Honey and cinnamon have always been two foods used for their powerful medicinal properties. They are very rich in beneficial plant compounds and offer several health benefits. What are these advantages?
Let's discover them!
To enjoy the virtues of these two foods, you can prepare a dough by mixing these foods and using it on your sandwiches for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Benefits of honey
Antioxidant properties
Honey is rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper and phosphorus. And according to a study by the University of Illinois, honey contains many antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, peptides, organic acids, enzymes and other components. Phenolic compounds contribute greatly to the antioxidant capacity of honey, but are not the only ones responsible.
There is a rule about honey that says: the darker the honey, the better. Color determines the antioxidant content of honey. For example, darker varieties such as buckwheat honey are much better than lighter varieties.
Reduction of blood pressure
Antioxidants in honey can also help lower blood pressure. Indeed, according to a study conducted in Malaysia, antioxidant compounds, especially phenolic compounds, honey have been linked to a drop in blood pressure.
Improvement of cholesterol
Honey also helps to improve LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, this type of cholesterol plays a major role in atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Interestingly, according to an Iranian study, honey reduces total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol while significantly increasing good HDL cholesterol.
Healing wounds and burns
Honey also promotes healing of burns and wounds. Topical honey treatment has been used to treat wounds and burns since ancient Egypt and is still common today.
According to a review of 26 studies on honey and wound care, honey was most effective in curing burns and partial thickness wounds infected after surgery.
Against foot ulcers
Honey is also an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, serious complications that can lead to amputation, according to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin in the United States.
This natural golden liquid contains amino acids and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also known to increase energy levels.
Benefits of cinnamon
Powerful antioxidant
It is a powerful spice used for its excellent medicinal properties. According to a study conducted by the University of Hong Kong, cinnamon ranks first among the 26 most popular spices in terms of antioxidant content.
Several medicinal properties
According to a German study, cinnamon contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids which are at the origin of its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-cancer and cardioprotective properties.
Reduction of blood pressure
In a study conducted by the University of Toronto, researchers found that cinnamon consumption can significantly reduce blood pressure, especially in people diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Reduction of bad cholesterol
Cinnamon can reduce the risk of heart disease, which is the most common cause of premature death in the world. According to a Pakistani study, the results showed that cinnamon reduces levels of total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while the good HDL cholesterol remains stable.
Decrease insulin resistance
Cinnamon can also improve insulin sensitivity because the cause of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes is the body's resistance to the effects of insulin. According to a 2010 study, cinnamon can significantly reduce insulin resistance, thus helping this important hormone to do its job.
Caution :
- The abuse of cinnamon is toxic and may cause gastric irritation. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.
- It is inadvisable to give honey to children under one year of age because it may contain resistant germs (Clostridium botulinum) from pollen and transported by bees. This bacterium is responsible for the rare childhood disease called infant botulism.
