Benefits of Cinnamon for Autoimmunity

Cinnamon is a common spice in fall and holiday foods, but did you also know that the Benefits of Cinnamon for Autoimmunity are bountiful?

Cinnamon is not only loaded with vitamins and minerals, but it also boasts multiple benefits for those with autoimmune disease.

Read on to learn more about the Benefits of Cinnamon for Autoimmunity!

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Cinnamon is Loaded with Nutrients

Many people are surprised when they learn of all the nutrients from this simple spice.

Cinnamon naturally contains no sugar (yay!). It is a good source of fiber, vitamin K, iron, manganese, and calcium. It also has some antioxidant abilities, which as you know helps to fight off certain illnesses and infections.

Since the cold and flu are both common during the holiday season, it is good to add to your different snacks and treats during this time of year. Like in these delicious AIP Cinnamon Coffee Cake or in my yummy AIP Gingerbread Cookies!

Cinnamon Can Help Balance Blood Sugar

Cinnamon can help to positively affect many chronic illnesses, including hormone-driven ailments, like PCOS and Hashimoto’s.

Since insulin resistance can trigger hormone fluctuations, that in turn can exacerbate autoimmunity. Keeping blood sugar stable has been shown to assist in managing balanced hormones.

In comes the cinnamon: In a study involving 15 women with PCOS, significant reductions in fasting glucose and insulin-resistance parameters were shown after eight weeks of oral cinnamon extract consumption.

That’s pretty amazing, don’t you think?

Though cinnamon is not a cure-all for blood sugar fluctuations, and diet and lifestyle factors play a much larger role, it can still be a helpful addition to your diet and possibly supplementation (like with magnesium – see this post) for managing your autoimmunity.

Cinnamon is an Anti-Inflammatory

Another important benefit of cinnamon is the fact that it contains excellent anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Inflammation can affect many things going on in your body, from autoimmunity itself – to arthritis of your joints, to brain function, heart disease, and even cancer.

There are flavonoid compounds in cinnamon, which is why they are good at fighting both chronic inflammation, and acute inflammation that can lead to cardiovascular issues and even more serious diseases.

Cinnamon May Protect Heart Health

Cinnamon is also amazing for your cardiovascular health. People with autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis may have a doubled chance at developing cardiovascular disease.

In fact, a study shows that the immune cells which arise in those with autoimmunity cause cholesterol to become trapped inside blood vessels.

Cinnamon can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are risks for heart disease.

So it is especially important to protect your heart and related functions if you have an autoimmune condition. Though whether you are a high risk for heart problems or not, adding a little cinnamon to your diet is a delicious and nutritious way to help add a healthy boost!

How to Spice Up Your Daily Life and Reap the Benefits of Cinnamon for Autoimmunity

Sprinkle cinnamon on your AIP Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cold Brew, pour some of this AIP Gingerbread Creamer into your dandelion tea, or add an extra dash to your AIP Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Smoothie and you will benefit from this wondrous spice!

Or simply try starting by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your food every day to reap the Benefits of Cinnamon for Autoimmunity!

How would you add more cinnamon spice to your life?

I’d love to hear all about your favorite recipes and tips. Please leave me a comment below!

XO,