Benefits and Side Effects of Cinnamon Capsules

Cinnamon is widely known for its spicy sweet flavor and heavenly aroma. We cannot imagine our pastries or cappuccino without a dusting of cinnamon powder upon it. Apart from its myriad culinary uses, it also has immense medicinal properties.

Although cinnamon has been in use in the medicinal field since ancient Egyptian civilization, it is only recently that it has been commercialized and granted the status of medication. Since then, cinnamon capsules are greatly sought after for their innumerable health benefits.

There are mostly two prominent types of cinnamon, cinnamon ceylon and cinnamon cassia, both of which are derived from the bark of evergreen trees. Ceylon cinnamon is mostly grown in the regions of South America, Southeast Asia and West Indies, whereas cassia cinnamon is grown in Central America, China and Indonesia.

Ceylon cinnamon comes in the form of tightly rolled pieces while cassia is more loosely rolled. The type of cinnamon that is mostly sold in the US is cassia. However, the cinnamon used in cooking is not the same as that used for medicinal purposes.

Cinnamon capsules are manufactured from special varieties of cinnamon, namely, cinnamomum cassia blume or Chinese cinnamon and cinnamomum zeylanicum nees.

As mentioned before, cinnamon is greatly sought after for its medicinal properties. Taking its capsules on a daily basis can provide following health benefits.

Diabetes Control
Diabetes control is the main reason why cinnamon capsules have become tremendously popular. Taking into account the increasing number of diabetic patients in US and other developed countries, diabetes has indeed manifested into a grave disease.

Thus, a natural cure like cinnamon comes as a big relief for diabetic people. Cinnamon enhances the response of fat cells to the insulin, thereby leading to better utilization of insulin in the body. Thus, although, cinnamon doesn't actually produce insulin, it does help to reduce the levels of blood glucose by judiciously using the existing insulin in body.

Cholesterol Reduction
Cinnamon capsules improve heart function by reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad) and increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol (good). They also keep the levels of triglycerides in check.

Urinary Tract Infections
Cinnamon is known for its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microbes. This is the reason why Egyptians used it for embalming. Cinnamon capsules effectively get rid of urinary tract infections caused due to bacteria and fungus. They are also known to completely eliminate yeast infections which do not respond to conventional medications.

Digestive Problems
Calcium used in cinnamon capsules efficiently helps to remove certain bile salts from the body. These salts are known to increase the risk of colon cancer. Cinnamon also soothes the ulcers and aids in the digestion process.

Belly Fat Reduction
This is yet another reason why more number of people are turning to cinnamon capsules. While obesity has become a phenomenal problem, people are constantly looking for newer ways to get rid of excess fat. Consuming cinnamon has shown a drastic reduction in belly fat.

Doctors often warn against indiscriminate consumption of cinnamon capsules. Since, cinnamon is a natural ingredient, it does not induce any side effects if consumed in proportion. The recommended daily dosage for cinnamon capsules is between 1 to 6 grams.

They are available in the increments of 1000 mg. However, its irresponsible use may lead to several health hazards like kidney dysfunction or some toxic reactions. Due to its blood thinning properties, cinnamon may lead to heavy menstruation or profuse bleeding in case of injuries or during surgeries.

Cinnamon capsules are manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies under different brand names. The prescribed intake of these capsules varies for every manufacturing brand. You should always get your physician's clearance before going in for these capsules.