
Cinnamon is an exotic spice that has been used for hundreds of years to add flavor to many beverages and dishes.
This spice is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. When the bark of the inner cinnamon dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground up to make cinnamon powder.
There are two main types of cinnamon –
Cassia: This type of cinnamon, also known as regular cinnamon, is the most commonly used type.
Ceylon: This type of cinnamon is known as true cinnamon. It has a lighter and less bitter taste.
Cinnamon has also been used as a traditional medicine in some parts of the world. In medieval times, healthcare providers used this spice to treat conditions like arthritis, sore throats, and coughing.
Cinnamon’s benefits aren’t limited to physical well-being. It is also well known to enhance sexual health in more ways than one.
Are you interested in learning more about the potential sexual benefits of cinnamon? All that plus more will be clear in this blog.
Nutritional Value Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a high nutritional value, which is why it benefits health.
One hundred grams of cinnamon has the following nutritional value [1].
Nutritional facts for 100 grams of cinnamon
- Sodium 10 mg
- Protein 4 g
- Total carbohydrate 81 g
- Potassium 431 mg
- Calories 247
- Total fat 1.2 g
Vitamins and Minerals
- Magnesium 15%
- Vitamin A 5%
- Calcium 1%
- Vitamin B-6 10%
- Vitamin C 6%
- Iron 46%
Bioactive Compounds
Besides its composition, cinnamon contains other compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acids. These compounds give cinnamon its taste and powerful health benefits.
Cinnamaldehyde: Cinnamon owes its taste and smell to this particular compound. Additionally, it possesses properties that help combat inflammation and act as an antioxidant.
Cinnamic acid: Cinnamon contains cinnamic acid, which is well known for its antimicrobial properties. The presence of this acid potentially helps safeguard against bacterial and fungal infections.
How Does Cinnamon Improve Sexual Health?
Some of the notable benefits of cinnamon for sexual health for both men and women are discussed below –
Improve Sperm Production
Healthy sperm count is crucial for men’s sexual wellness. Many studies have stated that cinnamon can increase sperm quality parameters. Cinnamon consists of antioxidants that are beneficial for men.
Antioxidants help eliminate or suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reducing ROS plays a crucial role in sperm cell production and optimizing fertility rates.
Animal studies performed by Arash Khaki, published in 2015, conclude that daily consumption of 75 mg/kg of cinnamon benefits sperm production [2].
Improves Sex Drive
Cinnamon has another vital benefit for men and women, i.e., increasing sex instincts.
Cinnamon is an aphrodisiac (a drug, food, or herb that boosts sexual desire). It contains antioxidants that can improve blood circulation, including the genitals. This process can lead to increased sensitivity and sexual arousal.
Studies on the benefits of cinnamon for males revealed that just a teaspoon of cinnamon has the same amount of antioxidants as a half cup of blueberries and a cup of pomegranate juice [3].
Cinnamon For Erectile Function | Improves Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection. This condition results from improper or inadequate blood flow to the penis.
Cinnamon was found to improve erectile function in animal studies. Another study indicated that this spice increases the levels of testosterone. With more testosterone and enhanced blood flow to the penis, cinnamon helps maintain a firm erection for sexual activity [4].
Seek professional help if you’ve been suffering from erectile dysfunction for a long time. There are various effective treatment options for this condition. One of the most popular treatment options for this condition is medications.
Check out our erectile dysfunction treatment guide today to discover the most effective and popular medications for ED.
Provoke Odor Reaction
Usually, sexual arousal and fragrance are closely related. The natural fragrance or smell of the partner can arouse women sexually. Some women love the scent of cinnamon, which can act as an aphrodisiac. It can boost sexual desire and improve sexual pleasure.
Regulate Menstrual Cycle
Many women around the world face menstrual cycle issues and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They use medications, home remedies, and other products to regulate irregular periods.
One of the most prominent benefits of cinnamon sexually is that it can lubricate the vagina. Cinnamon increases the blood flow into the uterus and speeds up tissue regeneration.
Cinnamon has potential antifungal and antioxidant properties that help regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain sexual health.
In 2018, Lei Dou et al. studied how cinnamon affected polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model. The researchers concluded that taking cinnamon supplements regularly might be a beneficial way to treat this condition [5].
Besides cinnamon, other food items like mango are known for their sexual benefits. Get detailed information about the sexual benefits of mango by visiting our blog page on this topic.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Cinnamon for a Better Intimate Life
When it comes to sexual function, the mental factors are just as crucial as the physical ones. Mental health ailments, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, can inhibit sexual desire, reducing libido and making it harder to perform. But cinnamon may be helpful with that. An animal study found that cinnamon oil can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF (i.e., a protein that helps support the growth of brain cells, protects neurons from damage, and helps neurons communicate) in mice. The study concluded that the mice exhibited fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, suggesting that cinnamon may have a positive effect on mood by boosting BDNF [6].
How To Use Cinnamon To Get The Sexual Health Benefits?
Below, we have discussed how to use cinnamon for better sexual performance. Some of the ways to incorporate cinnamon in your diet for sexual benefits include:
- Taking capsules
- Adding it to tea
- Sprinkling it in food
- Swallowing cinnamon with honey
- Some individuals also like to mix cinnamon with milk for better sexual health. They boil 1 or ½ teaspoons of powdered cinnamon in a glass of milk and drink it every night before bed. They wait for the drink to be lukewarm before drinking it.
Cinnamon Vs. Other Sexual Enhancers
Cinnamon is often considered a natural aphrodisiac, but there are numerous pharmaceutical sexual enhancers that one can opt for if cinnamon doesn’t provide practical benefits.
As already discussed, cinnamon increases blood circulation, which may improve sexual well-being and boost testosterone levels. In contrast, other pharmaceutical sexual enhancers, like PDE5 inhibitors, improve erectile function by improving blood flow to the penis. Some classic examples of PDE5 inhibitors are generic Tadalafil, Viagra, and Levitra.
PDE5 inhibitors are medications known for their practical and immediate relief from a common sexual health issue in men called erectile dysfunction (inability to get and maintain an erection). They are clinically tested, and their effects last longer depending on the drug (4-36 hours).
Cinnamon can be a suitable option for long-term natural supplements for sexual health, but it is not as potent as pharmaceutical sexual enhancers.
Other Health Benefits Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a nutritious spice that can have health benefits in various ways. Some of the other health benefits of cinnamon, other than its benefits sexually, are discussed below –
- Cinnamon is beneficial for heart health. It can reduce harmful cholesterol levels and triglycerides, which increase the risk of cardiac health ailments. This spice also keeps the levels of good cholesterol stable.
- Cinnamon contains many flavonoids, phytochemicals that help cure inflammation. The sticks of cinnamon can reduce menstrual pain, muscle soreness, and aches.
- It also provides numerous digestive benefits. It contains beneficial vitamins for treating digestive issues, such as indigestion, stomach cramps, flatulence, heartburn, and nausea.
- Cinnamon also has antibacterial properties, which can accelerate the healing process of wounds.
- As stated, cinnamon is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can prevent various chronic diseases [1].
Side Effects Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has no serious side effects. However, consuming too much of this spice can irritate the lips and mouth.
Moreover, some individuals have allergic reactions to cinnamon. Symptoms include swelling, itching of the skin, or hives upon exposure. Those with known allergies to other spices, such as garlic, should be cautious when consuming cinnamon.
Some other side effects of cinnamon are –
Liver problems
Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, a natural compound toxic to the liver if taken in large doses. Chronic high consumption of cassia cinnamon can cause liver damage, particularly in individuals with preexisting liver problems.
Decreased blood sugar levels
While cinnamon can help decrease blood sugar levels, excessive consumption may lead to hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels lower than the standard range).
Medicine interaction
If you’re taking any medication, it is better to ask your doctor before incorporating cinnamon or supplements. Cinnamon interacts with antibiotics, blood thinners, diabetes, and cardiac medication [7].
Health Digest provides a detailed guide on medications to avoid when taking cinnamon, helping you stay safe and informed.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a widely used and renowned spice in the world. Its sexual benefits are undeniable and can be maximized with daily usage. You can incorporate this incredible spice into your daily routine in a couple of ways that are already mentioned in the blog to give your sex life a kickstart.
However, if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are using any medications, then it is better to speak with a healthcare provider first.
FAQs
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References
- 6 Cinnamon Benefits Sexually For Males and Females, Marham
- Effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicumon on Spermatogenesis, NCBI
- Cinnamon as a Useful Preventive Substance for the Care of Human and Plant Health, NCBI
- Evaluation of relaxant responses properties of cinnamon essential oil and its major component, cinnamaldehyde, on human and rat corpus cavernosum, SciELO
- The effect of cinnamon on polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model, NCBI
- Repeated systemic administration of the cinnamon essential oil possesses anti-anxiety and anti-depressant activities in mice, NCBI
- Cinnamon: Health Benefits and Side Effects, WebMD