Cinnamon, or as we Indians famously call it, dalchini, is a household staple across the country. It is even popular in a lot of western cuisines as an essential part of many desserts like cinnamon rolls, or cinnamon muffins. The health benefits of cinnamon are famously known. However, did you know that it can even protect you from cancer?
A recent study conducted by Hyderabad-based ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) showed that when cinnamon’s active components were given to rats, it slowed down the growth of early-stage prostate cancer cells.
Study Findings
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly found cancers among men. During their research, ICMR-NIN found that certain components of cinnamon may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even trigger their death through apoptosis.
The study published in the international journal ‘Cancer Prevention Research’ assessed the anti-cancer effects of cinnamon in male rats. Cancer was artificially artificially triggered in the rats. Then for the next four months, a portion of these cancer-induced rats were fed cinnamon or its bioactive compounds. After four months, the rats that were fed cinnamon exhibited comparatively diminished cancerous activity. These rats also exhibited lesser activity by the androgen receptor, which regulates the development and growth of the prostate.
Also Read: What Are The Other Diseases That Prostate Cancer Can Lead To?
The study concluded that feeding cinnamon to the cancer-induced rats resulted in 60-70 per cent of rats showing normal prostate activity.
The lead researcher of the study, Ayesha Ismail informed that while trying to understand the mechanism through which cinnamon inhibits the growth of cancer cells, the researchers found that it probably has to do with cinnamon's ability to mitigate oxidative stress, reducing cellular stress and damage, which are crucial factors that impact cancer development.
The study also revealed the positive development of bone mineral content and a decrease in bone degeneration in the rats that were fed cinnamon.
Understanding Prostate Cancer
The ICMR’s results about this famous spice may seem promising, but researchers have recommended the need for further studies to fully understand the best way to use cinnamon against cancer, before advising dietary modifications or supplements. The experts also warned that these results may not apply universally to all individuals, as factors like dosage, unique genes, lifestyle, and many other factors influence cancer.
Also Read: How To Use Cinnamon, Or Dalchini, In Dishes For Amazing Health Benefits
Prostate cancer is a complex disease and no single food or spice can be guaranteed to prevent it. Hence it is important for all men to be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer to empower themselves to get the necessary treatment before it gets too late:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
Prostate cancer is a very real possibility for many men, especially once they cross the age of 40. If there is any takeaway from the ICMR study, it is that nature’s bounty offers us several health benefits. The best way to take advantage of this natural protection is by incorporating healthy foods and spices into your regular diet and starting early. The longer you practice healthy and clean living, the stronger your body will be to prevent and fight off even debilitating and morbid diseases like cancer.
