In a world where there’s a pill for everything, it’s easy to overlook the power of food. But, when nature is teeming with medicinal value, why ignore it?
Take honey and cinnamon, for example. These pantry staples are popular for their respective medicinal benefits. And, when you combine the two, the benefits are even better. Here are a few health disorders that they might treat.
1. Diabetes
As the seventh leading cause of death in the country, type 2 diabetes should be on your radar. About 1.9 million people are diagnosed each year!1
Thankfully, unlike regular white sugar, honey naturally sweetens foods without making your blood glucose skyrocket. Honey also secretes insulin, the hormone that aids glucose absorption into cells, and causes better glucose control.2 Between these two benefits, honey helps you manage your glycemic index.
Cinnamon has a similar effect. It acts on multiple signaling pathways (in cells) that control the uptake of glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and restore pancreatic cells.3 However, while cinnamon is safe to consume for diabetics, studies regarding the benefits of honey for diabetics are still in their preliminary stage. Hence, it might be best to consult a professional before trying this remedy.
2. Arthritis
Over 54.4 million Americans have arthritis or chronic joint inflammation.4 And, while conventional medicine does relieve pain, the anti-inflammatory benefits of honey with cinnamon might speed up the recovery process.
According to a 2017 study in BMC Complementary And Alternative Medicine, honey reduces inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein.5 Additionally, phenolic (chemical compounds) acids like gallic acid, caffeic acid, and ellagic acid in honey reduce inflammation.6
Cinnamon is also used as a natural pain reliever. It controls the expression of mast cells, a major player in inflammation. Combine the two, and you’ve got a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy.7
3. Colds
If you’re dealing with a cold that just won’t quit, eat honey and cinnamon to boost your immunity. Honey increases the number of white blood cells (which fight infections) and antibodies (which kill foreign particles in the body).8
Honey has its high level of polyphenols and flavonoids, popular in fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, for these immune-boosting benefits.9 Meanwhile, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that add to honey’s benefits.10 For extra benefits, add honey and cinnamon to ginger or green tea.
4. Cancer
Considering the fact that there are many types of cancer, prevention remedies tend to be complicated. However, eating superfoods like honey and cinnamon might just reduce your risk of cancer.
In a 2017 review, researchers found that some kinds of honey may promote tumor necrosis factor, a cancer-killing protein.11 Its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects help as well.
Cinnamon, meanwhile has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits. Research has also found that it can effectively destroy cancer cells of the ovaries, cervix, and colon.12 13 Hence, regularly consuming the two might help you keep cancer at bay.
5. Obesity
Honey and cinnamon can aid in the treatment of obesity. Honey increases leptin and peptide YY, the satiety hormones, which prevent overeating. It also reduces the hunger hormone ghrelin, helping you get a handle on appetite.14
On the other hand, cinnamon converts white fat cells to brown. And, brown fat cells produce heat and burn energy.15 Consume a mixture of the two and you might just burn a few more calories.
Honey and cinnamon taste great together, so you could add the two to tea or smoothies. Alternatively, you could also consume a teaspoon of the two 30 minutes before eating. With regular consumption of the two, you’re sure to see a few health benefits.
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