Short Answer: Cinnamon is good for gout. Because it has cinnamaldehyde and other nutrients that can lower the uric acid levels and reduce the inflammation of the joints.
Gout is a condition that affects your joints.
In gout, your body produces too much uric acid, a waste product that forms when your body breaks down purines.
Purines are substances found in some foods and drinks, as well as in your own cells.
Uric acid can form sharp crystals that deposit in your joints, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
This can lead to various health problems, such as kidney stones, joint damage, and infections.
One of the key factors in managing gout is diet.
What you consume can affect your uric acid levels, which can impact your gout symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage gout, you should consume antioxidant-rich foods like cherries, berries, and green tea, and avoid purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and seafood.
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, especially sweet ones.
Cinnamon is good for gout because it contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that can inhibit the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is involved in the production of uric acid.
By reducing the activity of this enzyme, cinnamon can lower the uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.
Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the pain and swelling of the affected joints.
One teaspoon of cinnamon can give you about 28% of your daily manganese needs, 4% of your daily calcium needs, and 4% of your daily fiber needs.
Manganese can help regulate the metabolism of purines and uric acid, as well as support bone health and wound healing.
Calcium can help maintain the alkalinity of the blood and urine, which can prevent the formation of uric acid crystals.
Fiber can help lower the absorption of purines from the gut and promote the excretion of uric acid through the stool.
Furthermore, cinnamon is a low-calorie and low-sugar spice, and both of these factors are good for gout.
Because, excess calories and sugar can increase the production of uric acid and trigger gout attacks.
You can consume up to one teaspoon of cinnamon per day safely.
More than that can cause side effects, such as liver damage, mouth sores, low blood sugar, and allergic reactions.
Also, you shouldn’t consume cinnamon if you have liver disease, bleeding disorders, or diabetes, to prevent worsening your condition.
Because, cinnamon can interact with some medications and supplements that affect these conditions, such as blood thinners, insulin, and antidiabetic drugs.
You can buy fresh cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon powder in your local market or online.
Always choose organic and high-quality cinnamon, preferably Ceylon cinnamon, which has less coumarin, a substance that can be toxic to the liver in high doses.
Because, some cinnamon products may be contaminated with pesticides, molds, or other spices.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to six months.
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Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing gout effectively.
I always recommend my gout patients to follow a gout-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
