With the onset of the new season, it only seemed fitting to introduce our newest addition to the Good Vibes Fam…. Cinnamon Lil Bucks! As the weather cools off and the leaves change color, nothing screams autumn more than a hot, slow-cooked porridge topped with these cinnamon-y spicy delights. We simply adore the smell and taste of cinnamon, but hey, there are a lot of cinnamon benefits too. 

 

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON

Let’s unveil some of the reasons why we love cinnamon:

1. Helps manage Diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity 

Cinnamon has proven to lower blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin resistance, a benefit for all of us, but most especially those with diabetes. If you’re one to keep an eye on your blood sugar, you might want to add more cinnamon to your diet. Research has shown that cinnamon can help slow blood sugar levels when consumed with complex carbohydrates (Hello, buckwheat! It’s the perfect combo!).

2. Reduces inflammation (aka cell damage)

Inflammation can contribute to a wide range of health issues, from asthma to autoimmune diseases and cancer. Many of the flavonoid compounds found in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties that can help repair cell damage in the body. 

3. Reduces cholesterol levels and the risk for Heart Disease

A high-fat diet has been linked as one of the primary causes of heart disease. Luckily for us foodies, cinnamon offsets the effects of a high-fat diet because it possesses a polyphenol that is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps alleviate the effects of high-fat meals by slowing the post-meal blood sugar rise. 

4. Filled with antioxidants

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants. This is so important because antioxidants protect your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals in our environment. In fact, cinnamon is such a powerful spice that it can even be used as a food preservative. Say whattttt!

Combine that with high-antioxidant buckwheat, with extra-strong levels of Rutin, and you have the perfect heart-healthy grain-free granola going into the winter season!

5. Antimicrobial (helps fights infection)

Cinnamaldehyde, the part of cinnamon that gives it its delicious flavor and unique smell has displayed antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

6. Good for your gut 🙂 

We could all go for a healthier gut, right?! Good news, Good Vibes Fam, these cinnamon bucks will help keep you regular! For many years cinnamon has been used in medicine as a digestive aid. It possesses superfood properties that can alleviate symptoms associated with indigestion. The food you eat is digested by your intestinal tract. As food is broken down, gases arise. Research shows that cinnamon can decrease stomach acid and the secretion of the digestive enzyme pepsin from the stomach after eating. This in turn lessens the amount of CO2 gas in your stomach that often leads to post meal discomfort. 

7. May help prevent neurological disorders

Research has proven that cinnamon can delay cognitive impairments by diminishing oxidation in the brain. In addition, cinnamon is a good source of manganese, an antioxidant that is critical in supporting brain and body health.

And all of that is just from cinnamon! Combine those benefits with the high levels of magnesium, fiber and B vitamins found in buckwheat, and you have yourself the greatest superfood pairing EVER. 

 

SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3

https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/5-spices-for-a-healthy-gut

https://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon

https://www.thehealthy.com/heart-disease/cinnamon-heart-health/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/#sec6title