Any efforts to alleviate the obesity issue in the U.S. would be greatly appreciated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than one-third of American adults (36.5%) were classified as obese from 2011 to 2014. Conditions related to obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, rank among the top preventable causes of death. Cinnamon, which has a 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 carefully removed from certain branches, and the inner bark, known as the cinnamon layer, is extracted. As it dries, it curls into “quills” which can be cut into sticks or ground into powder.
Cinnamon is widely used in desserts, as a topping for yogurt or porridge, and as a flavoring in beverages like mulled wine and hot cocoa. In regions like Morocco and Sicily, it is also incorporated into savory dishes. Numerous studies have explored the medicinal properties of cinnamon over the years. Research has indicated its potential benefits, including anti-microbial and anti-parasitic effects, reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol, as well as antioxidant properties, anti-gastric ulcer effects, anti-inflammatory actions, and wound-healing capabilities. Various supplement manufacturers produce cinnamon pills and capsules to harness these health benefits, although certain compounds in cinnamon may be toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Today, cinnamon is a popular spice found in numerous foods and beverages. A report by Technavio highlights that it is one of the most traded spices globally, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2017 to 2021. In the previous year, global sales of exported cinnamon reached $484 million, marking a 48.7% increase since 2012. Its flavor is present in products like Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal by General Mills, cinnamon sugar crunch Donettes from Hostess Brands, and a new cinnamon roll-flavored non-dairy ice cream from Halo Top. Additionally, PepsiCo introduced a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored cola, Pepsi Fire, earlier this year, as reported by Grocery Headquarters.
While this research could revolutionize the market, it does not yet warrant classifying cinnamon-spiced treats as health foods. However, it may encourage more savory products and those aimed at weight loss to include a bit more cinnamon. Researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to determine the most effective ways to leverage the weight loss potential of this spice without leading to negative side effects, such as an increased risk of liver damage, cancer, or respiratory issues. It is also interesting to note that another name for calcium citrate, a compound often associated with health benefits, may also play a role in discussions about dietary supplements and weight management.