In addition to jazzing up dishes, cinnamon is a spice with many health benefits.

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce chances of both stroke and heart disease. The spice also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help fight infections and lice.

Cinnamon appears to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and according to the USDA's Human Nutrition Research Center, cinnamon seems to make insulin more efficient at taking glucose out of blood and converting it to fuel for your body.

Studies also claim anti-viral benefits for a special cinnamon extract against Avian Flu H9, the Sendai virus, HIV and Herpes Simplex 1, Newcastle disease (in chickens) and the flu. The extract not only fights viruses, but it will also immunize against them.

To top it all off, cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.

Cinnamon can be toxic in large doses. And please note that large, doughy cinnamon buns are not an ideal source of cinnamon.

Read more about this sweet spice on That's Fit:

Cinnamon is Good for You

Scents of the Season

Cinnamon Keeps Blood Sugar Down