Honey with cinnamon is a legendary remedy. Some people swear by it! But is it really that great?
By themselves, each ingredient has health benefits. It’s true. However, you might be wondering if the combination makes it better. There are many claims revolving around honey and cinnamon. Most have yet to be proven.
In some cases, combining them packs a punch. It all depends on overlapping health benefits. Here are three scenarios to keep in mind.
1. Heart Disease Risk
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death. It kills 1 in every 4 people every year. About 735,000 Americans have a heart attack each year, too.1
The key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Family history, physical inactivity, and age can also play a role.2
This is where honey comes in. According to the Journal of Medicinal Food, honey can lower blood cholesterol.3 Specifically, it reduces “bad” LDL cholesterol and increases “good” HDL cholesterol, which is great news for your heart.4
As an antioxidant, honey fights oxidative stress – a process that fuels hypertension.5 6 It’s also an anti-inflammatory food! This means it can ease inflammation, which contributes to heart disease.7
Cinnamon has similar benefits. The Annals of Family Medicine found that this spice can lower LDL cholesterol while giving HDL cholesterol a boost.8 It’s also an anti-inflammatory, making it useful for stopping the development of heart disease.9 10
Together, honey and cinnamon will do your heart a favor.
2. Diabetes Risk
Diabetes is another common disease. In 2010, it was the seventh leading cause of death. Roughly, 29.1 million Americans have it, but 8.1 million aren’t diagnosed. Another 86 million people have pre-diabetes.11 Unfortunately, the numbers just keep getting higher.
Sure, honey is sweet. But it can fight diabetes! Honey works by relieving oxidative stress in the pancreas. It also strengthens the pancreatic tissue. The result? Improved function, lower insulin resistance, and better glucose control.12
Cinnamon boosts these benefits. According to a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, cinnamon lowers blood glucose while improving insulin sensitivity. Plus, these results were seen in both healthy and obese adults.13
3. Wound Healing
From scratches to burns, it’s important for wounds to heal properly. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of infection, leading to extra problems. It can also leave unsightly scars.
Honey is well-known for its skin benefits. As a strong anti-microbial, it keeps harmful germs at bay. You won’t have to worry about bacterial or fungal infections.
The effects of honey are so good that it’s used as a wound dressing. Bed sores, ulcers, and burns can all be treated with honey.14
Cinnamon is another natural antimicrobial agent. It works against bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Even its oils possess these benefits, emphasizing the power of cinnamon.15
How To Use It
There’s no strict recipe for honey and cinnamon. To start, simply combine one tablespoon of honey with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix well.
This combo doubles as a healthy sweetener. Instead of white sugar, use it in tea, smoothies, or oatmeal.
On the skin, honey and cinnamon work wonders. Add it to a wound with clean hands. You can either wrap it in a dressing or wash off after 15 minutes.
References
