The medical community is only coming to terms now with the fact that for centuries, western medicinal concepts were largely based on research that involved only male participants. That means the way we look at health is mainly through the lens of a male perspective. When looking at an individual level, the distinction between male and female health is apparent. Women have different health challenges and naturally require a customised approach when being treated or advised.
This holds for nutrition as well. Dietary measures are different for women to aid their unique situation, separate from men. One such nutritional measure that women need to exercise, is including cinnamon in their diet. Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Chaitali Rane, PGD, BSC in applied nutrition and Dietetics, and Clinical Dietician, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar said, “The best part about cinnamon is that you can include it in your daily diet.”
Cinnamon For Women's Health
The first benefit of cinnamon that Rane highlighted is its anti-inflammatory effects. “Cinnamon is good for women because it contains bioactive compounds which help reduce inflammation and cardiac stress,” said Rane. This is because cinnamon “produces nitric oxide in the body.”
Reduces Heart Stress
Research from the Ramaiah Medical College, Banglore, found that the active components cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid present in cinnamon protect the cardiovascular system because of their ability to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, alleviates stress on the heart. “Whenever nitric oxide is produced, it helps to reduce blood pressure,” said Rane.
Thus consuming cinnamon can be especially beneficial for women over the age of 50 years, as a study led by the Public Health Foundation of India found that women are at a much higher risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure, once they cross the age of 50.
Reduces Menstrual Discomfort
“Cinnamon has properties which also reduce menstrual discomfort as it boosts blood circulation in the uterus,” said Rane. A study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal found that cinnamon use in the control group compared to placebo showed lesser bleeding and menstrual pain severity.
Also Read: How Much Cinnamon Should You Consume In A Day, Shares Expert
Reduces Risk Of Colon Cancer
Cinnamon may also help women reduce the chance of colon cancer. “Cinnamon’s ability to produce nitric oxide makes it act as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to reduce free acid release or free radicals. This helps to combat cellular stress that contributes to cancerous cells,” said Rane.
Her advice is corroborated by numerous research, including one conducted at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and the UA Cancer Centre. The study found that adding cinnamon to the diet of mice protected them against colorectal cancer.
Also Read: Cinnamon Can Protect You From Prostate Cancer: ICMR Study
Tips To Include Cinnamon In Your Diet
If you want to improve your health, consuming cinnamon every day is a good option. “Soak three to four cinnamon sticks overnight in water, and drink the water in the morning,” suggested Rane.
However, she advised that if you choose to take cinnamon supplements or extracts instead, you have to be cautious because consuming too much of it can have ill effects on your health.
Including cinnamon in your daily diet can have significant benefits for women's health. Its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to reduce heart stress, alleviate menstrual discomfort, and potentially lower the risk of colon cancer make it a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.