Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man, and for good reason. It typically comes from China and Indonesia and is rich in polyphenols, minerals, and antioxidents, and has the properties of being an antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral. A real powerhouse is such a small spice!
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassis, with the latter being less expensive and more commonly available in stores today. It is lighter in color and sweeter than Ceylon cinnamon (which is referred to as the “true cinnamon”).
However, when using cinnamon as a medicine for a specific health issue, such as lowering blood sugar, (i.e., taking higher doses), you’ll want to buy Ceylon because higher doses of cassia cinnamon contain a substantial amount of coumarin, a compound that can cause liver damage. While Ceylon is more expensive, it has a lighter, brighter, and spicier flavor than cassia. But the icing on the cake is that Ceylon has 63 times less coumarin than cassia. Whichever you choose, do be sure to buy organic!
It has a host of health benefits that can improve your life in many ways. But it’s always best to consult your doctor, naturopath, or dietician before beginning to use this spice medicinally. You can, however, can add a small amount of cinnamon to your diet for its wide array of health benefits. Here are 10 reasons why you should start adding cinnamon to your diet today:
1. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. It can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
3. Cinnamon has anti-microbial properties that can help fight infection.
4. It can improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol levels.
5. Cinnamon has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory retention in elderly patients.
6. The spice has anti-cancer properties and may be able to prevent certain types of cancer from developing.
7. Cinnamon can help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease.
8. It can improve digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes in the body.
9. Cinnamon may help to reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension.
10. Finally, cinnamon is a great source of antioxidants that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
Some ways to get some cinnamon in your diet include shaking a little on your coffee and sprinkling some on your oatmeal or mac and cheese. Adding it to homemade banana and apple bread gives you the boost along with the incredibly wonderful cinnamon smell wafting through your kitchen! See how many recipes you can add this wonderful spice to. Bon Appetit! moderation!
