Cinnamon could help people with neurodegenerative diseases

Cinnamon is widely available for use in desserts and dinners, and its many protective benefits on neurodegenerative disorders have shown promise in the laboratory.

Progressive loss of brain cell structure or function characterizes neurodegenerative diseases. Two of the most frequent forms are Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to prevent the development of tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Cinnamon includes cinnamaldehyde, which has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in the brain. It also includes antioxidants, which fight free radicals and may help to prevent brain cell loss. Cinnamon helped protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels, and enhance motor function in mice with Parkinson's disease. In people, these consequences should be studied further.