Cinnamon extract

What is cinnamon extract?
Cinnamon extract is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree and is a concentrated form of the popular spice. While cinnamon has been used as an ingredient in cooking for thousands of years, the extract has found a permanent place in naturopathy and dietary supplements due to its health benefits. Ceylon cinnamon in particular is valued for its high-quality ingredients.

How does cinnamon extract work in your body?

Cinnamon extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds that can benefit your health. These are particularly valuable:

• Polyphenols: Antioxidants that protect your cells from oxidative stress.
• Cinnamaldehyde: The main active ingredient, which has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect.
• Dietary fiber: Supports your digestion and promotes healthy intestinal flora.

Thanks to these ingredients, cinnamon extract can improve your well-being on several levels – from regulating blood sugar to supporting heart health.

Health benefits of cinnamon extract

1. Supporting blood sugar levels: Cinnamon extract can help stabilize blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity, which can be particularly beneficial for people with elevated blood sugar levels or diabetes. Regular consumption can balance blood sugar fluctuations and thus prevent energy slumps.
2. Anti-inflammatory effect: Cinnamon extract has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help with chronic inflammation in the body. This is particularly important as inflammation is often associated with diseases such as arthritis or cardiovascular disease.
3. Antioxidant properties: Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, cinnamon extract can protect your cells from free radicals. This antioxidant effect not only supports your general health, but also slows down ageing processes.
4. Digestive support: Cinnamon extract can relieve flatulence, promote intestinal movement and reduce stomach discomfort. It also has a mild antibacterial effect that supports healthy intestinal flora.
5. Promoting heart health: Studies suggest that cinnamon extract can potentially lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How can you use cinnamon extract?

Cinnamon extract is versatile and can be used in the form of food supplements, powder or liquid drops.

• In capsule form: Perfectly dosed and ideal for daily use if you want to benefit specifically from the health advantages.
• In drop form: You can add the liquid extract to drinks such as tea, water or smoothies.
• As an addition to the diet: Cinnamon extract can be used in yogurt, muesli or baking recipes to combine flavor and health benefits.

Be careful not to exceed the recommended daily dose, as cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can damage the liver if consumed in excess. The cheaper cassia cinnamon in particular contains more coumarin than the higher quality Ceylon cinnamon.

What side effects should you be aware of?

Cinnamon extract is considered safe in moderate amounts. However, if you are sensitive to cinnamon or have a liver disease, you should discuss the intake with your doctor beforehand. People taking blood-thinning medication should also be careful, as cinnamon can affect blood clotting.

Ceylon cinnamon vs. cassia cinnamon: What should you know?

When using cinnamon extract, it is important to pay attention to the quality. Ceylon cinnamon is known as the “real” cinnamon and contains less coumarin, which makes it safer for long-term use. Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, is cheaper but contains significantly more coumarin and should only be consumed in small quantities.