22A study suggests that cinnamon can positively affect learning and memory. Researchers analyzed 40 studies looking at how cinnamon affects cognitive function. They found that consuming cinnamon might improve learning and memory. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn. Cinnamon has a long history in culinary use, as a flavoring, and in herbal medicine.
Studies show that cinnamon confers cognitive benefits and anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-modulating properties. Some research shows that cinnamon has potential neuroprotective effects, especially once morest Alzheimer’s disease. For example, a compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, has been shown to inhibit the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Further study of the potential cognitive benefits of cinnamon might aid in the development of strategies to prevent cognitive decline.
Recently, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 40 studies looking at the effects of cinnamon on cognitive function. They found that cinnamon significantly improved cognitive function, described as learning and memory. The study is published in Nutritional Neuroscience.
Cinnamon and cognitive function
For this study, the researchers analyzed 40 studies detailing the relationship between cinnamon and cognitive function. They included two clinical studies, five in vitro studies and 33 in vivo studies, including 17 in rats, 15 in mice and one in Drosophila. To begin, the researchers analyzed studies involving cinnamon extract or powder.
In a clinical study, researchers found that chewing cinnamon gum for 40 days had a positive effect on memory in adolescents. The other clinical study, however, reported no significant changes in memory when taken orally. Most in vivo studies have shown cinnamon to have a positive effect on learning and memory. One study, however, found cinnamon to decrease learning and short memory. Meanwhile, an in-vivo study found that the methanolic extract of cinnamon bark can inhibit the production of beta-amyloid.
The researchers then studied the components of cinnamon such as eugenol, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde. They found that eugenol has protective effects on cognitive functions due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to inhibit amyloid plaques. They also found that compounds known as cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamaldehyde have anti-cell death and anti-inflammatory effects that protect once morest cognitive impairment in animal models. The researchers noted that their results were not dose-dependent, meaning both low and high doses of cinnamon had positive effects.
Include cinnamon in the diet
Cinnamon comes in two types: Ceylon cinnamon and cassia. Both can be healthy additions to the diet, but cassia cinnamon contains a toxin that can be harmful if you consume too much of it. Consuming large amounts of cassia cinnamon may adversely affect liver function, increase the risk of lung, liver, and kidney cancer, as well as drug interactions, due to the presence of high amounts of coumarin. Likewise, consuming too much ground cinnamon of any kind can cause coughing and difficulty breathing, as the very fine texture of the spice can get stuck in the vacuoles of the lungs. This is of particular concern for people with asthma.
Cinnamon is considered a safe herbal medicine and has a long history in various cultures. This means that it might easily be part of a complete diet that is accessible to a wide range of people. Cinnamon makes a wonderful hot or cold tea, it’s delicious with whole grains and fruit, and it’s essential to flavorful spice blends all over the world.
Limited clinical data on the use of cinnamon
Most of the publications included were rodent models. Therefore, more clinical studies are needed. Additionally, there were many variations between studies for duration, dosage, and the components of cinnamon used.
