The aromatic bark offers a wide range of health benefits that goes beyond its culinary appeal.
Cherished for its warm aroma along with distinctive flavor, Cinnamon has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicines. Packed with essential antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and nutrients, cinnamon is effective for heart health, immunity, and blood sugar regulation. In this article, we will discuss its health benefits and daily incorporation tips.
One teaspoon (equivalent to 3g) of ground cinnamon provides 7kcal energy, 0.1g protein, 2g carbohydrate, and 1.6g fibre.
Antioxidant Armour: The polyphenols present in cinnamon provides protective, antioxidant properties. They help in fighting against free radicals inside the body as well as act as preservative in food preparation.
Stay Resilient: Along with antioxidants, cinnamon provides anti-inflammatory effects to soothe your body from chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. It is well known in herbal medicines because of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The distinctive flavour of cinnamon comes from the essential oils called cinnamaldehyde, found in the plant's bark. This cinnamaldehyde protects body from fungal and bacterial infections. Some recent research studies have confirmed cinnamon’s role against certain viruses, including influenza and mosquito-derived Dengue fever.
Nature's Sugar Shield: Cinnamon has a reputation in ayurveda for reducing blood sugar. For diabetic patients, clinical trials have shown cinnamon’s effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels. It has also shown enhanced insulin sensitivity to regulate metabolism and energy levels.
Brain Booster: Suffering from memory loss? Cinnamon can help by preventing progressive deterioration of brain cells.
Heart Health Hero: Cinnamon has blood pressure reducing abilities. Apart from that, it protects cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels.
Gut Feeling Good: Because of prebiotic properties, consuming cinnamon help restoring the balance of good bacteria in gut, ultimately promoting digestive health.
Other Benefits: In several preclinical studies, cinnamon has shown anti-cancerous properties. Apart from that, cinnamon is effective for oral health. It prevents toothache, bacterial overgrowth and bad breath.
One easy way to start incorporating cinnamon daily is by adding it to your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie. It can provide the required warmth with natural sweetness. Otherwise, you can sprinkle it over yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal for a comforting meal. You can also try it with soups, stews, or curries. It blends brilliantly with a wide range of spices to enhance the depth of the dish. Want a refreshing drink? Add a stick of cinnamon in your water.
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Cinnamon can be a gamechanger for homemade muffins, bread, and cookies. However, remember to keep the daily consumption limit in your mind. You should not consume more than 1 tsp per day. While buying it in supermarket, check if it's Ceylon or Cassia variety. The former one has more health benefits without much adulterations.
Do you know this household spice was once traded as currency? It was often considered as valuable as gold. One Arab middlemen controlled this spice trade and started the malpractice of monopoly to inflate the prices of cinnamon for years. Eventually, it caused an epic war, mentioned in ancient writings.
