A widely used spice, sitting right now in your kitchen, might have the power to help you preserve your memory and keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay. Cinnamon, a common household ingredient, contains two natural compounds – cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin. These powerful substances have shown significant potential in the combat against Alzheimer’s in studies conducted at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Tackling the Tangles
The most significant characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is the development of filamentous “tangles” in the brain cells. These tangles disrupt normal brain function, leading to the disease’s devastating cognitive impact. The cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin in cinnamon have shown the ability to prevent these tangles from forming, making this spice a potential tool in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
In the United States, Alzheimer’s is a rapidly growing concern for an aging population. The impact of the disease is staggering; the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that the cost of Alzheimer’s to the nation will reach $203 billion in 2013 alone. With such a massive financial and personal burden, researchers like Donald Graves are keen to explore the potential of simple, affordable solutions like cinnamon to battle this debilitating disease.
How It Works: Targeting Tau Proteins
Tau proteins are an integral part of your brain cells’ structure. They contribute to the healthy functioning of your nerve cells, but when they become tangled, they lose their structure and stability, leading to the degeneration of your brain cells. In Alzheimer’s, these tau proteins form into the infamous tangles that characterize the condition.
The compounds in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, and epicatechin, have been proven to bind to these tau proteins, preventing them from forming tangles in brain cells. By blocking the development of these tangles, cinnamon’s compounds may help to thwart Alzheimer’s disease progression.
The Benefits of Cinnamon Don’t Stop There
Cinnamon’s benefits go beyond its potential role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. This delicious spice offers a number of other health benefits, such as:
Blood Sugar Control
Cinnamon’s active compound, cinnamaldehyde, has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. Some studies have also found that less than a teaspoon of cinnamon per day could lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidant Properties
Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, specifically polyphenols, which neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. In fact, cinnamon outranked even well-known “superfoods” like garlic and oregano in antioxidant capacity tests.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation contributes to a wide variety of debilitating conditions, from arthritis to cancer. Cinnamon contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially reducing the risk of these diseases.
Improved Heart Health
Cinnamon has been shown to contribute to a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while maintaining, and sometimes even increasing, the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. This ultimately leads to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Adding Cinnamon to Your Diet
The benefits of cinnamon are impressive, but before you start heaping spoonfuls of this spice onto your dishes, take note of the different cinnamon varieties. There are two main types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. The cheaper and widely available Cassia cinnamon contains significant levels of coumarin, a compound that, in large quantities, can be harmful to your liver. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true cinnamon,” contains much lower levels of coumarin, making it a safer choice for regular consumption.
Incorporating cinnamon into your diet can be simple and delicious:
- Sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal, toast, or yogurt
- Add a dash to your coffee or tea
- Use cinnamon in your smoothies or protein shakes
- Add a pinch to savory dishes, like soups and stews
- Use cinnamon to spice up your baked goods, like muffins and cookies
Remember, consuming the whole spice in small amounts is your best bet for optimal health benefits. While cinnamon supplements may offer some potential advantages, they can contain concentrated levels of the potentially harmful coumarin. To enjoy the numerous health benefits of cinnamon, including its potential impact on Alzheimer’s, stick to the natural, whole spice, and enjoy it as a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals.
