Foods That Heal, Essay Example

There are a number of health benefits in using different types of herbs in cooking and recipes. Many herbs contain polyphenols, which typically fight inflammation, and herbs in general have a number of antioxidant properties (Ward). One herb that is commonly used throughout the American diet is cinnamon, which is used in many foods and recipes, primarily sweet-based foods and desserts as an additive to add flavor to these dishes. However, cinnamon has a number of other benefits to humans when consumed in other foods or in a supplemental form. For example, cinnamon, also known as Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, is used for such conditions as gastrointestinal problems, colds and flu, and even urinary conditions (Hallnet). In a historical context, cinnamon was also used as a food additive to prevent spoiling and also in alleviating some of the symptoms of Bubonic Plague (Hallnet). However, the most common use for cinnamon is to aid gastrointestinal upset (Hallnet). In particular, conditions such as dyspepsia, colic, and also in alleviating nausea and vomiting in some patients, in addition to reducing diarrhea and other types of stomach/colon upset (Hallnet). Finally, this herb is also used to promote the utilization of less insulin in patients with diabetes who respond well to this type of treatment (Hallnet). Therefore, cinnamon provides a number of important benefits for its users, depending on their circumstances and any the health challenges that they face.

In spite of the benefits of cinnamon, however, there are a number of disadvantages to using this herb, as it has not proven entirely effective in clinical research studies in the United States as a viable option to treat different conditions (Hallnet). Nonetheless, if used wisely and under the recommended guidance of experts, it may provide a number of important benefits to patients under different circumstances (Hallnet). As a result, it is necessary to better understand these findings and to consider the different challenges that patients might face when using cinnamon for various purposes (Hallnet). According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, the parent compound of warfarin, a medication used to keep blood from clotting. Due to concerns about the possible effects of coumarin…cinnamon should not be used in place of conventional medical care or to delay seeking care if you are experiencing symptoms that are of concern; this is particularly true if you have diabetes” (NCCAM). Therefore, it is important to recognize the risks associated with the use of cinnamon for some patient populations, particularly those with blood clotting disorders or similar problems because this herb might not be a feasible alternative (NCCAM).

Finally, it is recommended that introducing cinnamon to the daily diet should be achieved by consuming six grams per day for a period of six weeks or less to prevent possible complications (NCCAM). In addition, this herb may cause allergic reactions in some patients, so this should be considered prior to consuming cinnamon in its herbal form (NCCAM). It is important for patients to conduct the proper research regarding this herb and to determine if it is the most optimal choice to meet their needs. In some cases, this herb might not be effective and therefore, should not be consumed. Patients should move forward with caution when consuming cinnamon on a regular basis to determine if it will benefit their needs in cases such as problems with gastrointestinal upset in different forms.

From a personal perspective, introducing cinnamon to the diet beyond its inclusion as an ingredient in many recipes should be addressed with caution because there is insufficient evidence at this time to warrant routine consumption in more concentrated forms. In addition, there are potential risks associated with the use of cinnamon on a long-term basis that should be avoided if at all possible. Therefore, cinnamon in very small doses on an occasional basis is likely to have positive effects, but over the long term, its use could lead to negative outcomes.

Works Cited

Hallnet. “Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).” 31 March 2013:

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cinnamon.html

National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. “Cinnamon.” 31 March

2013: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/cinnamon

Ward, Elizabeth M. “Spice and herbs: their health benefits.” 31 March 2013:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/spices-and-herbs-health-benefits