The benefit of cinnamon
Whilst commonly associated today with baked goods and Moroccan dishes, cinnamon has actually been used as a botanical medicine for over 4,000 years.
The spice - which is obtained from the inner bark of several varieties of a tropical evergreen tree - attributes many of it healing and health promoting properties to its essential oils and phytonutrients.
The range of health applications and anecdotal applications are broad; ranging from boosting cognitive function and memory, treating rheumatism, helping with digestion, and relieving certain menstrual disorders.
It also can inhibit bacterial growth, making cinnamon an effective natural food preservative.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also found that the polyphenols in cinnamon may also be beneficial for regulating blood sugar.
In the body, sugars and starches are broken down by the liver into glucose, which is then released into the blood and used as fuel. Insulin acts as the key to let glucose into cells.
According to the research, cinnamon appears to mimic insulin, helping to drive glucose into the cells. This improved insulin response could be helpful for keeping blood sugar levels in check.
Cinnamon also contains the powerful phytonutrient, cinnamaldehyde, which is known for its anti-inflammatory abilities and antimicrobial protection.
This particular phytonutrient has been studied for its role in preventing unwanted blood clotting, which ultimately benefits cardiovascular health and is thought to help stop the growth of Candida (yeast) and H. pylori (bacteria associated with ulcers).
Two teaspoons of cinnamon contains 2.5 grams of fibre, 38 per cent of the daily recommendation of manganese, and 9.6 and 5.6 per cent of the daily recommendation of iron and calcium respectively - as well as significant amounts of carotenoids.
The combination of manganese and calcium promotes bone health, while iron enhances oxygen distribution thus helping energy levels.
One teaspoon of cinnamon contains a similar amount of antioxidants as a cup of pomegranate juice or half cup of blueberries.
Cinnamon can be found in both powder and as whole cinnamon sticks in the herbs and spices section of your supermarket.
Cinnamon powder should smell strong and sweet, however, the sticks do not have as strong of a scent but can be stored longer than powder.
One of the sticks form's best uses is in boiling hot liquids such as coffee, tea, milk or even hot chocolate.
To preserve freshness and nutrients, store both ground and whole cinnamon sticks in a tightly sealed, glass container in a cool, dark and dry place.
Ground cinnamon will keep for about 6 months. Whole cinnamon sticks will stay fresh for about 1 year if stored same way, but the shelf life can be extended further by storing them in the fridge.
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