Cinnamon, A Spice Containing Surprising Health Benefits
Introduction
Today we will discuss a spice that has astonishing benefits for our health. The cinnamon tree’s bark is used as a spice. It is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. Cassia cinnamon is grown in China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. It is commonly found in the spice section of any supermarket. Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have relied on its health benefits for thousands of years. Baking and desserts commonly use it, which is valued for its effectiveness in treating diabetes and gastrointestinal problems.
Health Benefits of This Spice
The vitamins, minerals, and botanicals found in cinnamon may provide important health benefits. It has potassium, magnesium, and calcium in its contents. Potassium counteracts the effects of sodium on blood pressure helps regulate the heart rate and also helps with nerve function.https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon
Magnesium and calcium collectively maintain a healthy heartbeat. These two minerals are essential for skeletal health and prevent osteoporosis, a weakening of bones. Therefore, It also has other health benefits.
Cinnamon is Anti-inflammatory
It is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Researchers tested the phytochemicals in it and found antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, One study reported that certain compounds also acted against free radicals, with promising results.
Cinnamon is Good for Diabetes Management
Anti-inflammatory effects in achieving the prevention of diabetes. It can improve insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels, and reverse oxidative damage. For this reason, many scientists believe it may help treat type 2 diabetes or prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Cinnamon is Good for Cancer Prevention
Tumor growth leads to the generation of new blood vessels in a process known as angiogenesis. One key to successfully fighting cancer is disrupting angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from existing blood vessels. One study showed that it inhibited angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell signaling. This suggests it may be an effective weapon for preventing or treating cancer.
Cinnamon has Antibiotic Properties
The compound cinnamaldehyde is responsible for cinnamon’s distinctive aroma and taste. This phytochemical has demonstrated broad-spectrum antibiotic effects. Several bacteria and viruses, including staphylococci, salmonella, candida, and E. coli, have been tested against cinnamaldehyde. Researchers have found it effective in preventing the growth of these bacteria.
Nutrition
It delivers many nutritional benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This prevents diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
A serving of cinnamon is an excellent source of:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Nutrition Facts
Sources include the USDA.
Amount Per Serving
1 tbsp (7.8 g)
1 tbsp (7.8 g)
Calories 19
Total Fat 0.1 g
Saturated fat 0 g
Trans fat regulation: 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 1 mg
Potassium 34 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 6 g,
Dietary fiber: 4.1 g
Sugar 0.2 g
Protein 0.3 g
Vitamin C 0 mg
Calcium 7 mg
Iron 3 mg
Vitamin D 0 mg
Vitamin B6 0 mg
Cobalamin 0 mg
Magnesium 1 mg
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower, depending on your calorie needs.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069
Serving Size
A normal amount of cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon of powder) is safe to consume daily. However, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have a specific dosage recommendation. Therefore, consuming large amounts can be dangerous. It contains coumarin, which, in large amounts, can damage the liver and increase the risk of cancer.
How Do I Use Cinnamon?
It is easily available in the baking section of most grocery stores and supermarkets. This is often rolled into sticks or already ground into a fine powder. Ground cinnamon is versatile and adds flavor to savory dishes and sweet desserts.
Many people enjoy adding its sticks to hot beverages such as hot chocolate or apple cider. You can add it to pickles and fruit compotes. Many ethnic recipes, such as stews, sauces, and marinades, use cinnamon as a key ingredient, where its unique flavor is highly valued.
Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on buttered toast. It’s also delicious as a sweet potato topping. You can use it as a spice in plain yogurt or your morning coffee. Simply mix 2 teaspoons of it with 1 cup of granulated sugar and store in an airtight container. You can try it by making an apple-cinnamon oatmeal topping.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- One peeled and chopped apple
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add apples and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Add cinnamon and sugar and mix well. Cook for 1 more minute or until the sugar dissolves. Pour the apple mixture over the prepared oatmeal.
FAQs
How is cinnamon good for your health?
Spices like ginger are often touted as delicious and healthy. Cinnamon, which is the bark of a tree, may also have health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs and spices often contain antioxidants, powerful compounds that can reduce the risk of heart disease. O’Neill believes cinnamon’s benefits are derived from cinnamaldehyde, an antioxidant that gives cinnamon its aroma and flavor and may reduce inflammation.
O’Neill states that there are not many naturally integrated spices in American diets. Cooking with herbs and spices is dominant. Hence, cinnamon is a key component of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. O’Neill states that He adds that in a fast-paced society where there is a lot of traveling, many groceries are packaged and prepackaged. “Many of these powerful antioxidants are in short supply in our diets,” O’Neill notes.
Can it help lower blood sugar?
Scientists have spent decades studying whether cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.”One study found that when people on insulin therapy took a cinnamon supplement daily, they experienced a significant (and permanent) reduction after a 40-day cycle. Moreover, O’Neill said that once people stopped taking cinnamon, dietary supplements kept blood sugar levels lower than they were at the start. Diet Doctors advise against using dietary supplements for people with type 2 diabetes. They do not help control blood sugar levels.
Can it help lower cholesterol levels?
“In addition to lowering blood sugar levels, participants in the above studies also experienced improvements in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, another meta-analysis of 10 studies revealed a “statistically significant” reduction in total cholesterol and LDL (the bad cholesterol) among individuals who consumed cinnamon daily. It should be noted, however, that the amount of cinnamon consumed and the duration of consumption can vary; consequently, this variation makes it uncertain whether this spice can effectively treat high cholesterol.”
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What types of cinnamon can I buy?
You can find powdered cinnamon in the seasoning section of your grocery store, more commonly purchased for baking. In addition to cinnamon powder, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon tea can also be purchased. Furthermore, cinnamon oil is a popular flavoring for candy and apple cider. However, it is important to note that cinnamon is available as an essential oil. Research has not recommended dried cinnamon or supplements as a health-promoting agent. Research has not recommended dried cinnamon or supplements as a health-promoting agent Commonly, there are two types of cinnamon.
- Cassia cinnamon. “This cinnamon is native to southern China and is, in fact, the most common (and relatively inexpensive) type of it you can buy in grocery stores or use in baking. **On the other hand,** Ceylon Cinnamon is another type of less common (in fact, you usually have to buy it at a spice store) **and** has a more aromatic flavor.” Ceylon cinnamon is from Sri Lanka and southern India.
- Is cinnamon harmful?
Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be toxic in large amounts. It can cause liver damage. While it’s difficult to reach dangerous levels of coumarin by baking, consuming large amounts of coumarin with dietary supplements like concentrated cinnamon tablets can be potentially toxic. Furthermore, the amount in the tablet does not always match the amount listed on the supplement label. Consequently, that’s why high-quality supplements are so important.”
How do you cook with cinnamon?
It is available in many different forms, so it is frequently incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes. For example, warm apple cider can be served with its stick to add flavor. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over popcorn and other salty snacks for extra spice. Hence, this goes hand in hand with sugar, making them ideal for toast, baked goods, and other desserts.
Other healthy recipes
- Low-calorie baked cinnamon apple. • Beet puree with cinnamon apple • Pumpkin chia apple muffins • Spicy sweet potato quick bread • Hearty-flavored popcorn If you don’t want to prepare an elaborate dinner, adding it to your smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal “adds a delicious sweetness that can make your meal filling and flavorful.” For more info see https://fusionwords.com/?p=666&preview=true
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice.
