Cinnamon: common spice, one-of-a-kind remedy: can cinnamon ease diabetic and cardiovascular symptoms as it flavors your food? This sweet spice has been used for centuries for its health-enhancing powers.(SUPPLEMENTS: CHECK OUT)

Since biblical times, cinnamon has been revered as an ingredient in Roman love potions and perfumes, a popular food additive, and a status symbol. It has been touted as a cure for coughs and indigestion, an impressive source of antioxidants, and a reliable enhancer of insulin activity.

Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a tree, which predominantly grows in India, China and Sri Lanka. Cinnamon sticks are formed when the inner rind is dried and rolled. Cinnamon oil comes from boiling the fruit and coarser pieces of bark. Two main varieties are used in bottled spice products: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and cassia, or Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia).

Spice Up Your Health

Cinnamon contains unique volatile substances that provide anti-clotting actions, protect against heart disease, and boost brain function and alertness.

Scientists have also learned that cinnamon offers strong antioxidant activity. In a study designed to measure antioxidant levels, ground cinnamon had the second highest antioxidant capacity, second only to cloves out of 16 seasonings. In other words, cinnamon is the spice of choice for quenching free radicals that lead to disease and aging.

Here's a look at the most recent findings on cinnamon and health:

* Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon consumption may positively impact individuals with diabetes, and decrease the risk of heart disease. USDA researcher Richard A. Anderson, PhD, says ingesting cinnamon provides insulin sensitivity. When taken twice daily before meals, 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon decreased glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 10-30 percent. Cinnamon reduced blood pressure in rats when ingested in an extract form.