Cinnamon is found in many delicious desserts, including apple pie, coffee cake, and bread pudding. You might be surprised to learn, however, that this delicious spice has many benefits like: keeping ants away, fighing gum disease, and even treating toenail fungus. Here’s our list of the top health benefits of cinnamon:

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

1.) Insect Repellent

Though humans love cinnamon, insects hate the spice. If you have ants, you can use this spice to drive them away. Find the entry point for the ants in your home, and sprinkle a line of cinnamon near it. Earth Easy asserts that ants will not cross this line. You can also prevent moth holes in your clothes by using sachets filled with cinnamon sticks.

2.) Anti-Depressant

In an article by Live Science, gastroenterologist Dr. Stephen Collins of McMaster University in Canada asserts, “There’s a strong relationship between gastroenterology and psychiatric conditions.” His research has found that intestinal microbes influence the brain, and many people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) also suffer from depression and anxiety.

Cinnamon’s anti-bacterial properties can help fight against stomach bacteria, which may lift your mood. The next time you feel down, try one of the tea recipes suggested by Bembu to lift your spirits.

3.) Neutralize Odors

Not only does cinnamon smell delicious, the spice is also effective in neutralizing odors in your home. That’s because cinnamon has anti-bacterial properties, and many bad odors are caused by bacteria. Kitchn suggests boiling a cinnamon stick in a pot of water for 30 minutes to naturally neutralize odors in your home. In no time, your home will smell like apple pie instead of dirty dishes, trash, or dirty laundry.

4.) Boost Metabolism

According to an article in the Huffington Post, cinnamon boosts your metabolism by slowing the emptying of your stomach and improving blood sugar regulation. To boost your metabolism first thing in the morning, Fitday recommends adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your cup of coffee, flavoring your oatmeal or cereal with cinnamon, or sprinkling the spice on your toast.

5.) Treat Stomach Bugs

Cinnamon has anti-bacterial properties. According to a study published on PubMed.gov, cinnamon may even be effective at fighting serious bacteria like E. Coli. The next time you have the flue or another stomach bug, try using cinnamon to fight it. Cinnamon Vogue suggests making tea by slowly boiling one Ceylon cinnamon stick in one and a half cups of water for 15 to 25 minutes. Allow the tea to sit for 15 minutes, and during this time, the tea will turn from a pale yellow color to a deep red. After the tea has reached a deep red color, drink it, and allow the cinnamon to fight your stomach bug.

6.) Treat Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is unsightly, frustrating, and challenging to treat. Cinnamon has anti-fungal properties, making it an effective home remedy for toenail fungus. Cinnamon Vogue recommends using cinnamon leaf oil to treat toenail fungus naturally. Apply cinnamon leaf oil directly to the affected nail in the morning and at night. Alternatively, you can soak your feet in Epsom salt mixed with diluted cinnamon oil.

7.) Fight Type 2 Diabetes

According to Mayo Clinic, cinnamon may help increase insulin action and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, one study published in 2009 showed that taking a 500mg. capsule of cinnamon twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels in individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. A1C is a reflection of one’s average blood sugar levels over the last two to three months. The Cleveland Clinic suggests taking ¼ to one teaspoon or one to four grams of cinnamon each day. Individuals with type 2 diabetes can also reap the spice’s sugar-lowering benefits by taking cinnamon in capsule form.

8.) Fight Bad Breath & Gum Disease

Cinnamon’s anti-bacterial properties can be beneficial for your oral health. According to Organic Lifestyle Magazine, you can treat gum disease and bad breath with a mixture of coconut oil and cinnamon. Mix one tablespoon of coconut oil and two drops of cinnamon essential oil, and swish it around in your mouth for better oral health.

Cinnamon is a spice included in many delectable desserts. Not only does it taste good, though, the spice is useful for lifting your mood, fighting ant infestations, and treating gum disease. With all the health benefits of cinnamon, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, cinnamon is one spice you don’t want to find yourself without.

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