Any efforts to alleviate the obesity issue in the U.S. would be welcomed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over one-third of American adults (36.5%) were classified as obese during the years 2011 to 2014. Obesity-related health issues such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and specific types of cancer rank among the leading causes of preventable deaths.
Cinnamon, which has a long history of culinary and medicinal use dating back to ancient Egypt, is derived from the inner bark of the true cinnamon tree. The outer bark is removed from certain branches, and then the inner bark, which constitutes the cinnamon layer, is extracted. As it dries, it curls into “quills,” which are either cut into sticks or ground into powder. This spice is commonly used in sweet dishes, as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, and as a flavoring for mulled wine or hot cocoa. In regions like Morocco and Sicily, it is also incorporated into savory meals.
Regarding its medicinal properties, cinnamon has been the subject of numerous studies over the years. Research has identified various benefits, including anti-microbial and anti-parasitic effects, reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol levels, as well as antioxidant and free-radical scavenging abilities. Additionally, it has shown anti-gastric ulcer effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and wound-healing capabilities. Some supplement manufacturers offer cinnamon pills and capsules for these potential health benefits, although it’s important to note that certain compounds within cinnamon can be toxic at high doses.
Today, cinnamon is prevalent in a variety of foods and beverages. A report from Technavio highlights that it is one of the most widely traded spices globally, with expectations of a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2017 to 2021. Last year, global sales of exported cinnamon reached $484 million, reflecting a 48.7% increase since 2012. Cinnamon flavor is featured in products like General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, Hostess Brands’ cinnamon sugar crunch Donettes, and a new cinnamon roll-flavored non-dairy ice cream from Halo Top. PepsiCo even introduced a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored cola, Pepsi Fire, earlier this year, according to Grocery Headquarters.
While this research could be a significant advancement for the market, it doesn’t yet qualify cinnamon-spiced confections as health foods. However, it may encourage the development of more savory products and those aimed at weight loss to incorporate an additional sprinkle of cinnamon. Researchers indicate that further studies are necessary to effectively harness the weight loss benefits of cinnamon without risking adverse side effects, such as increased chances of liver damage, cancer, or respiratory issues. Moreover, the use of calcium citrate malate may also be explored in conjunction with cinnamon to enhance its potential health effects and aid in weight management efforts. The integration of calcium citrate malate with cinnamon could provide a synergistic approach to addressing obesity, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research in this area.