Spices have been around for a long time to give flavor in our dishes. But did you know that this can help you improve your health and wellness?

Believe it or not, aromatic spice like cinnamon has been actually used for years in traditional medicine. Although it does not have a lot of vitamins and minerals, don't be fooled.

Past studies have shown that cinnamon contains a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help the body decrease oxidative stress. This is a type of damage to cells, which is caused by free radicals.

In a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, results showed that eating cinnamon daily can help improve your blood sugar levels and slow the progression toward type 2 diabetes in people who have prediabetes.

You can use cinnamon for blood sugar control and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into cells. It can also help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity.

One study presented that taking cinnamon increased insulin sensitivity immediately after consumption. This had a lasting effect of at least 12 hours.

Another study of eight men showed that two weeks of supplementing with cinnamon can increase insulin sensitivity. Blood sugar levels can increase after you eat depending on the size of the meal and many carbs it contains.

Some researchers noted that cinnamon can help keep these sudden blood sugar increase after meals in check. This was done by slowing done the rate at which food empties out of your stomach.

Other studies said it may lower blood sugar after meals by blocking digestive enzymes that break down carbs in the small intestine. Some research also claimed that cinnamon can help lower risk of diabetes related diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Reduce Risk Of COVID-19

People with high blood sugar have higher chances of having serious complications and death from COVID-19 than people without diabetes.

Researchers believed that making dietary changes, such as incorporating cinnamon, can lower blood sugar and may potentially be able to provide a protective benefit.

Other groups that are vulnerable to COVID-19 are older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Latinos Might Be at Greater Risk for Diabetes

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Latino American adults have higher chances of developing diabetes. American adults have a 40 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes, but if you're a Latino American adult, your chances stand at more than 50 percent to develop the disease at a younger age.

There are several factors why Hispanics are at greater risk such as genetics. Hispanics have genes that increase their chances of developing the disease. But the connection is not completely clear yet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also said that Hispanic cultures might have a connection to it as their foods can be high in fat and calories. 

Weight and activity might be a factor as well. Hispanics have higher rates of obesity compared to other ethnic groups.

Check these out:

Latino/Hispanic Health 2014: Cancer, Diabetes and Other Afflictions [UPDATE]

Health Disparities in the Diverse Population of the United States

Cholesterol Awareness, Maintenance and Treatment in the Latino Community