CINNAMON
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to humans. It has been used as a hospital medicine since before the new era. Many of its healing properties are attributed to its special essential oils. It has the ability to heat the body. That’s why we put the cinnamon stick into a hot cup of hot apple brandy. It is a welcome dessert on cold winter days.
There are hundreds of types of cinnamon. But the most famous are 2 types:
Ceylon. Also called “real cinnamon” and
Chinese. This variety is known as “cassia”.
Both types have a fragrant, sweet, warm taste, but the taste of Ceylon cinnamon is more refined.
Health benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is ideal for adding to the healthiest way of eating. This is because it is nutritious and because it contains few calories. 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon contains only 12 calories. The phytonutrients in cinnamon provide many beneficial health properties. It blocks inflammation and bacterial growth and helps regulate blood sugar.
Animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon stimulate insulin receptors. Cinnamon increases the cells’ ability to use glucose. Studies are underway that could confirm this effect in humans. The first tests gave positive results for reducing blood sugar. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a powerful anti-inflammatory phytonutrient. It prevents blood clotting, which is important for cardiovascular health.
The essential oils of cinnamon make it an antimicrobial product. It inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria, including the often problematic Candida, as well as H. Pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers.
Cinnamon is a concentrated source of bone-building calcium and manganese. It is also rich in dietary fiber for a healthy heart and iron.
How to choose cinnamon?
Cinnamon powder has a stronger flavor than cinnamon sticks, but cinnamon sticks have a longer shelf life. When choosing cinnamon, it is good to smell it. If it has a sweet smell, it guarantees freshness. If possible, organically grown cinnamon is always the best option.
Cooking with cinnamon
To retain as many nutrients as possible, add the cinnamon towards the end of cooking. If it is cooked for too long, it loses its taste and aroma. People often use it in desserts and fruit desserts. It complements the taste of oatmeal, sweet potato, carrot, and winter squash very well.
A delicious healthy dessert with cinnamon
Toast slices of whole wheat bread in a toaster and then sprinkle with honey and cinnamon.
A delicious healthy hot drink with cinnamon
Boil cinnamon sticks in soy milk with honey over low heat.
