Actually, brain benefits are just the tip of the iceberg with this wonderful-tasting super spice.
But let's start there: did you know that a recent research study presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Services in Sarasota, FL, found that merely smelling cinnamon or chewing cinnamon-flavored gum actually enhanced multiple areas of brain processing and function; everything from memory to visual-motor speed to recognition to attention & focus? In fact, the results were so promising that multiple research studies underway are testing cinnamon for its potential effects on enhancing cognition in the elderly, people with "test anxiety", and possible benefits for people with cognitive diseases.
Pretty impressive, and that's just from the smell.
But cinnamon also has a rather mind-blowing number of other health and anti aging, anti-disease benefits as well that most people still don't know about: how about stopping disease-resistant yeast infections? Or regulating sugar levels in people with Type2 Diabetes? Or reducing the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells? Or the a mere 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon daily can lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol?
There's much more, but it's important to note: all cinnamon is not created equally. That old jar of cinnamon from 10 years ago in your kitchen spice rack probably won't be nearly fresh enough to confer the full benefits that fresher, organic (non-irradiated) cinnamon stick or its powder recently ground can. Generally speaking, ground cinnamon stays fresh and most potent for up to 6 months from grinding, and cinnamon sticks can keep for 2-3 years.
From our research, it appears that the best bet for maximum potency is to buy whole organic cinnamon sticks (either the "cassia" variety which is most common in the U.S., or the "true cinnamon" from Sri Lanka and other varietals from Asia...all are reported to be relatively equal in their benefits) and either grind them into a powder yourself, or if your local store offers recently ground organic cinnamon powder, that's likely fine as well. Just as with any other food or spice, fresher is better, organic is better, as you're getting the food as close to how nature intended it, without the sometimes weakening effects of irradiation and chemical processing.
Here are some of the health benefits of cinnamon as found by a large number of research studies from around the world:
- Smelling cinnamon can boost brain functions, performance and memory.
- As little as just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
- Has a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
- In some studies, cinnamon has been shown to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.
- In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
- Has an anti-clotting effect on the blood (natural blood-thinner).
- Arthritis relief: in a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month(!)
- Natural food preservative: Added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage.
- Fights E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices and other foods.
- Excellent source of manganese, fiber, iron, calcium and other minerals.
Pretty amazing, isn't it? Bet you didn't know that cinnamon was such a brain, health and anti-aging powerhouse. Especially given how good it tastes on almost anything.
So how about adding some fresh organic ground cinnamon to that dark chocolate or cocoa powder we talked about last week? Or mixed with some Zen Matcha green tea and organic soymilk (one of our favorite staples here at BrainReady, thanks to the folks at for introducing us to this wonderful combo). Sprinkle a liberal amount on some toast, try it on vegetables, it seems to work on just about anything.
Oh, and if you do try it, be sure take some good whiffs to experience those brain benefits...we've found that the effects are REAL, particularly when you smell AND eat the really fresh organic cinnamon daily. You have to try it to believe it.
Let us know what you think: share your experience with cinnamon and our other discussed brain & anti-aging foods by emailing us at