Cinnamon Reduces Inflammation (and Wrinkles!)

Do you want people to do a double take when you reveal your real age? Then do this: eat cinnamon.

Cinnamon Reduces Inflammation and AGEs

Recent research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that baking spices – specifically cinnamon and cloves – not only offer antioxidants but also provide significant protection against the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

And “AGE” is certainly an apt acronym for these youth-destroying agents. You see, AGEs trigger the body’s defense arsenal and lead to inflammation and tissue damage – which results in lines on your face, inflexible arteries and a host of other metabolic consequences.

Eat More Cinnamon to Wrinkle Less

So, how can you make the most of these age-defying spices? The first rule is this: the fresher the flavor, the more benefits you’ll savor. It’s true! The researchers found a direct correlation between the phenol content in the spice and its ability to block AGEs. And phenols are destroyed by light, heat and exposure to air, so keep your spices in a cool dark place for maximum potency.

Next, make sure you enjoy these baking spices with a safe sweetener (i.e.- one that does not spike blood sugar and promote AGEs), like erythritol or stevia.

Try mixing your organic cinnamon and cloves with a little erythritol and sprinkle over a baked sweet potato. It’s an age-defying dessert that just might keep people guessing your age for years to come.