People use cinnamon spice around the world as a way to season foods and enhance either a sweet or savory taste. Many different types of cinnamon exists, including ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) and cinnamon cassia. But people are familiar with cinnamon cassia and you may even have some available in your kitchen. On the other hand, Ceylon cinnamon is different, both in taste and the benefits that it may provide to your health. What Are the Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon?Diabetes treatment - according to one study, ceylon cinnamon may help to control insulin levels. It was provided to diabetic rats during the study. Additional studies1 also are available to support the potential benefits to diabetics. Ceylon cinnamon stimulates activity in the body that is similar to what insulin would produce. It helps to reduce insulin resistance and allows glucose to be metabolized 2 in the liver. It is hoped that the use of Ceylon cinnamon can provide an alternate treatment to synthetic insulin therapy. A minimum of 120 mg per day is recommended2 as an insulin stabilizer. Enzymes that Fight CancerThe anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits of Ceylon cinnamon may help individuals who have cancer. The properties of Ceylon cinnamon support the health of your immune system. It was used as a part of a study3 that showed how it enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In other words, it may help in the treatment or prevention of some types of cancer. If you are looking for a dietary supplement that may help prevent cancer, don't overlook the possibility of using Ceylon cinnamon. Be sure you talk with your oncologist before experimenting with cinnamon. High Blood Pressure ReliefCinnamic acid is an anti-inflammatory that is found in all types of cinnamon. The fact that it is anti-inflammatory means that it can help reduce strain on the heart and allows blood to flow through the body. There have been studies on Ceylon cinnamon that date back to 19754. According to the research, it could help with blood pressure. Heart disease is often caused by a weakening of the heart due to issues of the cardiovascular system. Since Ceylon cinnamon supports the function of the cardiovascular system, it can help you maintain healthy heart function. Help with Alzheimer's PreventionIt appears that cinnamon may help the brain respond to insulin. The metabolic effect it has could be beneficial for those with neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease5. High blood glucose levels in the brain may be controlled with Ceylon cinnamon. In addition, individuals with diabetes are less likely to have hyperglycemic episodes. Since those issues may contribute6 to a decline in cognitive abilities, cinnamon may be beneficial for that purpose. 1. Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant, 2014; 2014: 642942 2. Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient, 2015 Jun; 7(Suppl 1): S1–S63. Inhibition of Lipid Peroxidation and Enhancement of GST Activity by Cardamom and Cinnamon During Chemically Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino Mice4. Pharmacological studies on Chinese cinammon. II. Effects of cinnamaldehyde on the cardiovascular and digestive systems., 1975 May;23(5):941-75. Cinnamon counteracts the negative effects of a high fat/high fructose diet on behavior, brain insulin signaling and Alzheimer-associated changes, 2013 Dec 13;8(12):e83243. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083243. eCollection 20136. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, 2014 Dec 15; 5(6): 889–893