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A new study in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience finds that cinnamon can enhance cognitive abilities. The authors suggest it could be a useful dietary addition for people doing mentally demanding work, especially students. The review links cinnamon to improvements in memory and attention.
An international team reviewed dozens of studies on cinnamon and mental performance and drew some intriguing conclusions.
The New Magic of a Well-Known Spice
Cinnamon is a common aromatic spice made from the bark of cinnamon trees. You’ll find it in baked goods and savory dishes, and cinnamon oil is used in perfumery. Beyond its flavor and aroma, cinnamon has been noted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies even suggest it may support the immune system and have anti-cancer effects.
The new review focused on brain effects. The authors found evidence that cinnamon can improve memory and attention. To reach this conclusion, they screened 2,605 studies across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, then narrowed the pool to 40 studies, according to MedicalXpress.
The report notes that cinnamon or its components — eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and cinnamic acid — can have positive effects on cognitive function.
One clinical trial involved teenagers who periodically chewed cinnamon-flavored gum. That study found chewing the gum improved memory and attention and reduced anxiety in those adolescents.
The researchers suggested cinnamon could be an adjunct treatment for related conditions, though more research is needed.
The main takeaway is that cinnamon and some of its active compounds appear to benefit brain function, boosting the memory and attention needed for learning. These findings may prompt further research into cinnamon’s role in maintaining cognition and slowing cognitive decline.
