Cinnamon is a spice that is derived from the bark of trees in southeast India and Sri Lanka. It was difficult to access this unusual commodity in West Asia, Europe, and Africa because cinnamon didn’t have much of a utilitarian use. Therefore, the Islamic world developed regionally different cultures that embraced these spices without realizing their healing power. And today, many people are discovering the health benefits of cinnamon due to its availability and awareness.

Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Stabilizer

Cinnamon has been found to help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. In a study by the NWFP Agricultural University in Pakistan, researchers found that 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon taken daily reduced blood-sugar levels, triglycerides and cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. The addition of cinnamon to apple tea magnified the fruit’s inherent role in metabolizing cholesterol through an added boost of manganese.

Vitamin B-6

Apples are great for helping the body obtain water-soluble vitamins and antioxidants through the supplement B-6. Vitamin B-6 also plays a vital role in the immune system by helping to maintain the bulk of lymphoid organs, which helps make white blood cells. The University of Arizona found that cinnamon can enhance the function of vitamin B-6 by providing antioxidant support to damaged human epithelial cells.

Fiber Support

Because apples are high in dietary fiber, they can help protect against colon cancer and other lifestyle-related risk factors. Colorado State University says that the presence of this type of fiber allows less exposure to toxins in the digestive system and gives cells more protections against oxidative stress. It can even act as a chemo-preventive by reducing cell damage due to oxidative stress.

Benefits of Cinnamon Bark

As a staple of culinary kitchens across the world, cinnamon is celebrated for its sweet and spicy flavor. Traditional medicinal uses include treating chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Although there is a limited amount of evidence to support the use of cinnamon bark supplements, it’s often included in healthy lifestyles. It’s important to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before integrating a supplement that can promote health like cinnamon bark.

Nutrition

Cinnamon bark has been associated with a number of nutritional benefits. It contains micronutrients such as vitamin K, iron, calcium and manganese. A 1-tablespoon serving of cinnamon contains 1.4 milligrams of manganese, which is almost 75 percent of the recommended daily intake of 2 milligrams. Manganese may help prevent osteoporosis, anemia and premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Cinnamon is naturally low in fat, sugar and calories and can add flavor without increasing its sugar content.

Antioxidant Effects

Cinnamon bark has many benefits when it comes to your health and wellbeing because of its high antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against free-radical damage and can help prevent cardiovascular disease, certain forms of cancer and other disorders. Examples of antioxidants include cinnamon bark, lutein and polyphenols found in cocoa. By blocking the effects of free radicals, antioxidants like cinnamon help reduce oxidative stress.

Diabetes Management

Cinnamon is well-known for its healthful properties, and a study published by the American Diabetes Association in 2003 showed that cinnamon supplements are effective at lowering blood glucose levels. Still, the findings in this study were inconclusive and more clinical trials need to be done to see if cinnamon is an alternative or complementary treatment to diabetes.

Cholesterol Reduction

The American Diabetes Association revealed that patients with diabetes who took cinnamon saw an improvement in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Meanwhile, those taking placebo did not see such a change. As for the study in “Diabetes Care”, cinnamon was able to improve blood sugar by 30% and triglycerides by 30%. Interestingly, it also improved LDL or bad cholesterol by 27%, total cholesterol by 26%, and HDL or good cholesterol by 2%.

How Many Calories in a Gala Apple?

Many low-calorie alternatives exist, but there’s no better replacement for Gala apples. The reason they’re so popular is that they’re high in fiber, flavonoids and calories. Their thin skin makes them ideal for snacking as well as for baking goods.

Nutrition Facts for Gala Apples

Guavin is the third most popular apple cultivar in America. In 2018 this prestigious position was taken over by another apple, Gala. What exactly makes these apples so popular? The first thing to know about them is their distinctive flavor, with subtle hints of vanilla. They’re crunchy and make a healthy addition to smoothies, pies and homemade treats.

Like other apple varieties, they’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. One medium-sized Gala apple provides: 123 calories from carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber and 4 percent of the daily recommended potassium intake.

When you browse for “Gala nutrition facts” on Google or “Gala calorie,” you’ll get similar results. A medium-sized Gala apple contains 121 calories from carbs, 29 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 404 milligrams of potassium.

Green apples and Red Delicious apples have pretty much the same nutritional value. Potassium regulates sodium levels in your body as well as nervous system function and heart rate regulation!

An analysis published in Nutrients in March 2016 found that higher potassium intake may help prevent metabolic syndrome a risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes. Further research has also suggested that diets rich in this mineral could possibly help prevent obesity but more studies are needed

Are Gala Apples Diet-Friendly?

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Other Health Benefits of Apples

These fruits are the basis for a healthy diet, providing all the nutrients you need plus more. They provide 16 percent of the daily recommended fiber intake and B vitamins plus lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E. These antioxidants may help prevent macular degeneration, heart disease, cancer, hemorrhagic strokes and Alzheimer’s. Each individual serving provides only small amounts of these nutrients, but apples can make a difference in your daily diet that leads to better health overall. Additionally, certain apple nutrients such as pectin may help balance the gut microbiota or cholesterol and protect against cardiovascular disease. When combined with polyphenols, these antioxidant benefits are even greater.

Can Cinnamon Cause Diarrhea?

Cinnamon is unlikely to cause diarrhea for most people. In fact, this spice has been traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, according to Drugs.com. Experiencing a bout of diarrhea after consuming cinnamon may not be due to the cinnamon at all, but it may indicate that you have an allergic reaction to the spice.

Diarrhea Causes

The cinnamon plant doesn’t seem likely to cause chronic diarrhea because it is not hydrolyzed, but other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or celiac disease are. The types of diarrhea that are more commonly seen with chronic diarrhea include the following: functional bowel disorders, infectious diseases and reactions to medications. Acute diarrhea is typically caused by food sensitivities or allergies in addition to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.

Cinnamon Allergy

Careful not to take risk when you’re trying out a new spice. Cinnamon does not typically cause diarrhea for most people, but those who are allergic to it may experience diarrhea as a result of ingesting cinnamon. These symptoms often appear within minutes of ingestion, but can sometimes last up to two hours later. Another sign of a cinnamon allergy is an itchy rash showing up on your skin.

Anaphylaxis

People with severe allergies should take extra precautions when cooking. Cooking with cinnamon can cause some people to experience a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis that is characterized by an unusual or rapid heartbeat, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, dizziness and confusion. People experiencing any of these symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Warning

While most cases of diarrhea are not a cause for concern, it’s important to call your doctor if you have any signs of dehydration from your diarrhea, such as fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness. Diarrhea accompanied by fever, severe abdominal or rectum pain may also indicate a more serious condition that might require medical attention.

Call your doctor if you notice your stool is black or tarry or contains pus or blood. While diarrhea typically goes away on its own, call your doctor if it lasts more than two days.