5 foods to combine with cinnamon to support heart health

Cinnamon, also known as dalchini, is not just an aromatic spice but a heart-friendly ingredient known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels while maintaining or even increasing good cholesterol (HDL), supporting overall cardiovascular health. The natural compounds in cinnamon improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, and help prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries. According to a study, cinnamon contains bioactive compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. These compounds help reduce cardiovascular risk factors by lowering blood lipids (including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides), improving blood pressure, and enhancing heart function, including increasing coronary flow and cardiac performance. As per experts, it also has protective effects against ischemia, myocardial infarction, and cardiac hypertrophy. This piece of information explores five common foods that one can combine with cinnamon to boost heart health.

They are rich in soluble fiber that lowers bad cholesterol and cinnamon adds antioxidants that improve blood flow. As per a study, oats help in reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), body weight, and waist circumference. It is said that oats are rich in beta-glucan content and bioactive compounds like avenanthramides, which help regulate blood lipids and improve glycemic control, which lowers the risk of heart diseases.
How to consume: One can make oatmeal or overnight soaked oats in curd or milk and add a pinch of cinnamon to it and consume it regularly.

They are rich in polyphenols and pectin, which help manage cholesterol while cinnamon boosts circulation. According to a study, apple consumption is associated with reduced BMI, lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduced cardiovascular mortality, and better heart-related outcomes especially when consumed as whole fruit rather than processed forms.
How to consume: One can simply add cinnamon sugar on top of apple slices and enjoy it as a snack or one can also make an apple smoothie and add a pinch of cinnamon to it.

Almonds are packed with healthy fats and magnesium; and pairing with cinnamon supports healthy arteries. They are said to decrease total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, body weight, and apolipoprotein B. Almond intake also helps reduce diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose with longer intervention durations.
How to consume: One can blend them together in a smoothie or simply roast the almonds and top them with salt and cinnamon powder.

The flavonoids in dark chocolate and cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory effects make a heart-loving duo. As per a study, dark chocolate consumption can lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol, contributing to overall better lipid profiles.
How to consume: Coat the almonds with melted dark chocolate, refrigerate and consume as a snack.

They are loaded with anthocyanins that protect blood vessels; cinnamon complements them with blood pressure–balancing benefits. Clinical studies with chokeberries, cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries have shown improvements in LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, plasma antioxidant capacity, lipid profiles, and glucose metabolism in both healthy individuals and those with metabolic risk factors.
How to consume: One can make a warm cinnamon and berry bowl, where you take mixed berries, cinnamon powder, honey, and chia seeds. Mix them well and cook for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy warm or chill it for a refreshing treat.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.