Five things you may not have known about the brain ("must miss" system)
Relatively few studies have been conducted on the benefits of cinnamon on the brain.
In the past, there have been several attempts to investigate how and whether cinnamon affects memory and learning, but the findings remain unsubstantiated for a variety of reasons and constraints.
Recently, researchers from Birjand University of Medical Sciences in Iran chose to review those previous studies that examined the effects of cinnamon on the brain and its cognitive functions.
According to the team, whose research was published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, they wanted to systematically review studies on the relationship between the famous spice and the memory and learning functions of the brain.
After filtering 2,605 studies on cinnamon from various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science, the team found 40 studies that met the criteria for their meta-analysis.
good for the brain
Cinnamon (Photo: ShutterStock)
During the analysis of the data from the studies, they found that the components of eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid which is a natural compound found in many plants, positively changed cognitive function.
Some studies also reported that the components of the spice prevented and reduced impairment of cognitive function.
One of the studies that focused on teenagers revealed that chewing cinnamon gum improved memory function and reduced anxiety.
But overall, the findings highlighted cinnamon's potential value in preventing memory and learning problems.
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"This study was designed to systematically review studies on the relationship between cinnamon and its key components in memory and learning. 2,605 studies were collected from various databases in September 2021 and entered for review. 40 studies met our criteria and were included in this systematic review," wrote Samana Nakai, Alireza Koshki and their colleagues in their review.
The team said they hope the findings can inspire other scientists to further examine cinnamon's positive effects on the brain, so that the spice can be recommended for use in preserving brain function and slowing cognitive impairment.
Full of benefits, full of flavor
This study is not the first to encourage adding cinnamon to the menu.
In a study published in the journal Metabolism in 2017, researchers from the University of Michigan examined the effect of cinnamaldehyde, or cinnamaldehyde - the main molecule in the essential oil of cinnamon that gives it its characteristic aroma - on fat cells taken from mice, as well as on fat cells taken from four humans.
They found that exposure to the cinnamon oil activated the mouse and human cells and started burning calories in a process known as thermogenesis.
The oil actually increased the activity of several genes, enzymes and proteins known to increase fat metabolism.
Another study found that cinnamon slows the rate of stomach emptying after meals, and reduces the rise in blood sugar after eating.
In addition, the cinnamon was able to improve the sensitivity of the cells to insulin in type 2 diabetes patients, and helped them reach balanced sugar levels.
health
Nutrition and diet
Preventive nutrition
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cinnamon
brain
spices
