Short Answer: Cinnamon is good for arthritis. Because it has cinnamaldehyde and coumarin, and they can reduce inflammation and increase the risk of bleeding, respectively.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are places in your body where two bones meet.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
This can lead to various health problems, such as joint damage, widespread inflammation, and cardiovascular damage.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet. What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Now, cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
People usually use it as a flavoring agent in various dishes, such as desserts, beverages, curries, and cereals.
Cinnamon is also used as a traditional medicine for various ailments.
Cinnamon is good for arthritis because it contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cinnamaldehyde can inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, that are involved in arthritis.
Cinnamon may also help lower blood sugar levels, which can benefit people with diabetes, a common risk factor for arthritis.
One teaspoon of cinnamon can give you 4% of your daily needs of manganese, 3% of calcium, 3% of iron, and 2% of vitamin K.
These nutrients can support your bone health, blood clotting, and immune function.
Cinnamaldehyde can positively affect arthritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
However, cinnamon also contains coumarin, a substance that can negatively affect arthritis by increasing the risk of bleeding and liver damage.
Coumarin is more abundant in cassia cinnamon, the most common variety of cinnamon, than in Ceylon cinnamon, the true cinnamon.
Furthermore, cinnamon is a spice and spices are good for arthritis.
Because, they can add flavor and aroma to your food without adding salt, sugar, or fat, which can worsen your arthritis symptoms.
You can eat one to two teaspoons of cinnamon per day safely.
More than that can cause side effects, such as mouth sores, allergic reactions, low blood sugar, and interactions with medications.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cinnamon if you have a bleeding disorder, liver disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, to prevent complications.
Because, cinnamon can affect your blood clotting, liver function, and hormone levels.
You can buy fresh cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon powder in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose organic and pure cinnamon products, preferably Ceylon cinnamon, which has less coumarin than cassia cinnamon.
Because, organic and pure cinnamon products are free of pesticides, additives, and contaminants.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to six months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.