The Healing Power of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for centuries, both as a spice and as an herbal medicine.  There has been much debate on the healing power of cinnamon.  Some experts believe that cinnamon may be used to treat a wide array of diseases.  Most of the studies have been performed on animals.

The most promising studies have been the use of cinnamon to treat type 2 diabetes.  The effect of cinnamon either increases insulin sensitivity and/or slows the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.  One or both of those effect will lower your blood sugar thus helping control type 2 diabetes.

There has also been studies showing the effects of cinnamon as an antioxidant.  The antioxidants in cinnamon appear to attack free radicals similar to the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables.  Another study has even shown cinnamon to lower blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure.

The evidence seems to indicate that adding cinnamon to your diet will improve your health.  But more human studies are needed to establish better protocol and dosage amounts.  Currently, most experts believe adding 2 to 4 teaspoons of cinnamon per day would be enough to benefit your health.  This amount of cinnamon could easily be added to your tea, oatmeal, toast, cereal, etc.  Happy Health!!

Source: Gruenwald et al, Cinnamon and Health, 2010

National Seafood Month

October is National Seafood Month.  There have always been concerns about the safety of eating fish because of the toxins, mercury, and pollutants.  But more and more studies are showing that the benefits of eating fish greatly outweigh the risks.

Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.  A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health indicates death caused by heart disease decreased by as much as 36%.  Also noteworthy is that death by all causes decreased by 17%.

Shrimp is all very beneficial to your diet.  As "shrimpy" as they may be, they are packed with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3, and zinc.  Shrimp also contain the trace mineral selenium.  Selenium has been found to lower many cancers including lung, colerectal, and prostate cancers.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends we all eat two 6 oz servings of seafood each week which is about the size of an iPhone.  If you are looking to change up your diet, try adding fish and shrimp once or twice per week.  These creatures from the sea will add important fatty acids plus many important vitamins and minerals which will greatly benefit your health.

And if you are fortunate enough to eat fresh fish right out of the lake or ocean (pictured above), that's even better :)

Tap Water vs Ionized Water

Ionized water is another trend to hit the market the last few years.  Although sellers of ionized water claim to improve health benefits, there is no evidence that any of the claims are true.  But it has not stopped many consumers from buying ionized water and claiming that the benefits are real.  Believers of ionized water not only recommend its consumption, but many have also become sellers of the product.

Everyone agrees that water is an important aspect to improving your health.  Everyone should drink about a gallon of water per day depending on variables like activity, temperature, and environment.  Many studies have confirmed waters many benefits.  Properly hydrated individuals not only feel better but perform better as well.  Studies have even linked water consumption to the prevention of some cancers.

Sellers of ionized water claim that the alkaline water promotes healthy weight loss, boosts the immune system, neutralizes free radicals, and slows the aging process.  The claim is that the ionized water serves as an anti-oxidant very similar to beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.  It is the capture of these free radicals that provides all the aforementioned benefits.

Experts in the field of chemistry and physics rebuke their claims.  Science has proven that your body prefers homeostasis, which means, your body makes adjustments all day long to stay at the preferred pH of 7.4.  Also, experts claim that once the negative ions are ingested, they would quickly bind with positive ions thus neutralizing any effects that may have been theoretically possible.

As with all supplements, it is "buyer beware" because supplements such as ionized water are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  This means that the claims made by the sellers of ionized water have not been evaluated by the FDA.  Some consumers have claimed to feel better while other consumers do not notice a difference.  Again, the most important thing is you are drinking enough water.  Have a great workout and stay hydrated!