What cinnamon can do for your health!

Leave a comment

Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

Do you like the taste of cinnamon? Some people like the taste of cinnamon in dessert dishes such as peach cobbler and apple pie. Some people even like the taste of cinnamon in their coffee. If you enjoy cinnamon, there is some good news about the health benefits of cinnamon.

According to Healthline, cinnamon is high in antioxidants and can fight inflammation and reduce blood sugar levels. Some people with arthritis and lupus have found cinnamon to help reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is related to lowering the development of heart disease. If a person takes ¾ teaspoons of cinnamon daily, triglycerides decrease. Increased triglycerides are a risk for heart disease. (Leech, 2022). Another benefit of cinnamon is that it may increase sensitivity to insulin. Additionally, cinnamon can also decrease blood sugar levels. Healthline states that cinnamon could imitate the benefits of insulin to better the access to sugar in cells. Other reports state cinnamon is being studied as possibly protecting against cancer.
Cinnamon can help with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well. In addition to the health potential of cinnamon, some studies suggest it helps with hair growth (check out cinnamon/honey hair mask).

So the next time you enjoy that spiced latte or green tea, maybe give yourself a pinch of extra cinnamon to give your body a boost.

References

Leech, J. (2022a, October 13). 10 evidence-based health benefits of cinnamon. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

Seward, M. (2018, August 8). Amazing benefits of cinnamon for hair. Healthy Focus. https://healthyfocus.org/cinnamon-for-hair/

What cinnamon can do for your health!

Leave a comment

Ashley Peoples | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

Do you like the taste of cinnamon? Some people like the taste of cinnamon in dessert dishes such as peach cobbler and apple pie. Some people even like the taste of cinnamon in their coffee. If you enjoy cinnamon, there is some good news about the health benefits of cinnamon.

According to Healthline, cinnamon is high in antioxidants and can fight inflammation and reduce blood sugar levels. Some people with arthritis and lupus have found cinnamon to help reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is related to lowering the development of heart disease. If a person takes ¾ teaspoons of cinnamon daily, triglycerides decrease. Increased triglycerides are a risk for heart disease. (Leech, 2022). Another benefit of cinnamon is that it may increase sensitivity to insulin. Additionally, cinnamon can also decrease blood sugar levels. Healthline states that cinnamon could imitate the benefits of insulin to better the access to sugar in cells. Other reports state cinnamon is being studied as possibly protecting against cancer.
Cinnamon can help with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well. In addition to the health potential of cinnamon, some studies suggest it helps with hair growth (check out cinnamon/honey hair mask).

So the next time you enjoy that spiced latte or green tea, maybe give yourself a pinch of extra cinnamon to give your body a boost.

References

Leech, J. (2022a, October 13). 10 evidence-based health benefits of cinnamon. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

Seward, M. (2018, August 8). Amazing benefits of cinnamon for hair. Healthy Focus. https://healthyfocus.org/cinnamon-for-hair/

Woman and Heart Disease – How can you reduce your risk?

Leave a comment

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Heart disease refers to several kinds of illnesses that affect the cardiovascular system. In the United States (U.S.), it is the most common condition responsible for heart attack and high mortality rates. Based on the prevalence rates, the heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. (CDC, 2023). Its occurrence among women is instigated by conditions such as heart attacks, arrhythmia, and heart failure. As such, heart disease leads to low quality of life and high mortality among women.

This topic hits home for me. A month ago, I lost a childhood friend to heart disease. On arriving at the hospital, she was diagnosed with a heart attack. The medical staff induced her into a coma, unfortunately, she did not survive. At her funeral I reflected on how our youth was filled with playing, running, laughing, and hugging my friend. After losing my friend, the situation made me think about my mortality, and what preventative measures I could take.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some steps to reduce your risk include:

  • Portion Control
    • Low calorie, nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables and fish
  • Eating whole grains, fruit and vegetables
    • Selecting whole-wheat bread as opposed to white bread
  • Limit unhealthy fats
    • Chose olive oil instead of butter
  • Choose low-fat protein
    • Skim milk, fish or beans are all good choices
  • Limit Sodium
    • Instead of table salt, try seasoning with herbs
  • For more tips check out the Mayo clinic link below

Though nothing can remove the pain I felt at the loss of my friend, I hope that we are learning enough about heart disease prevention that the rate of women dying from this disease lessens every day! What heart-healthy choices are you making each day?

References:

CDC. (2023). Lower Your Risk for the Number 1 Killer of Women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/heartdisease/index.html#:~:text=Although%20heart%20disease%20is%20sometimes,disease%20in%20the%20United%20States.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022b, April 28). 8 steps to a heart-healthy diet. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-healthy-diet/art-20047702