With rates of Alzheimer’s soaring in the Western world, researchers are now starting to focus not only on ways to treat this devastating disease, but to prevent it as well. That doesn’t just mean developing new medicines. In fact, dieticians are beginning to pay attention to the potential of Ceylon Cinnamon to reduce the risk of dementia.
What is Cinnamon?
Used for thousands of years as a natural medicine, Cinnamon is far more than just a delicious spice. Largely sourced from evergreen trees in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Cinnamon bark boasts some incredible medicinal properties. As well as being germicidal, Cinnamon is also:
- Antiseptic
- Anti-fungal
- Antimicrobial
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
This means that this super spice comes with some pretty impressive health benefits, like the potential to lower blood sugar levels, fight bacteria, and even boost concentration.
What makes Cinnamon even more attractive as a natural superfood is its taste. Boasting a warming, sweet flavour, Cinnamon is a great addition to all kinds of sweet treats and savoury dishes. Great for anyone looking to add more of this superfood to their diet!
How could Ceylon Cinnamon reduce your risk of dementia?
Known for its brain boosting potential, Cinnamon has long been linked with improved concentration and mood. And now, researchers believe it may be able to help reduce the risk of developing neurogenerative diseases like dementia. Here’s how.
1. Inhibits the development of damaging proteins
One study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, highlighted the potential of cinnamaldehyse and epicatechin (two compounds present in Cinnamon) to inhibit the aggregation of a protein called tau. At normal levels, tau is a normal part of cell structure, but when allowed to aggregate, this protein can form 'neurofibrillary tangles' – a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
2. Vitamins have the potential to slow the progression of dementia
Cinnamon is full of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acids – B-family vitamins that have been shown to slow shrinkage of brain volume in patients with dementia. In a study of 156 people, researchers found that the vitamins helped slow brain shrinkage over the course of two years. In top of that, it also reduces the cerebral atrophy in certain vulnerable brain regions.
3. Cinnamon can potentially help prevent diabetes – a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s
It’s no secret that there is a strong connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes, with almost 70 percent of those with type II diabetes ultimately developing the condition. So it makes sense that Cinnamon, which has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, might play a part in reducing the risk of dementia further down the line.
Find out more about superfood Ceylon Cinnamon
With rates of dementia increasing around the world, it makes sense to do everything we can do to prevent the disease. While more research needs to be carried out on the potential of Ceylon Cinnamon as a natural preventative and treatment, this superfood certainly shows a lot of promise.
For more about the incredible potential of this superfood, take a look at our roundup of the amazing health benefits of Cinnamon.
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