 1 Teaspoon
Spices, cinnamon, ground
|
Nutrient ( Proximate’s )
|
Unit
|
Value
|
Daily Value %
|
|
Energy
|
kcal
|
6
|
0.3%
|
|
Protein
|
g
|
0.10
|
0.2%
|
|
Total lipid (fat)
|
g
|
0.03
|
%
|
|
Carbohydrate, by difference
|
g
|
2.10
|
%
|
|
Fiber, total dietary
|
g
|
1.4
|
%
|
|
Sugars, total
|
g
|
0.06
|
|
|
Minerals
|
|||
|
Calcium, Ca
|
mg
|
26
|
%
|
|
Iron, Fe
|
mg
|
0.22
|
1.2%
|
|
Magnesium, Mg
|
mg
|
2
|
%
|
|
Phosphorus, P
|
mg
|
2
|
%
|
|
Potassium, K
|
mg
|
11
|
%
|
|
Sodium, Na
|
mg
|
0
|
|
|
Zinc, Zn
|
mg
|
0.05
|
%
|
|
Copper, Cu
|
mg
|
0.009
|
%
|
|
Manganese, Mn
|
mg
|
0.454
|
%
|
|
Selenium, Se
|
mcg
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
Vitamins
|
|||
|
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid
|
mg
|
0.1
|
%
|
|
Thiamin (B-1)
|
mg
|
0.001
|
%
|
|
Riboflavin (B-2)
|
mg
|
0.001
|
%
|
|
Niacin (B-3)
|
mg
|
0.035
|
%
|
|
Pantothenic acid (B-5)
|
mg
|
0.009
|
%
|
|
Vitamin (B-6)
|
mg
|
0.004
|
%
|
|
Folate (B-9)
|
mcg
|
0
|
|
|
Vitamin (B-12)
|
mcg
|
0.00
|
|
|
Vitamin A, RAE
|
mcg
|
%
|
|
|
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
|
mg
|
0.0
|
|
|
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)
|
mcg
|
0
|
|
|
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)
|
mcg
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
Lipids
|
|||
|
Saturated Fatty Acids
|
g
|
0.009
|
0.04%
|
|
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
|
g
|
0.006
|
|
|
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
|
g
|
0.002
|
|
|
Trans Fatty Acids
|
g
|
0.000
|
|
|
Carotenoids
|
|||
|
Beta-Carotene
|
mcg
|
3
|
|
|
Beta-Cryptoxanthin
|
mcg
|
3
|
|
|
Lutein + zeaxanthin
|
mcg
|
6
|
|
|
Reference Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie Intake, for Adults and Children 4 or More Years of Age. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
|
|
Percentages are roughly approximated using (RDA) Recommended Dietary Allowances for adults. Source: USDA United States Department of Agriculture
|
|
Reference Values for Nutrition – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration
|
Cinnamon Nutritional Value
Cinnamon offers benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, potentially improving blood sugar control, heart health (lowering cholesterol/blood pressure), brain function (Alzheimer's/Parkinson's), and fighting infections, largely due to compounds like cinnamaldehyde, but more human studies are needed for definitive medical advice.
- BLOOD SUGAR & INSULIN
Cinnamon may help manage blood sugar and insulin by mimicking insulin, improving sensitivity, and slowing carb breakdown, but research is mixed, with some studies showing benefits like lower fasting glucose and HbA1c, while others show no significant effect, so it's not a replacement for diabetes treatment, but can be a complementary spice for some, with doses of 1-6g daily studied. - POTENT ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUNDS
Cinnamon is a potent antimicrobial, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde, showing strong activity against bacteria (like E. coli, S. aureus), fungi, and yeasts by disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting crucial enzymes, and interfering with cell division, making it a natural preservative and potential alternative to antibiotics, especially against resistant strains. Its essential oil (CEO) and extracts effectively combat foodborne pathogens, oral bacteria (like S. mutans), and spoilage organisms. - ANTIOXIDANT POWER
Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and cinnamaldehyde, which fight damaging free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits, helping protect against chronic diseases, support heart and brain health, and even act as a natural food preservative. These compounds improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar/cholesterol, and have antimicrobial effects, making cinnamon a potent spice for overall health management. - GOOD SOURCE OF SEVERAL ESSENTIAL MINERALS
Cinnamon is a good source of several essential minerals, notably Manganese, which supports bone health and antioxidant function, along with notable amounts of Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, and smaller quantities of Phosphorus, Zinc, and Copper. A single teaspoon provides a significant portion of the daily Manganese requirement, making it a mineral-rich spice for supporting bone health, metabolism, and overall cellular protection against free radicals.
- SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Cinnamon shows promising potential for brain health, primarily through its compounds (like cinnamaldehyde) that may protect neurons, reduce inflammation, and inhibit hallmark proteins (tau, amyloid-beta) linked to Alzheimer's, improving memory and learning in animal studies and some human trials. While animal and lab results are strong, human research is still emerging, with some clinical trials showing benefits (e.g., better memory in teens via gum) and others finding no change. - SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH
Cinnamon supports heart health by improving cholesterol (lowering LDL & triglycerides), reducing blood pressure, and fighting inflammation and oxidative stress with antioxidants like cinnamaldehyde, benefiting those with or at risk for heart disease, especially alongside diabetes. It's a helpful addition to a healthy diet, but not a replacement for medication, and should be consumed in moderation (around ½-1 tsp daily), favouring Ceylon cinnamon due to lower coumarin content. - BENEFITS DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Cinnamon benefits digestive health by slowing starch breakdown (managing blood sugar), reducing gas/bloating, acting as an antimicrobial, soothing acid reflux, and supporting gut lining integrity, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde which inhibit digestive enzymes and offer antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, but excessive Cassia cinnamon can be harmful; using Ceylon cinnamon or moderate amounts is best. - SIGNIFICANT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
Cinnamon has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which help fight cell damage and reduce inflammatory markers, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis and metabolic issues, though more human trials are needed for definitive therapeutic claims.
References
Nutrient Database – USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
Reference Values for Nutrition – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Blood sugar and insulin - Cinnamon may help manage blood sugar and insulin by mimicking insulin, improving sensitivity, and slowing carb breakdown, but research is mixed, with some studies showing benefits like lower fasting glucose and HbA1c, while others show no significant effect, so it's not a replacement for diabetes treatment, but can be a complementary spice for some, with doses of 1-6g daily studied.
Supports heart health - Cinnamon supports heart health by improving cholesterol (lowering LDL & triglycerides), reducing blood pressure, and fighting inflammation and oxidative stress with antioxidants like cinnamaldehyde, benefiting those with or at risk for heart disease, especially alongside diabetes. It's a helpful addition to a healthy diet, but not a replacement for medication, and should be consumed in moderation (around ½-1 tsp daily), favouring Ceylon cinnamon due to lower coumarin content.
Antioxidant power - Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and cinnamaldehyde, which fight damaging free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits, helping protect against chronic diseases, support heart and brain health, and even act as a natural food preservative. These compounds improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar/cholesterol, and have antimicrobial effects, making cinnamon a potent spice for overall health management.
Significant anti-inflammatory properties - Cinnamon has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which help fight cell damage and reduce inflammatory markers, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis and metabolic issues, though more human trials are needed for definitive therapeutic claims.
Significantly improves cognitive function - Cinnamon shows promising potential for brain health, primarily through its compounds (like cinnamaldehyde) that may protect neurons, reduce inflammation, and inhibit hallmark proteins (tau, amyloid-beta) linked to Alzheimer's, improving memory and learning in animal studies and some human trials. While animal and lab results are strong, human research is still emerging, with some clinical trials showing benefits (e.g., better memory in teens via gum) and others finding no change, highlighting the need for larger human studies.
Potent antimicrobial compounds - Cinnamon is a potent antimicrobial, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde, showing strong activity against bacteria (like E. coli, S. aureus), fungi, and yeasts by disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting crucial enzymes, and interfering with cell division, making it a natural preservative and potential alternative to antibiotics, especially against resistant strains. Its essential oil (CEO) and extracts effectively combat foodborne pathogens, oral bacteria (like S. mutans), and spoilage organisms, with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and medicine.
Benefits digestive health - Cinnamon benefits digestive health by slowing starch breakdown (managing blood sugar), reducing gas/bloating, acting as an antimicrobial, soothing acid reflux, and supporting gut lining integrity, thanks to compounds like cinnamaldehyde which inhibit digestive enzymes and offer antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, but excessive Cassia cinnamon can be harmful; using Ceylon cinnamon or moderate amounts is best.
Good source of several essential minerals - Cinnamon is a good source of several essential minerals, notably Manganese, which supports bone health and antioxidant function, along with notable amounts of Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, and smaller quantities of Phosphorus, Zinc, and Copper. A single teaspoon provides a significant portion of the daily Manganese requirement, making it a mineral-rich spice for supporting bone health, metabolism, and overall cellular protection against free radicals.