Cinnamon to Lower Inflammation
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
Spices are a fantastic way to add flavor along with other health benefits to your food or, in this case, drink. Many of the sauces and dressings used for marinades and flavor contain high amounts of sugar and other preservatives that add to the levels of inflammation which lead to pain. Spices become more helpful because they are limited to fewer ingredients, and you can be more aware of what is being added to your foods. I have written about a few of them in the past, but wanted to dive deeper with cinnamon since it is one of the most widely used spices.
I discussed some benefits in regards to blood sugar, but cinnamon can also help lower the amounts of inflammation in the body because of the high antioxidant properties it contains. Between the antioxidants and polyphenols, it lowers the amount of free radical damage that we are exposed to in the environment from pollution, second-hand smoke, toxins, etc. These free radicals are part of the normal metabolic process, but they can begin to damage surrounding cells when they build up in higher amounts. Antioxidants bind to the free radicals and help eliminate them from the body, thus lowering the stress and inflammation that they bring. This lowered inflammation means there is less pain associated as well. Cinnamon is such a powerful antioxidant that along with lowering free radicals, it has also shown a decrease in c-reactive protein, one of the markers used to measure inflammation in the body.
Try using an ingredient like cinnamon or turmeric next time to spice up your meal or green drink. It can add to the flavor as well as your health.
References
Zhu C, Yan H, Zheng Y, Santos HO, Macit MS, Zhao K. Impact of Cinnamon Supplementation on cardiometabolic Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Sep;53:102517. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102517. Epub 2020 Jul 18. PMID: 33066854.
Ingredients
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 small avocado
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Organic ingredients when possible.
Combine ingredients and blend until smooth.
Our Message
Our McKinney Chiropractors, located near Stonebridge Ranch near the corner of S. Stonebridge Dr. and Eldorado Pkwy., know how to get you out of pain through better movement AND making sure you are getting the proper nutrients. We also teach our patients how to manage their stress for optimal health. When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you, choose one who will not only help lower inflammation to reduce shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle so you can stay out of pain.