Any initiative that could alleviate the obesity crisis in the U.S. would be greatly appreciated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over one-third of American adults (36.5%) were classified as obese between 2011 and 2014. Obesity is linked to various health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which rank among the leading preventable causes of death.
Cinnamon has a long history of culinary and medicinal use, dating back to ancient Egypt. It is derived from the inner bark of the true cinnamon tree. The outer bark is carefully removed from selected branches, followed by the extraction of the inner bark—the cinnamon layer. As the inner bark 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 mulled wine or hot cocoa. In regions like Morocco and Sicily, it is also incorporated into savory dishes.
Research on cinnamon’s medicinal properties has been ongoing for years, revealing various benefits. Previous studies demonstrated effects such as antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol, as well as antioxidant effects, anti-gastric ulcer properties, anti-inflammatory actions, and wound-healing capabilities. Some supplement manufacturers produce cinnamon pills and capsules to harness these benefits; however, it is important to note that certain compounds in cinnamon can be toxic in high doses.
Today, cinnamon is a popular spice featured in numerous food and beverage products. According to a report from Technavio, it ranks among the most traded spices globally, with an expected growth rate of 16.2% from 2017 to 2021. Last year, global exports of cinnamon were valued at $484 million, reflecting a 48.7% increase since 2012. Its flavor appears 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, earlier this year, PepsiCo introduced a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored cola named Pepsi Fire, as reported by Grocery Headquarters.
While this research may pave the way for market breakthroughs, it does not yet justify the categorization of cinnamon-spiced treats as health foods. However, it could prompt the development of more savory products and those aimed at weight loss to include a pinch of cinnamon. Researchers emphasize that further investigation is needed to effectively harness the weight-loss properties of this spice without incurring adverse side effects, such as increased risks of liver damage, cancer, or respiratory issues.
In the context of nutritional supplements, the debate between tricalcium phosphate vs calcium citrate remains relevant. Both compounds offer calcium, but their bioavailability and absorption rates differ, which could impact their effectiveness in supporting weight loss and overall health. Therefore, understanding the distinctions between these two forms of calcium may also play a role in optimizing dietary strategies alongside the potential benefits of cinnamon.