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    Cinnamon: Delicious and Nutritious!

    By Lindsey Shay | ContributorCinnamon is one of my favorite spices and it is incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory recipes. From oatmeal to potatoes – cinnamon adds an extra warmth to most any food. Though, it wasn’t until I began studying nutrition that I realized the numerous health benefits that come from working cinnamon into your diet. Here are eight evidence-based health benefits of cinnamon*Cinnamon is high in a property known to have high medicinal properties.Cinnamaldehyde, the chemical compound that gives cinnamon its flavor and smell, is proven to be responsible for cinnamon’s positive effect on the health and metabolism of humans.It is loaded with antioxidants.Cinnamon has been proven high, even higher than declared superfoods, in antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help defend your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. When free radicals accumulate, they may cause a state known as oxidative stress. This may damage your DNA and other important structures in your cells.It has anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants previously mentioned and specifically found in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower your risk of disease.Cinnamon can reduce the risk of heart disease.Cinnamon has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. It has been scientifically proven to reduce levels of overall cholesterol, lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and even partially increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure. All factors that can drastically reduce the risk of heart disease. It lowers blood sugar levels and has proven to provide anti-diabetic effects.Cinnamon has intense blood-sugar-lowering properties. Not only does cinnamon have beneficial effects on insulin resistance, but it also lowers blood sugar through other mechanisms. Cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal by slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in your digestive tract. It also contains a compound that can mimic insulin which greatly improves the glucose uptake in cells. Research has revealed that cinnamon is capable of lowering blood sugar levels by 10–29%. The most effective dose is typically 1–6 grams or around 0.5–2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day.Cinnamon may have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are the progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells.Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are two of the most common types. Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein in the brain which is one of the hallmarks of neurodegenerative disease. It may help protect against cancer.Cinnamon has been widely researched for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. Research suggests that cinnamon extracts may protect against cancer by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors and appears to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death.Cinnamon has bacteria and infection fighting capabilities.Cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active compounds found in cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection. Cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi and can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath. There are different kinds of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. For the greatest health benefits, Ceylon, also known as “True Cinnamon,” is the best option. *As with adding anything to your daily diet, be sure to talk to your physician first.Editor’s Note: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.Here are a few of my self-curated and family-tested favorite recipes that include cinnamonCinnamon Roll Overnight OatsIngredients:2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats2 1/2 cups milk (I use oat milk!) 6 teaspoons Truvia brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ¼ teaspoons ground Ceylon cinnamon  ½ teaspoon saltDirections:Stir oats, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt together in a large bowl. Divide among five 8-ounce jars. Screw on lids and refrigerate overnight or for up to 5 days.Cinnamon BreadIngredients:2 cups granulated sugar4 cups all-purpose flour2 tablespoons baking powder1 teaspoon salt2 eggs2 cups fat-free milk1 ½ tablespoon cinnamonDirections: Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 2 1-lb loaf pans generously with baking spray. In a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.With a mixer, beat together eggs and milk.Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet until just combined. Pour mixture evenly into pans. Sprinkle cinnamon (or a cinnamon sugar mixture) on top before putting into oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cinnamon Paprika Sweet Potato (Baked) FriesIngredients:3 medium-large sweet potatoes½ tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon smoked paprika1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamonSalt, to tasteDirections:Preheat oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the sweet potatoes well and pat dry. Slice thinly into fries or cubes if you’d prefer.Place sliced sweet potato in a large bowl. Add in the oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and salt. Toss to combine until thoroughly coated in the spices.Spread the fries out on the baking tray. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until crispy.*Sources: www.Health.ClevelandClinic.orgwww.Healthline.comwww.Health.Harvard.edu More

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    That’s a Good Question! Podcast Episode 8: How dangerous is it to use steroids?

    Donald Hooton, Jr.

    The course of your life can change directions in an instant. In July 2003 and in his senior year of college, Donald Hooton, Jr. was preparing to start a career with his business degree. That’s when he got the call from his sister that their 17-year-old brother Taylor had passed away. What shocked their family the most was that Taylor had committed suicide. All of the family had just one question. Why?

    It was the detectives who found the steroids in his room. At that time, the Hooton family didn’t see the connection, but they’ve learned. They’ve learned about steroid use and its psychological effects, and the link to suicide. And they learned the use of steroids is likely far more pervasive than you ever imagined.

    In the midst of their grief, his family could never have predicted how, through their tragedy, they could impact the lives of so many others for the better. Now Donald works every day to honor his brother’s legacy at the helm of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, the nonprofit started by his dad, Don.

    In this important podcast, you’ll hear directly from Donald, Jr., and learn about how he is helping turn his family’s tragedy into triumph for families across the U.S. and abroad.

    Donald thinks about his brother every day. “I hope he’s proud of the work we’re doing and what his legacy has become and how many lives have been saved,” he says. “I hope every time his story is shared it’s making a difference.”

    The Taylor Hooton Foundation is the leader in education on appearance and performance enhancing drugs. To learn more or to schedule an ALL ME® Assembly Program at your child’s school, visit www.taylorhooton.org or www.allmeleague.com. More

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    That’s a Good Question! Podcast: Episode 7

    In this episode, we visit with Dr. Shanna Garza the Clinic Director of Girls to Women and Young Men’s Health and Wellness, an Adolescent Medicine practice in McKinney, Texas.

    Dr. Garza received her B.S. in Biology from Emory University and attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. Following her medical education, she completed a Family Medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. She is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over 13 years of experience working with children, teens and young adults.
    Eating disorders are a health issue Dr. Garza’s clinics contend with on a regular basis.  There are a lot of societal issues impacting the way young people, especially girls, see themselves and judge themselves. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may signal an eating disorder.
    What is the risk of dieting to young people? Is there a difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? How does social media, diet talk and body shaming lead to eating disorders? 
    Dr. Garza shares important advice for parents to help our kids navigate this very dangerous and even deadly health issue.  More

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    That’s a Good Question! Podcast: Episode 6

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    That’s a Good Question! Podcast: Episode 5

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    Don’t You Believe in Me?

    By Dr. Dean Beckloff | Contributor We want so much for our kids. We are enthralled with our little ones and are excited beyond belief for their first steps. Their first words. And on and on with all their firsts. From their first soccer game, their first entry into school… The post Don’t You Believe […] More

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    Teen Dating

    By Grace Gillaspie Gray | Contributor Do you remember your first boyfriend or girlfriend? I do. His name was Bryan. He was a popular skater boy who had a lot of friends, and I was in the middle of a major identity crisis trying to figure out where I fit… The post Teen Dating appeared […] More