THE 5 MOST AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON

I've always LOVED cinnamon. But I just recently found out how GOOD it is for me!

Like...did you know that just one half teaspoon of cinnamon a day can actually lower LDL cholesterol? I was truly amazed to find this out!

Because I am such a cinnamon fan, I was thrilled to discover the benefits of this delicious spice. And I will now happily share what I discovered with you!

Ready? Read on and discover five more amazing health benefits of this powerful little spice!

1). Cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial if you have pre-diabetes, or type 2 diabetes.

2). Cinnamon can actually boost cognitive function and memory (so it's good to have some on your oatmeal, before a test)!

3). The US Department of Agriculture in Maryland recently discovered that cinnamon can reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. (!!!!!!). Not only that, cinnamon actually has an anti-clotting effect on blood!

4). Cinnamon has the amazing ability to stop medication resistant yeast infections.

5). Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon combined with honey in the morning can relieve arthritis pain. Studies show people have noticed results after just one week.

So, there you have it! How can you sneak more cinnamon into your life? Well...you could go to the mall and chow down on a ginormous Cinnabun. However, the high fat and high sugar factor of such a calorie laden treat wouldl surely outweigh any health benefits.

Actually,a home-made apple pie with cinnamon is just as tasty (don't argue - yes it is!) with a lot less of the "fat factor."

However, if you just don't have time in the morning to bake an apple pie (darn it!) here are some more ways to incorporate some lovely cinnamon into your life, besides the obvious...sprinkled on top of toast, English muffins, French toast, pancakes, and waffles (anyone feeling hungry yet)?

1). Sneak cinnamon into your instant outmeal...with raisons and brown sugar! Yum! Who says oatmeal has to be dull and gluey?

2). Sneak a bit of cinnamon into your coffee! Or your hot chocolate! Or tea!

3). Sneak it on top of vanilla instant pudding - or even vanilla yogurt!

4). Sneak it over cut up apples, peaches, nectarines and pears!

5). Make a Cinnamon Milkshake. What? You've never heard of a Cinnamon Milkshake? It's the latest thing!

Simply combine milk (and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, if you have it - if not, toss in a bunch of small ice-cubes), cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar and nutmeg. No exact measurements here, people...just wing it! Now press chop, blend, whip, and WHIRRRR! You have the most delicious treat! Even your kids will like it, trust me, because it will taste like they are drinking a cookie!

You can also sneak cinnamon into smoothies. For instance, for a peach smoothie, combine milk (or vanilla ice-cream or yogurt, if you have it), canned or fresh peaches, sugar and vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon (of course!), and ice cubes in your handy dandy blender. Now..push, grind, blend, liquify,and ENJOY!

Another tip I have learned from investigating cinnamon, is that you should look for CEYLON cinnamon - this is supposed to be the best.

There are also cinnamon supplements you can take, for those who are real cinnamon fanatics. Personally, I love the taste of cinnamon, so I would rather add it into recipes and drinks.

Speaking of drinks, there is even a web-site that has a whole list of alcoholic drinks that include cinnamon, such as "cinnamon shots." Just type in: Cinnamon drinks, and you will find it. Enjoy!