The holidays are a special time of year—and many of the festivities are centered around food. While using ingredients is a great way to make your meals a bit healthier, the use of certain spices can also provide much-needed nutritional benefits. Cinnamon may not initially seem like a health-conscious spice, but it offers many valuable benefits that make it a great addition to your holiday dishes.

Why You Should Use Cinnamon in Your Holiday Cooking

1. Cinnamon is Full of Antioxidants

Cinnamon is filled with antioxidants, including polyphenols, which are known to fight inflammation and aid the body in repairing tissue damage. Some antioxidants are even believed to help reduce one’s risk of developing cancer. Incredibly, studies have found that cinnamon has higher antioxidant levels than commonly-cited superfoods, like garlic.

2. Reduce Cholesterol & Heart Disease Risk

Cinnamon has also been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, mainly thanks to its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol levels within the body. Cinnamon also raises HDL cholesterol levels —which is known as the “good” type of cholesterol. Interestingly, these results were found to be consistent even when individuals were taking only a tiny doses of cinnamon each day.

3. Counteract Type 2 Diabetes

Studies have found that cinnamon helps reduce insulin resistance, which makes it easier for the body to control blood sugar levels. Eating cinnamon also helps limit how much glucose enters your bloodstream after eating, further lowering blood sugar levels. As such, it offers a natural way for those with type 2 diabetes to better manage their condition.

For cinnamon, fresh fruit, and other products, visit Cranberry Country Market in Tomah, WI. This family-owned and -operated country market is kept stocked year-round with fresh food from local farmers and supplies. Visit them online or call (608) 374-4944 to learn more about their selection.